The Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) received accolades from the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday in Lagos at a reception hosted in their honour by the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum.
The President, while acknowledging the vision of the Management of NIMASA at ensuring the placement of these young Nigerians in reputable maritime institutions across the globe, admonished the beneficiaries of the programme to exhibit great professionalism when they take on the global challenges in the maritime sector after the completion of the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) which they are currently undertaking.
He stressed that human capacity development for young Nigerians is critical to the growth and development of the country, adding that no effort will be spared at ensuring that the NSDP and similar programmes are sustained. “As a nation, if you must prepare for the future of the country you must invest in the young people in the country, and as a nation you don’t go back but move forward” he remarked.
In his address, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi notesd that the graduates had made him proud as scores of them made top grades at the final examinations in Egypt and the United Kingdom. “This is a motivation and will aid continuation of the scheme. We thank Mr. President for his support in seeing to the success of this programme and for keeping us on our toes in the discharge of our duties in NIMASA to realize the objective” he said. The DG also appreciated the Minister of Transport, Idris Umar for his support in this human capacity development drive.
The graduates were full of appreciation to NIMASA for the rare opportunity accorded them to meet and interact with the President. They individually and as a group promised the President that the enormous resources expended by government towards the successful completion of their programmes in Egypt and the United Kingdom was money well spent, pledging that they will not fail the President and the nation when they eventually commence their chosen careers.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Raphael Oluwafemi Faboro said, “I will like to appreciate the President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for making it possible for us to have a good life and good future. Sir, I will like to say you have given us a good opportunity and as professionals in the maritime sector, we are ready to go to the world and to also take charge of the Nigerian Cabotage trade. Indeed, you are our hero.”
The beneficiaries of the NSDP graduated from the Arab Academy of Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Alexandria, Egypt and the South Tyneside College, New Castle, United Kingdom. They studied various courses such as; Marine Engineering, Nautical Science, Naval Architecture amongst others.
Over 2,500 beneficiaries of the programme are also undergoing maritime related courses in the Philippines, India and Romania.
