Maritime Academy of Nigeria aligning standard of training with host community’s well-being

Sunny Edemenang – South-South

The First Quarter 2026 Citizens/Stakeholders Engagement and commissioning of people oriented projects executed by the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron under the corporate social responsibility is not just a milestone, but a clear demonstration of a peaceful coexistence between the Academy and its host Communities.

For traditional rulers from the host Communities acknowledging the Academy’s impactful policy through the Corporate Social Responsibility projects, is an affirmation of stakeholders’ recognition that policies rooted in peace and inclusiveness is shaping the trajectory in the maritime sector.

What stands out in this year’s Citizens Engagement is not only the infrastructural strides recorded by the Academy, but also, awareness and stability that accompanies it. Government policy thrives best under dialogue.

As pointed out in the welcome address of the Acting Rector Dr Kevin Okonna, who was represented by the Director of Research and Strategic Development, Dr John Adeyanju, “we are proud to formally commission the three projects executed under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the Academy’s 2026 appropriation.

These include;

• Construction of 7 lock-up shops and 19 open kiosks in Eyo-Abasi, h
• Construction of 6000 litres solar-powered Borehole Project in Udung Okwung, right beside the Academy on the waterfront end, and
• Installation of a 10 KVA solar power facilities in the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Oron. The Academy also spent a substantial part of its budget in 2025 for the rehabilitation of the Eket to the Oron Community and the Academy Power Supply line”. The purpose of the quarterly Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement meeting by the Academy is to inform the citizens and stakeholders of government’s policies, programmes and projects, obtain the citizens’ buy-in and partnership in the development and implementation of the policies, programmes and projects.

Basking on the euphoria of previous engagements, 80 of the 221 graduating cadets gained automatic employment and and sea-time training opportunities during 2025 graduation ceremony.

This 1st Quarter 2026 engagement is therefore used to really celebrate the outcomes of a very productive host State and host Community engagement by the Academy in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope and Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.

“I am happy to state that the support of the host State, Akwa Ibom State, Oron Local Government and the Eyo-Abasi host community has played a key role in the stability in the operations of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria. In return, the Academy has contributed its quota to the socio-economic development of the State and host community. These include outsourced contract for keeping the Academy secured and the environment maintained in the internationally acknowledged eco-friendly and clean state of the campus”, the Rector noted.

This 2026 1st Quarter Engagement is themed, “Leveraging Community Partnership for Effective Implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy”. It aptly captures the benefits of host community engagement for the development of the Marine and Blue Economy Sector, using Maritime Academy of Nigeria as a Case Study.

The Chairman Governing Council of Maritime Academy of Nigeria Oron, Engr. Kehinde Akinola in his remarks said the commissioning is one of the cardinal objectives of the current renewed hope administration led by our President and Commander-in-Chief of Arm Forces of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCON.

It marks a critical shift toward inclusive governance by aligning high-level maritime objectives with the realities of the coastal communities.

The Chairman acknowledged the informal sector as a critical and foundational part of the maritime value chain, noting that “Whether in artisanal fishing, local craft construction, or small-scale logistics, the informal sector provides the local resilience upon which a national economy is built”.

“Formalizing these partnerships is not just a social duty; it is a strategic economic necessity, and particularly significant in providing the tools for local traders to thrive and ensure clean energy and water for the community”.

The Chairman use the platform to issue a clear call to action for increased private sector investment within our maritime communities and move beyond seeing these areas as mere “host communities”, but as “investment hubs”.

In his reasoning, “if we inject private capital into local infrastructure, cold chain technology, and sustainable aquaculture, we create a self-sustaining ecosystem that supports the National Blue Economy agenda”.

Speaking on the crucial topic “The Potential transformation of our institution” to Maritime University, the Chairman emphasized on the value of preserving the unique identity and professional orientation of the Academy, pointing out that any changes must align with the core mission and strategic development plans.

“The Academy must align with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for the Seafarers 1978 as amended. Converting the Academy to a University would undoubtedly bring changes, but we must consider whether this shift would enhance or dilute our focus. Our strength lies in our specialized programs, industry connections, global recognition and hand-on-training. Let’s leverage these strengths to drive innovation and growth” he added.

In response, the Paramount Ruler of Oron, HRM Offong Odiong Edet Akan in his goodwill message, described the projects as impactful, expressed profound gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to the Governing Board and the Management of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria Oron, for their thoughtful commitment towards the development of our communities.

The Royal Majesty assure of our continued support, cooperation, and protection of these projects to ensure their sustainability and success.

Equally, the Chairman, Maritime Academy Host Community Relations Committee, Dr Okokon Paul Eyo, commended the unwavering commitment to strengthen the bonds between the Host Community and the Academy. Seized the occasion to appeal for;

1. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with host community.
2. Welfare Support for the Host Community
3. Enhanced Employment Opportunities for indigenes.
4. Reminder of an Outstanding Commitment to the Host Community by predecessor.
5. Request for Collaboration on the 2026 CSR Projects.
6. Concerns about Staff Welfare and Representation.

Other goodwill messages came from Oron

Mary Edet Eyo, on behalf of market women of Eyo Abasi, elatedly appreciated the Management and Governing Council of the Academy for remembering women, describing the projects as unprecedented.

Other goodwill messages came from Oron Local Government Chairman, represented by the Council Secretary, Engr. Asuquo Asuquo, Clan Head-elect of Okpo Clan in Oron Local Government Area, Distinguished Royal Highness, Senator Nelson Efiong, Director General of Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Vivian Chimezie Azubuike, and Masters Mariner President of AMANO..