DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has described the commencement of academic activities at the Maritime University, Okerenkoko, as good omen that will consolidate the existing peace and sustainable development of the Niger Delta.

The Governor stated this Tuesday when the Governing Council of the University led by former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva who is the Chairman of the Council,  paid him a courtesy call in Asaba.  Okerenkoko is located in Warri South local government area of Delta State.

According to the Governor, “I am glad that academic activities have commenced, we thank God for the successful start off of the Maritime University which will consolidate on the peace in the Niger Delta and attract sustainable development to the area.”

“We are aware that the terrain is very difficult for the execution of projects and this is what the Governing Council will experience in defending its budget, the cost of executing projects in that area triples what it takes to execute similar projects in the upland,” he said.

He continued, “as a state government, we will continue to assist the much we can within the limit of resources to develop the university.”

“The Maritime University is the first of its kind in Nigeria, we hope you (the Governing Council) develop it to internationally acceptable standards,” he stated while congratulating Chief Sylva and members of the Governing Council for their appointments.

Chief Sylva had told the Governor that the Governing Council was inaugurated on March 22, 2018 and commended Governor Okowa’s administration for its contributions to the development of the University, disclosing that more than 300 students are currently studying in the institution.