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Maritime University; You Have Touched the Base With Us Government Ekpemukpolo Tompolo Appreciates President Tinubu
By Our Reporter
The Chairman, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), and Ibe Ebidouwei of Ijaw nation, High Chief (Dr) Government Oweizide Ekpemukpolo has sent a message of gratitude to Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the signing into law an act establishing the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta state.
In a letter of appreciation released on Wednesday and signed by the security expert , he lauded the political will of the President on behalf of especially, His Majesty Pere Oboro- Gbaraun II, Aketekpe Agadagba,
Council of Chiefs and proud citizens of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
Ekpemukpolo stated that for the Presidential assent that gave full legal backing to the institution, a validation words are not enough to express.
The security magnet maintained that Nigeria’s leadership has once again proved and displayed the love he had for the region and magnanimity towards the unwavering commitment and desire to learning, development of its people.
He described the President’s action as timely, and came at a time all hope was almost lost .
For having put behind us the pains of over one decade bordering on the legal framework, appears and a testament of good leadership, with a promise of a good followership from the region.
He restated .
He expressed joy that all legal encumbrances has been resolved that will pave way for the full development of the Maritime University.
Government Oweizide Ekpemukpolo said the government decision will promote education in the region and the country at large .
He recalled that Ghana has only Maritime University, but with President Tinubu proactiveness, Nigeria has now joined the league of promoters of Maritime programs .
He said the development of oil and gas, employment opportunities, deter youth restivenes in the region.
Tompolo recalled that the administration’s commitment to the development of Education, advancement of learning, promoting academic, professional, research and innovation programs .
The release further states..
LETTER OF GRATITUDE TO HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU GCFR, FOR SIGNING INTO LAW THE ACT ESTABLISHING THE NIGERIA MARITIME UNIVERSITY, OKERENKOKO, DELTA STATE
His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR,
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Aso Rock Villa,
Abuja.
DEAR MR. PRESIDENT, WE CANT THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR THIS HEART-WARMING GESTURE
“I am writing on behalf of the good people of the Niger Delta, especially, His Majesty Pere Oboro- Gbaraun II, Aketekpe Agadagba,
Council of Chiefs and proud citizens of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State,
to express our most profound gratitude and reverence, for your historic endorsement of the 2025 ACT, establishing the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State.”
” It gave full legal backing to the institution, a validation we can’t find enough words to express appreciation.”
“This magnanimous gesture, thus symbolizes your goodwill towards the region and the unwavering commitment to the advancement of learning and development of its people.”
” It is an act that came in the nick of time, when all hope was almost exhausted.”
“Thank you Mr. President, you touched base with us, with this act of courage.”
“The Nigeria Maritime University Okerenkoko, established in 2014, has been existence, but the absence of an enabling Act hindered its full operationalization and potentials.”
“For a decade, the institution functioned, but without full legal status. It was on a life support, gasping for desired breath to stay alive.”
*Therefore, your unexpected approval and signing of the Bill into law caught us unaware and brought with it a total feeling of euphoria.”
“Now, the ACT will provide the necessary legal framework for the university to thrive.”
“This milestone ratification will undoubtedly promote education not only amongst indigenes of the Niger Delta, but Nigeria in its entirety, bridging the knowledge gap in the nation’s maritime sector.”
“Nothing skips Mr. President’s constantly roving attention.”
“As you are aware, Ghana was the only country in the West African subregion with a Maritime University. As it is, your visionary stewardship has bridged this gap, and Nigeria is now poised to improve its capacity and manpower in the maritime sector. ”
“The university will not only bring development to the oil and gas communities in the Niger Delta, but also curb the pervading youth restiveness in the region. It will create employment opportunities for our teeming youths, and others across the country.”
“The objectives of the university, as outlined in the Act, align with your administration’s commitment to encouraging the advancement of learning, developing and offering academic and professional programmes, and promoting research and innovation.’
“Mr. President, your signing of the Bill into law is indeed a testament to your friendship and dedication to the growth and development of the South/South zone .”
“Indeed, it authenticates and validates your mantra of RENEWED HOPE, for all Nigerians, no matter where they are domiciled.”
“I recalled that when you visited Oporoza, the ancestral headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, on Friday, November 25th, 2022, you made a pledge to our people to sign the Act establishing the university into law upon your election as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
“This is promise made and promise fulfilled.”
*Once again, let me express our sincere appreciation for this landmark achievement. ”
“Your leadership has rekindled enthusiasm amongst Niger Deltans.*
” It’s on this note that I also wish to congratulate and salute all of us in the South/South belt. Mr. President has done this for all of us. Let us continue to sustain the prevailing peace in our region and unite behind Mr. President in order to attract more development strides to our zone. ”
“Our dear Iyelawei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, we are confident that your government will continue to prioritize the development of the Niger Delta.”
“Your Excellency, sir, you have in this regard engraved your name in the hearts of the citizens of the Niger Delta, through this decision.”
“Please accept the assurances of our highest esteem and unwavering support for your administration.”
Yours sincerely,
HIGH CHIEF (DR.) GOVERNMENT OWEIZIDE EKPEMUPOLO (ALIAS TOMPOLO) IBE-EBIDOUWEI OF IJAW NATION & CHAIRMAN, TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES NIGERIA LIMITED (TSSNL).
Joseph Tegbe, director-general (DG) of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), says Nigeria will soon sign a deal on ‘Digital RMB’ with China to enable a direct conversion of naira to Chinese Yuan.
The digital renminbi (RMB) is a central bank digital currency issued by China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China.
Speaking at the digital asset markets strategy masterclass series held recently in Lagos, Tegbe said the agreement is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on the United States dollar.
He described the pact as a major step in Nigeria’s transition from a trade relationship with China to a mutually-beneficial development partnership.
The NCSP DG also said Nigeria has secured over $30 billion in investment commitments and 300 expressions of interest from Chinese companies within the last five months.
Tegbe also noted the importance of leveraging Chinese technology, particularly in the digital asset market and knowledge transfer, adding that the NCSP remains committed to supporting the globalisation of Nigeria’s capital market.
The director-general outlined the objectives of the partnership, which include driving infrastructure development, scaling up Chinese investments, strengthening trade and economic ties, promoting transparency, and advancing cultural exchange between both countries.
Also speaking at the event, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, said the state is developing a securitisation policy to monetise idle assets and raise green bonds to fund infrastructure needs.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Abayomi Oluyomi, the commissioner for finance, said Lagos will become the first sub-national in the country to implement such a policy.
In his remarks, Nicholas Okoye, convener of the masterclass and a global investment advisor, said the digital transformation ushered in by the fourth industrial revolution has impacted all sectors and will open new frontiers of wealth for investors, institutions, nations, and sub-nationals.
“The most strategic ecosystem of this digital transformation has got to be ‘Digital Asset Markets’, which includes investment in cryptocurrencies as well as the tokenisation (digitisation) of traditional asset classes,” Okoye said.
“The proposed full adoption of ‘Digital Asset Markets’ in Nigeria’s capital markets and subsequently across Africa is going to be a game changer for wealth creation and economic growth sustainability.
“In addition, it will completely redefine the future of African finance, investment and capital market industries.”
Okoye said the digital assets present a unique opportunity for Africans to build wealth regardless of location or profession, providing for the first time, an accurate reflection of Nigeria and Africa’s true wealth position.
By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
Making the event that marked the Nigeria Union of Journalists at 70, the Taraba State chapter of the NUJ Honour chief David Sabo Kente as the philanthropist man of the year
The award presentation was held in Jalingo, the state capital, at the grand finale of the NUJ Press Week celebration.
Speaking at the ceremony, the state chairman of NUJ, Mr Eliud Jen, noted that the awards were carefully chosen base on concrete evidence of performance in various categories and meant to spur the awardees to do more.
Chief Kente, who was the governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress APC, in 2023, has used his foundation, The DSK foundation, to help thousands of Taraban through scholarship, Small Medium Enterprises and lot more.
While congratulating the union for attaining 70 years, Kente called on government investors and everyone to give the union a support hand to enable its members to continue discharging their duties effectively.
Others who were awarded for outstanding performance are His Excellency Dr, Agbu Kefas the governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Yakubu Jafaru Chiroma, member representing Bali/Gassol Federal constituency, Dr Aisha Adamu, the CMD of Federal Medical Centre Jalingo, Hon. Aminu Hassan, ALGON chairman in the State, Professor Joseph Albasu Kunini, former Speaker of Taraba State and Professor Sunday Bako, Vice Chancellor Taraba State University Jalingo, the state Commissioner of Women Affairs and Child Development Mrs Mary Sinjen, Commandant 6 Brigade Jalingo Gen. Kinsley Uwa and several others were also given recognition as friends of the press.
Kente further appreciated journalists for finding him worthy to be honour, emphasizing that the award will spur him to do more.
The Concerned Christian Youth Forum has strongly denounced the ongoing violence in Nigeria’s Plateau and Benue states, describing the attacks by bandits as an “affront to natural justice” and a violation of human dignity.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the group’s convener, James Paul Adama, the forum called for an immediate end to the “relentless onslaught” against innocent civilians.
“This human carnage must stop,” Adama said, urging the government to take swift action to halt the attacks and support affected communities in their recovery and rebuilding efforts.
The group demanded that the perpetrators of these “atrocious acts” be brought to justice, stressing that all Nigerians deserve safety and security.
“The time for action is now,” the statement added.
While commending the efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies, the forum called for intensified measures to curb the violence.
“We ask that they redouble their efforts to nip this menace in the bud,” Adama said, acknowledging the sacrifices of security personnel.
“Your courage and commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of our citizens are an inspiration to us all.”
The statement also highlighted the constitutional duty of the government and security forces to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerians, describing the violence as a threat not only to the affected communities but to the nation’s survival.