Roland Bayode
High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, has expressed his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his decision to sign the Act that establishes the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, located in the Warri Southwest Local Government Area of Delta State. Tompolo, a key figure in the Niger Delta region and chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, emphasized the significance of this move for the university, which has struggled to fulfill its potential due to the lack of a legal framework.
Tompolo commended Tinubu for providing the necessary legal backing for the institution through the signing of the 2025 Act. The university, originally established in 2014, has faced numerous challenges, including poor funding and a lack of infrastructure. With the new legal support, Tompolo believes the institution can now operate effectively and grow into a world-class maritime education hub, boosting Nigeria’s capacity in the maritime industry.
Tompolo also extended his gratitude to key figures in the National Assembly, particularly Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, as well as other lawmakers from the South-South region. He praised their efforts in securing the bill’s passage, which he referred to as crucial for the development of maritime education and the region as a whole. Tompolo emphasized that this development is vital not just for the university, but also for curbing youth restiveness in the Niger Delta by providing opportunities for young people in the region.
The new legal status of the Nigeria Maritime University, according to Tompolo, will enhance the country’s standing in the West African maritime sector. He pointed out that Ghana had been the only country in the region with a maritime university, but now, Nigeria has the chance to improve its human resources in the sector. This, in turn, is expected to contribute to the economic development of the oil-producing areas in the Niger Delta, fostering stability and growth.
Tompolo expressed hope that this milestone would be a turning point in the government’s commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region. He conveyed the appreciation of His Majesty Pere Oboro-Gbaraun II, the leader of the Gbaramatu Kingdom, who also voiced support for the project. The leaders of the kingdom, like many in the Niger Delta, view this as a significant step toward lasting development in their communities.
