The famous Certified Institute of Shipping of Nigeria (CISN), Magbon, Badagry, Lagos has graduated 352 successful students at its 24th Convocation/Investiture, Passing Out Parade of Cadets and Awards Ceremony 2023.
The grand ceremony was held at the Princess (Dr.) Vicky Haastrup Multipurpose Auditorium.
In his welcome address, the Founder and Proprietor of the institute, Prof. Alex Favour Okwuashi, congratulated the graduands, rejoiced with them and their families on their noteworthy academic achievements.
He hoped that they will positively impact the various sectors of the Nigerian economy and the challenge being faced as a nation as they begin another phase in their individual lives.
While constituting the assembly as a congregation for the convocation and award ceremonies for 2022/2023 academic session, Prof. Okwuashi expressed the appreciation of the governing council to all staff, both academic and non-academic, for their steadfastness to see that the institute’s name competes favourably among its peers.
Delivering the convocation lecture titled “Entrepreneurial Opportunities In Maritime And Blue Economy Sector For Nigerian Youths In A Depressed Economy”, the HOD, Shipping Management of the institute, Mr. Okeke O. Okeke noted that blue economy strives to balance economic growth, social equity (such as employment and poverty reduction) and environmental preservation.
Okeke enjoined Nigerian youths to tap fully into the entrepreneurial opportunities that the Nigerian Maritime and Blue Economy sector has graciously placed into their hands on a platter of gold.
“Don’t procrastinate. Our youths should run away from the Get – Rich – Quick syndrome, 419 acts, drug abuse and trafficking, kidnapping, rituals, armed robbery, hook up, prostitution and other manners of vices.
” Don’t wait for another opportunity. Take full advantages of the opportunities that are available now in the Maritime and Blue Economy sector and you will have course to rejoice now and tomorrow,” Okeke advised Nigerian youths.
He charged the youths to be graduates and youths in the Maritime Transport Sector who in turn are job creators and not job seekers; providers of employment opportunities for themselves and others and not dependents; investors and entrepreneurs, who are geared towards helping in reviving Nigeria’s depressed economy.
The highpoint of the event was the investiture of the shipping magnate, Chief (Dr.) Isaac Jolapamo, as the Patron of the Institute.
Responding to his investiture as Patron, Jolapamo appreciated God, the governing board of the CISN, staff and students on his investiture.
He described the creation of Marine and Blue Economy Ministry to cater solely for the immeasurable resources of the seas and inland waterways as a watershed in the annals of Nigeria’s history.
According to Chief Jolapamo, the feat underscores the realization of the government of the role that the maritime industry is capable of playing in creating wealth for nationals and foreigners alike.
He said that capacity building (training and retraining of technical maritime personnel), which the institute is devoted to, featured very prominently in the brainstorming session of a Stakeholders Roundtable with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy earlier in the week.
The shipping icon noted that the role CISN is expected to play in achieving the laudable objectives of the Federal Government and all stakeholders cannot be overemphasized.
He said he was very much aware of the weight of the responsibilities of his high office as the patron.
Jolapamo assured of his unwavering commitment and passion for the development of the maritime industry and the institute.
“By the grace of the Almighty God, the Giver of all good things, I promise never to let the institute down in any way.
“I am confident that our Creator will give me all the resources needed: physical, financial, etc. to perform my role only to His glory,” he asserted.
He promised that as the patron his doors will always remain open to the institute for any assistance that may be required of him.
PHOTO: From left, the General Manager, ENL Consortium Limited, Mr. Mark Wash, the Founder and Proprietor, CISN, Prof. Alex Favour Okwuashi at the 24th Convocation/Investiture Ceremony of CISN on Wednesday.