The Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) received accolades from President Goodluck Jonathan Sunday in Lagos at a reception hosted in their honour by the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum.
Jonathan, while acknowledging the vision of the management of NIMASA at ensuring the placement of these young Nigerians in reputable maritime institutions across the globe, admonished the beneficiaries of the programme to exhibit great professionalism when they take on the global challenges in the maritime sector after the completion of the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) which they are currently undertaking.
The President Jonathan emphasised that human capacity development for young Nigerians is critical to the growth and development of the country and as such no effort will be spared at making sure the NSDP and similar programmes are sustained.
“As a nation, if you must prepare for the future of the country you must invest in the young people in the country, and as a nation you don’t go back but move forward” he stated.
Director General of the agency, Dr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi said the graduates had made him proud as scores of them made top grades at the final examinations in Egypt and the United Kingdom.
“This is a motivation and will aid continuation of the scheme. We thank Mr. President for his support in seeing to the success of this programme and for keeping us on our toes in the discharge of our duties in NIMASA to realise the objective,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the NSDP graduates, Raphael Oluwafemi Faboro said, “I will like to appreciate the President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for making it possible for us to have a good life and good future. Sir, I will like to say you have given us a good opportunity and as professionals in the maritime sector, we are
ready to go to the world and to also take charge of the Nigerian Cabotage trade. Indeed, you are our hero.”
