Tompolo bags NMU's excellent award

In a bid to recognize significance roles played by High Chief Dr. Government Ekpomupolo alias Tompolo especially, his contributions towards the growth of Nigerian Maritime University (NMU) Okerenkoko and humanity generally, the Staff of the institution have  honoured him with an Award of Excellence.

The ceremony held on Wednesday, 18th of September, 2024, in Warri, Delta State was unique in its respect.

In a statement presented by the team leader of NMU staff, Mr. Iseru Ebike, Lecturer,  lauded Tompolo’s patriotic dedication to developing the institution.

Part of the statement reads "We, the entire members of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko express our deepest appreciation to you for the numerous intervention projects that you have embarked upon for the advancement of our dear university. Your various targeted assistance has gone a long way to ameliorate the various challenges that have confronted the university community. You are our single biggest benefactor, and we shall continue to hold you in high esteem.

"Your foresight and futuristic thoughts are the birth pangs that brought our dear university into life in the first instance. While many of your contemporaries were in the craze to invest in foreign jurisdictions, you made the conscious choice to build and equip a multi-billion naira, world class institution to train divers in a location that the uninitiated eyes will consider unviable for such unprecedented infrastructural edifice".

"Mieka Dive, which was a project dear to your heart, eventually became the cornerstone of the premier Maritime University in Nigeria - The Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko.

"Thanks to you. Today, we are witnessing the smooth operation of academic and other activities in the university. Almost six years after its take-off, no single incident of kidnapping or any other crime has been recorded anywhere, even remotely close to any of the campus of  the university. You have provided a safe place for us to live, work, and learn. We say thank you GOC!", statement reads.

Responding, the media consultant to Tompolo, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo said, "it is heartwarming to see that the seed we put in the soil is growing."

He described his boss, Tompolo, as "a man among millions as it will be very difficult to see someone like him."

Dr. Paul charged lecturers in the institution to do their best in moving the institution forward.

"Yes, some of you are now senior lecturers. Of course, the non-academic staff are waxing stronger also, and I believe from here, we will move higher and get to our destination 

"I charge you to do your best, and let's have this collaboration to move this institution forward. There is none of  its kind," he stated.