Ninety-eight maritime delegates, as part of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), have recently completed a crucial refresher course at the Joemarine Institute of Nautical Studies and Research located in Otomewo, Delta State. This announcement was made by Igoniko Oduma, the Special Assistant on Media to PAP Administrator Dr. Dennis Otuaro. The official graduation ceremony took place on a Tuesday, marking the successful conclusion of a month-long vocational training aimed at enhancing skills pertinent to the maritime sector. This initiative reflects the PAP’s broader goal of empowering individuals in the Niger Delta through targeted human capital development and vocational training.
Dr. Otuaro emphasized the strategic significance of this training during the ceremony, pointing out its alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a blue economy that seeks to optimize the enormous potential of Nigeria’s maritime industry. He expressed his delight over the cadets’ successful completion of the training, highlighting it as a pivotal step towards creating a skilled workforce essential for economic growth in the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole. By investing in manpower and human resource development, the PAP aims to drive sustainable development in the region while also contributing to national progress.
Moreover, Otuaro acknowledged the critical role of the training in fostering a vibrant maritime industry, which he described as integral to improving economic conditions in Delta State and beyond. His remarks reinforced the commitment of his administration to continue fostering skills development in various vocational fields to promote empowerment and stability. He also lauded the collaborative efforts of key figures like President Tinubu and Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, for their consistent support towards the PAP and its initiatives focusing on economic enhancement for the Niger Delta.
In addition, Dr. Otuaro expressed gratitude towards the 98 cadets for their professionalism and discipline throughout their training period. He urged them to apply their newly acquired skills competently and ethically as they began their professional journeys within the maritime sector. His vision for the reintegration template of the PAP includes an ongoing commitment to training in specialized skills across multiple trades, further reinforcing the notion of cultivating a sustainable and peaceful environment in the Niger Delta through education and skill development.
Akpos Epidei, the Managing Director of the Joemarine Institute, conveyed his appreciation to Otuaro for entrusting the institute with the training process. He suggested that future programs could focus on higher certification opportunities for the maritime cadets, thereby enhancing their qualifications and employability within the industry. Such recommendations point towards a forward-thinking approach to educational partnerships aimed at addressing skill gaps in the maritime field.
Lastly, during the ceremony, the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, expressed his support through his representative, Amafini Akemeotubo. He commended the PAP for its renewed focus on efficiency and service delivery to the people of the Niger Delta. Concluding the event, valedictorian Ebi Jackson articulated gratitude on behalf of the cadets for the impactful training experience they received, underscoring the program’s benefits in preparing them for future challenges in the maritime industry. Overall, this training marks a notable milestone in the PAP’s ongoing efforts to enhance vocational skills and provide meaningful opportunities for individuals in the Niger Delta region.
