A socio-cultural group in? Oron,? Akwa Ibom State, Akpakip Oro Youth Alliance has?? described the recent confirmation of the appointment?? of Mr. Joshua Okpo as the?? substantive?? Rector of? Maritime Academy of Nigeria? Oron? by? President Goodluck Jonathna as a welcome development.
Addressing newsmen yesterday in Oron,?? President of the group, Mr. Emmanuel Otong said with the confirmation of Mr. Okpo ’s appointment, the Academy would no doubt witness a new dawn.
He noted that the new Rector’s style of administration and his avowed resolve to sanitize the system and enhance cadets/ staff welfare had contributed to the well deserved elevation by the President.
Otong maintained that since the rector assumed duty at the Academy, he had built bridges among warring factions and entrenched peace not only on the institution’s campus but also within the host communities of Idua and Eyoabasi.
“ The very fact that Joshua Okpo? accorded recognition and respect to the? traditional rulers in the host communities? has earned him accolades and support from all stakeholders? and they are ready to give him their fullest support’’ Otong stated.
He listed the Rector’s achievements to include building of additional hostel accommodations for both students and teachers, provision of uninterrupted power supply, construction of health centre and internal roads in the Academy as well as empowering youths within the host communities among others.
He assured the Rector of the group’s support at all times and urged him not to be distracted but to continue his good work in order to justify the confidence reposed in him by the President.
While appealing to the federal and state governments,? Corporate Organizations and well meaning Nigerians?? to come to the aid of the Academy by providing more infrastructures, the group called on those whose stock in trade was to embark on campaign of calumny, blackmail and character assassination to sheath their sword and support the development stride of the new Rector or face the wrath of the group.