Gbaramatu lauds Senate over passage of bill on maritime university

GBARAMATU kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State has lauded the passage of the bill establishing the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko into law by the Nigerian Senate.

The Chairman of Kokodiagbene Community, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, gave the commendation in Warri, on behalf of the Chairmen of Gbaramatu Communities and the kingdom on Monday.

Mulade expressed happiness at the passage of the bill establishing the Nigerian Maritime, University Okerenkoko.

He, however, implored President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently give his assent to the bill for immediate take off of the university.

According to him, the establishment of NMU will eliminate hostilities, militancy and other vices to the barest minimum as most of the youths will be engaged in education and skill training.

“And making them to understand that violence is a deadly cancer to development, therefore we need education and knowledge to attract the desired development in Nigeria, particularly in the oil rich Niger Delta region.

“The victory for establishing the Nigerian Maritime University in the region is a victory for all and we must create the needed environment for the peaceful take off of the University that some elements kicked against its establishment,” Mulade noted.

While pouring praises on President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to the smooth take off of the Nigerian Maritime University Okerenkoko, Comrade Mulade called on him to assent to the bill for its immediate take off.

“We are so excited about the passage into Law the Bill establishing the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko. It is now Act of the Federal Government and it should be urgently assented to by the President,” Comrade Mulade stated.

He disclosed that additional funding for the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko shall accrue from one per cent of the total annual budget of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources; 0.5 per cent of the total annual budget of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas and 0.3 per cent of the total annual budget of all the oil-producing companies operating in the Niger Delta area.

The Community Leader added that funds would also be drawn from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund); 10 per cent of such sums in the Cabotage Vessel Finance Fund as may be approved by National Assembly; and 15 per cent of the total annual budget of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, saying that funding of the University should not give people sleepless nights.