Hon. Martins Esin led a high-powered delegation of Oro leaders to the President of the Senate, H.E. Senator Godswill Akpabio, to press for the immediate take-off of the University of Maritime Studies, Oron (UMSO).
During the meeting, the Senate President reaffirmed his full commitment to the implementation of the Act upgrading the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, into a full-fledged Maritime University. He assured the delegation that he would engage the relevant authorities without delay to ensure the prompt operationalisation of the institution.
It will be recalled that the National Assembly passed the upgrade bill in 2021, and former President Muhammadu Buhari subsequently signed the Act into law in 2023, thereby giving full legal backing to the establishment of the University of Maritime Studies, Oron.
Hon. Esin noted that the position of Oro Nation and Akwa Ibom State remains clear and unanimous: the law has upgraded the institution, and what is now required is the commencement of its operations.
He expressed appreciation to the Senate President for his longstanding support to Oro Nation and thank Senator Ekong Sampson, Hon. Patrick Umoh. Acknowledged the distinguished leaders who formed part of the delegation. The entourage included:
Ikpoto Oro Effiong Daniel Afiakurue, Ikpoto Oro Okon Osung, Rt. Hon. Chief Peter Linus Umoh, Chief Otu Ita Otoyo, Barr. Ekpenyong Ntekim, Rt. Hon. Esio O. Udoh, Apaha Oro Asukwo Inuikim, Prof Rtd Major Okon Eminue, Okete Okete Oro Engr. Ben Ukpong, and Barr. Omen Bassey.
Chief Edet Isong, Publisher Newsday
