Cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, won awards at Lagos’s just-concluded World Maritime Day (WMD) celebration.
The event showcased the Academy’s dominance among maritime institutions in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the winners, Uzoma Favour Elochukwu, a final-year cadet of Maritime Transport and Business Management, said the recognition was both personal and a testament to the Academy’s quality training.
“I feel deeply honoured to receive this award. It is a personal achievement and a reflection of the quality training and guidance I have received from the Academy,” Elochukwu said.
He explained that his essay, aligned with the WMD 2025 theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” addressed pressing maritime challenges, including piracy, marine pollution, port congestion, and illegal fishing, while offering practical solutions that support NIMASA’s vision for safe, secure, and sustainable shipping.
“This recognition inspires me to keep developing myself and remain open to maritime sector opportunities, even after graduation. As I complete my program, I am committed to contributing to Nigeria’s blue economy through innovation, efficient port management, and sustainable practices,” he added.
Cadets who clinched prizes at the competition include Adegbuyi Emmanuel Adebayo and Utibe-Obong Uwem.
The acting rector of MAN, Dr. Kevin Okonna, who accompanied the cadets to the event, expressed pride in their achievements.
“We are very happy, proud, and excited by this development. Our cadets have shown capacity, brilliance, and preparedness to navigate the future of maritime operations,” he said.
Dr. Okonna reaffirmed the Academy’s openness to partnerships and collaborations that will strengthen Nigeria’s maritime workforce in line with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standards.
Delegation from the Academy to the WMD 2025 were the Chairman of MAN Governing Council, Engr Kehinde Olayinka Akinola, the Acting Registrar, Mr. P. M. Netson, the Director, Research& Strategic Development, Dr. John Adeyanju, director of Human Resources, Mr. Yusuf Ishola, head of Quality Control, Dr. Lawal Akeem, head of legal, Barr. Enobong Ekpo, PA to the Rector, Hope Inyang, Head of Public Affairs, Domo Umoekpe as well as instructors and Master Mariners of the Academy.
