Tompolo Hails President Tinubu for Historic Endorsement of Maritime University Act

By Francis Sadhere, Warri

The Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) and Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation, High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his historic signing of the 2025 Act establishing the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State.

In a heartfelt letter of appreciation, Tompolo commended President Tinubu for granting legal backing to the institution, which had faced operational challenges for nearly a decade due to the absence of an enabling Act.

The signing of the law, he said, would now enable the university to realize its full potential and contribute significantly to the development of the Niger Delta and Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Tompolo praised the President for his visionary leadership, noting that the Nigeria Maritime University would help bridge the gap in maritime education in West Africa.

He also emphasized that the university’s establishment would address youth restiveness in the region by creating much-needed employment opportunities and driving regional development, particularly in oil and gas communities.

Tompolo’s letter emphasized the importance of the signing, pointing out that it marked the fulfillment of a promise made by President Tinubu during his visit to Oporoza, the ancestral headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, in 2022. The President had pledged to ensure the signing of the Bill into law upon his election, a commitment now fulfilled.

In his message, Tompolo reiterated the significance of the act for the people of the Niger Delta, stating that the signing of the Bill was a testament to President Tinubu’s dedication to the growth and development of the South-South region.

He also assured the President of the unwavering support of the people of the Niger Delta and urged them to continue fostering peace and unity to attract further development.

“Your signing of the 2025 Act has given full legal backing to the institution .The Nigeria Maritime University, established in 2014, had been struggling to reach its full potential due to the absence of an enabling Act. But with your courageous decision, the university can now thrive, providing the necessary legal framework for its operations.

“Your visionary leadership has bridged the gap in maritime education in West Africa, where Ghana was previously the only country with a Maritime University. Nigeria is now poised to improve its capacity and manpower in the maritime sector, bringing development to the oil and gas communities in the Niger Delta and curbing youth restiveness in the region.

“Once again, we express our sincere appreciation for this landmark achievement. Your leadership has rekindled enthusiasm amongst Niger Deltans, and we are confident that your government will continue to prioritize the development of the Niger Delta,” the letter reads.

This landmark achievement, according to Tompolo, will not only enhance the region’s educational infrastructure but also solidify President Tinubu’s legacy as a leader who prioritizes the progress of all Nigerians, particularly those in the Niger Delta.