THE Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has concluded plans to set up a maritime University and a shipyard in Ekerenjojo in Gbaramatu kingdom ofcDelta state.

Disclosing  this at an inspection ceremony in Ekerenkoko, in Gbaramatu kingdom NIMASA’s Director-General Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi said that as soon as the National Assembly approves the proposal work will commence immediately.

Akpobolokemi who before the ceremony took members of his entourage which included members of the House of Representative on Marine transport to pay homage to the king of the Gbaramatu kingdom said  it was necessary to get the blessing and approval of the king before the commencement of the project.

Already, over 400 hectares of land has been allocated for the project and Akpobolokemi is working around the clock to ensure the realisation of the project..

He also said that the purpose of the visit by his team is to see the size of the land and the community’s assurance   amongst other things.

Akpobolokemi who addressed the king in pingin English said that it was very important that some of these issues are taken of before the commencement of the project.

Also speaking at the site seeing visit, House Committee on Marine transport Honourable Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi said that with calibre of the king of Gbaramatu, whatever federal presence that located in the community is assumed to be fully protected.

Agwuanyi who also expressed concern over the issue of compensation was further assured that no such thing will be demanded by the community.

Giving this assurance, Chairman of the Ekerenkoko federated community Chief James Tangbolasi said “I want to assure that the people of Ekerenkoko federated  Community and Gbaramatu in kingdom in general will give you the desired assurance to make this dream a reality”.

Vanguard gathered that at  the completion of the project, Nigerians, particularly youths from Gbaramatu will be trained and possibly deployed to service the oil and gas industry.

However, Vanguard  could not ascertain where funds for the project will be gotten as the law only allows  NIMASA to spend  5 percent of its earnings on Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron Ajwa-Ibom State.