OKERENKOKO/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Senator Douye Diri, were on Saturday conferred with honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) degrees in Social and Economic Development by the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, during the institution’s second combined convocation ceremony.
Also honoured at the historic event were Senator James Manager, who received a Doctor of Science in National Development, and Engr. Ebipador Ogionwo, who was awarded a Doctor of Science in Industrial Development.
Governor Oborevwori, represented by the Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerowho Tonukari, expressed deep gratitude to the institution for the honour. He described the award as a recognition of the resilient spirit of the Delta people and the collective commitment of his administration to inclusive development.
“I receive this recognition not merely as a personal honour but as a tribute to the resilient spirit of our people, the tireless efforts of our administration, and the shared vision we hold for a more inclusive Delta State and a prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
Oborevwori commended the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, and the management of NMU, stating that the honour underscored the university’s dedication to recognizing leadership and service in advancing social and economic growth.
“This award is especially meaningful, not only because it comes from a distinguished institution in the riverine heartland of our state, but also because it affirms the enduring value of service, commitment, and belief in the transformative power of education,” he added.
He reiterated his administration’s firm commitment to education, describing it as the most enduring legacy a government can offer. He lauded the NMU as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for development in riverine and historically underserved communities.
“Since its establishment, the Nigerian Maritime University has provided world-class education in maritime studies and fostered human capital development essential to unlocking the vast potential of Nigeria’s blue economy,” he said.
Highlighting the state’s support for the university, Oborevwori pointed to projects initiated under the M.O.R.E. Agenda, including the construction and donation of a faculty complex and the development of a road linking Okerenkoko community to the institution’s permanent site.
To the graduating students, he offered warm congratulations and charged them to uphold the values of excellence, integrity, and innovation.
“You are the torchbearers and future captains of a new era in Nigeria’s maritime sector. Be bold, dream big, work hard, and let your contributions reflect the excellence and pride of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko,” he said.
Oborevwori also thanked God, his family, and the people of Delta State for their continued support, pledging to lead with humility, accountability, and commitment to service.
“Once again, I thank the Nigerian Maritime University for this remarkable recognition. May this institution continue to grow in excellence and impact, and may Delta State remain a beacon of progress and unity,” he concluded.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Emmanuel Adigio, described the convocation, which also marked the university’s 10th anniversary, as a significant milestone. He commended Governor Oborevwori for his contributions to the development of the university, particularly the construction of the faculty building and the connecting road from the Okerenkoko community.
