Tompolo Hails Tinubu for Signing Nigeria Maritime University Act Into Law
GBARAMATU/Nigeria: Prominent Niger Delta leader, High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing into law the Act establishing the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, in Delta State.
In a heartfelt letter on behalf of the people of the Niger Delta, particularly His Majesty Pere Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe Agadagba, the Council of Chiefs, and the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Tompolo described the president’s action as a “historic endorsement” that has brought renewed hope to the region.
“For a decade, the university operated without full legal backing, functioning like an institution on life support. Your approval and signing of the Bill into law came as an unexpected yet uplifting surprise, restoring confidence in the future of maritime education in Nigeria,” he wrote.
Tompolo recalled that Tinubu, during a visit to Oporoza, the ancestral headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in 2022, pledged to sign the Act once elected. “This is a promise made and a promise fulfilled,” he noted, emphasizing that the institution will boost education, create employment, and curb youth restiveness in the oil-rich region.
He further highlighted that Nigeria now stands on equal footing with Ghana, the only country in West Africa previously with a dedicated Maritime University. The establishment of the university, he added, aligns with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and commitment to national development.
While congratulating the people of the South-South for this milestone, Tompolo urged them to sustain the prevailing peace in the region and rally behind the president to attract more development projects. “Your Excellency, you have engraved your name in the hearts of Niger Deltans with this decision,” he concluded.
