Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have been given about 400 acres of land by 100 communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State for the establishment of a proposed maritime academy.
The academy which would be a degree awarding institution would be sited at the Okerenkoko, a town along the Escravos channel. The agency is also expected to establish a ship yard and dock yard to boost shipping activities in the communities.
Director General of NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi explained that government had resolved to open the area for maritime activities in order to develop the region and bring lasting peace to the people in the area. He noted that the communities had been pressurising government to develop the area.
Akpobolokemi said: "Our management decided that there is need to openthe area for activities that are maritime related. We would establish Maritime academy that would be awarding degrees. Also the agency would establish shipyard and dock yard in this area.
"We want the members of the National Assembly to see the land themselves. This is why the Chairman House Committee on marine Transport, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and his deputy Amunia Kadiri are here today." He explained that the project would contribute to the economic development of the area.
The traditional ruler of the area, His majesty Pere Godwin Bebenibo of Gbaramatu Kingdom and Chairman of Okerenkoko federated community, Chief James Tangbowei as well as the spokesman of the kingdom, Chief Dan Ekpebide were delighted over the government's kind gesture to the entire communities.
Also ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.ka Tompolo and other opinion leaders welcome the development.Responding to NIMASA helmsman's speech, the Chairman, OkerenkokoFederated Community, Chief James Tangbowei explained that Okerenkoko community would protect government properties in the area.He noted that the community which was founded in before 1480 when Duaote Pacheco Perrareira christened the River Escravos was in ruins following the invasion of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta as a result of legitimate agitation for a fair equitable economic and political space in the Nigeria federation.
Tangbowei stressed, "My people have been passing through a great hardship as you could see for yourself, people still leave in makeshift structures.
Okerenkoko federated community in Gbaramatu kingdom is blessed with enormous petroleum recourses deposit which is the main stream of Nigerian economy.
He noted that shipping and other maritime activities first started in the region far back 1860 when the British trading firm established their presence in Akassa along the coast."Tangbowei added: " Thereafter shipping activities continue to boom until a particular time when the Ogulagha channel became difficult to navigate because of the introduction of bigger vessels, leading to the discovery of the Escravos Channel with the help of fishermen who are the pilots in those days.
Source: Vanguard
