By Chioma Onuegbu

Uyo—THE management of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State, has signed an agreement with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and other major oil exploration firms in the country to train seafarers from the nine states of Niger Delta region.

NNPC

The signing of the joint-venture agreement held, weekend, at the Academy, with Agip Oil Company, NOAC, and OANDO Oil Limited as co-signatories.

Acting Rector of the Academy, Dr. Mkpandiok Mkpandiok, described the joint-venture partnership as a dream that has become a reality.

Speaking on behalf of OANDO, Mr. Massimo Insulla assured that OANDO will always remain an active, dependable partner and contributor to the development of youth from its host communities in the Niger Delta region in particular and the Nigerian maritime sector and the power sector in general.

Also, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr. Chris Ngige, who was represented by the state Controller of Labour, Mrs. Tonye Thom-Manuel, in his message, said he was hopeful that the joint-venture initiative will address the critical needs in the Nigerian maritime sector, especially as it involves the training of youths from host communities.