High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing into law the 2025 Act establishing the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, Delta State.
In a letter addressed to the President, Tompolo conveyed his appreciation.
See content of the letter in full:
LETTER OF GRATITUDE TO HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU GCFR, FOR SIGNING INTO LAW THE ACT ESTABLISHING THE NIGERIA MARITIME UNIVERSITY, OKERENKOKO, DELTA STATE
His Excellency,President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR,President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,Aso Rock Villa, Abuja. DEAR MR. PRESIDENT, WE CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR THIS HEARTWARMING GESTUREI write on behalf of the good people of the Niger Delta, particularly His Majesty Pere Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe Agadagba, the Council of Chiefs, and the proud citizens of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, to express our profound gratitude and reverence for your historic endorsement of the 2025 Act establishing the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State.
Your approval has given full legal backing to the institution—a validation we cannot adequately express our appreciation for. This magnanimous gesture symbolizes your goodwill toward the region and your unwavering commitment to advancing education and the development of its people. It is an act that came at a crucial time when hope was nearly lost.
Thank you, Mr. President. You have truly connected with us through this courageous act.
The Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, established in 2014, has existed for a decade but lacked an enabling Act, preventing it from reaching its full potential. The institution functioned in a legal limbo—gasping for breath to survive.
Your unexpected approval and signing of the Bill into law caught us by surprise and filled us with immense joy. Now, with this Act in place, the university has the necessary legal framework to thrive.
This milestone legislation will undoubtedly promote education not only among Niger Delta indigenes but across Nigeria, bridging the knowledge gap in the nation’s maritime sector.
Mr. President, your keen attention to national progress is commendable. Until now, Ghana was the only country in the West African subregion with a Maritime University. Through your visionary leadership, you have bridged this gap, positioning Nigeria to enhance its capacity and manpower in the maritime sector.
Beyond academics, the university will bring much-needed development to oil and gas communities in the Niger Delta and help address the lingering issue of youth restiveness in the region. It will create employment opportunities for our teeming youth and others across the country.
The university’s objectives, as outlined in the Act, align with your administration’s commitment to advancing learning, developing academic and professional programs, and promoting research and innovation. Your approval of this Act is a testament to your friendship with the South-South region and your dedication to its growth and development.
Indeed, this move validates your Renewed Hope mantra, reassuring all Nigerians—regardless of location—that your administration is committed to national progress.
I recall that when you visited Oporoza, the ancestral headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, on Friday, November 25, 2022, you made a pledge to sign the Act establishing the university into law once elected as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Today, you have fulfilled that promise.
Once again, I extend our deepest gratitude for this landmark achievement. Your leadership has rekindled hope among Niger Deltans.
On this note, I also congratulate and salute all stakeholders in the South-South region. Mr. President has done this for all of us. Let us remain united and continue to sustain peace in our region, rallying behind his administration to attract even more developmental strides.
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Our dear Iyelawei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, we are confident that your government will continue prioritizing the development of the Niger Delta. Your Excellency, you have engraved your name in the hearts of the Niger Delta people with this remarkable decision.
Please accept the assurances of our highest esteem and unwavering support for your administration.
Signed:
