The Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, has honoured Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, a former Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, James Manager, and peace ambassador cum environmentalist, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, among others, with Awards of Excellence.
Others recognised for their contributions and support included the Chairman of Burutu LGA, Hon Julius Takeme, and His Royal Highness, Bosu Dio (JP), Ayamabulou I, the Ibenanawei of Iduwini Kingdom.
Bosu Dio, who is also the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Oil and Mineral Producing Communities of Niger Delta (TROMPCON), Delta State Chapter, represented the Ijaw ethnic nationalities.
The Awards of Excellence were presented during the institute’s first convocation ceremony, held on its premises on Saturday, 8 March 2025.
Governor Oborevwori was honoured for his commitment to upgrading the school to polytechnic status, making it the first maritime polytechnic in Nigeria and West Africa, after South Africa.
Senator James Manager, who served under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from 2003 to 2023, was recognised for his immense contributions, including sponsoring numerous bills and supporting educational development in the state.
Chief Mulade, the National Coordinator of the foremost non-governmental organisation, the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), and Chairman of the Delta State Mini-Football Association, was honoured for his dedication and tireless advocacy for the establishment of higher institutions in Ijaw land.
The Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area had particularly championed the conversion of the then Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu, to a university, alongside the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Oleh; the Delta State University of Education, Agbor; and others.
However, the institution was eventually upgraded to a polytechnic.
According to the institution’s management, Comrade Mulade’s contributions and advocacy were too significant to be ignored. Thus, the polytechnic recognised him with the award.
The Rector of the institute, Professor James Okoro, expressed gratitude to the state government for facilitating the polytechnic’s establishment.
He also acknowledged the roles played by various stakeholders, emphasising that the awards were a testament to the institution’s commitment to honouring contributions to academic and societal development.
It will be recalled that the Delta State House of Assembly, with Rt Hon Oborevwori as Speaker at the time, had unanimously approved the institute’s upgrade.
This followed the passage of a bill repealing the Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu, Law 2006, and enacting the Delta State Polytechnic, Burutu, Law 2023.
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