…confers fellowship on Duja Effedua, Capt. Carrodano
Despite the immense potentials of the nation’s maritime sector, the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM) has lamented gross underperformance in shipping in the country.
The President of NAMM, Capt. Tajudeen Alao made this remark today when the association conferred a fellowship award on the Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, Commodore Duja Effedua (Rtd), and an honorary fellowship award on a former Group Managing Director of Comet Shipping Agencies Nigeria Limited, Capt. Pier Carrodano.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines, Capt. Alao opined that the nation isn’t harnessing its huge maritime potentials, even as he argued that the maritime sector could be at par or play a more significant role than crude oil in contributing to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
His words: “We have inland waterways from Lake Chad upto Badagry to Ogoja-Bakassi. We have the coastal waters which is about 600 nautical miles and we have the exclusive economic zone, then we have international waters. As a nation, we should play our part and take a little bite in all these areas.”
“We know that maritime can contribute immensely to this nation but we are not developing the inland waterways. Just last week Federal Government said it wants to dredge Orasi river – Oguta, but this is coming several decades late. What have we been waiting for? Perhaps, this is because the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma has experience in dredging. Imagine the multiplier effect and the potential economic benefits in that axis from the project.”
“There are losses due to wasted man-hours in Lagos in the evacuation of cargoes from the ports. The problems on the port access roads will not be there if we have openings with viable ports in other parts of the country. As Master Mariners, we have a lot to inform the incoming government so that they can harness the opportunities within the maritime space.”
Speaking on the awardees, Capt. Alao observed that the Rector of MAN Oron, Effedua has transformed the Academy into an institution of national pride while he described Capt. Pier Carrodona as an immense financial supporter of the association over the years.
“Effedua named roads, buildings and blocks after several Master Mariners at MAN Oron and he did this without anyone lobbying. This shows his regard for the association and its professionals. Some of our colleagues haven’t been proud to identify themselves as MAN Oron alumni in the past but under the leadership of Comrade Effedua the story has changed. The Academy has state-of-the-art facilities and there has been a complete turnaround as a result of Effedua’s visionary leadership” the NAMM President said.
Alao equally thanked Capt. Carrodano for leading robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects at COMET Shipping under his administration, even as he noted that COMET Group of Companies always paid corporate dues and supported the association’s annual projects.
In his remarks, the MAN Oron Rector, Effedua expressed gratitude for the award, positing that he rates the association and its members highly for their contributions to the developments at the Academy over the years.
He, however, encouraged the shipping veterans to create time to visit the Academy and avail the younger ones an opportunity to learn from their shipping experience.
Effedua’s words: “I have rejected over 100 awards in the past, but this one is special and historic. I’m dedicating this award to Nigerian seafarers who are currently in training and the future ones for whom we have built a befitting Maritime Academy.”
“One of the first things I did after my appointment as Rector was to block the several loopholes in a bid to manage revenue at the Academy. As a result of this, I have been called all manner of names and presently have thousands of petitions written against me, but I’m not perturbed. We also realized the need to improve on the infrastructure at the Academy as well as the capacity. Today, we have modern world-class simulators, competent trainers and a serene learning environment”
On his part Capt. Carrodano expressed profound gratitude for the Honorary Fellowship, adding that it was a great honour to be recognized for his contributions to the Association and the maritime Industry at large.
“I am humbled and deeply appreciative of this prestigious accolade. I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked alongside dedicated professionals and experts in our shared pursuit of excellence and progress. This Fellowship not only acknowledges my individual efforts but also represents the collective achievements of our community. It serves as a reminder of the impact we can make when we unite and strive for continuous improvement.”
“As an Honorary Fellow, I remain committed to advancing the goals of the Association and contributing to the growth and safety of the maritime industry. I will continue to dedicate my knowledge and expertise to drive positive change,” he said.
The event was also graced by former Presidents of NAMM such as; Capt. Anthony Olugbode and Capt. Adewale Ishola. Former Flag Officers Commanding, Naval Training, Rear Admiral Goodwill Ombo (Rtd); 1st Vice President, NAMM, Capt. Onyenenim Iwebuke; Chairman, Technical Committee, NAMM, Capt. Ihenacho Ebubeogu; among others.
