The President of All Nations Institute of Marine and Technology (ANIMT), Chief Emmanuel Ighomena, has assured that the school will solve unemployment challenge confronting the country, particularly in south-south region.

Speaking at the first matriculation ceremony of pioneer cadets of the institution, Ighomena, a former commissioner in Delta State, said ANIMT would give graduates in Niger Delta communities the needed skills to get employed by shipping companies operating on their waterways.

He also revealed that Oghara was picked because of its strategic location as a town bounded by three rivers. Ighomena said: “Oghara is bounded by oOiomo River at Ologbo end of Edo State, Jameison River at Mosogar and Ethiope River at Sapele end of the state.

“Regrettably, in spite of the presence of these maritime companies with high traffic of vessels, many youths and other Niger Delta communities do not have the needed skills to get employed.

“The institute is established to address these challenges and bridge the gap, with a vision to become a centre of excellence in the training of master mariners and seamen.”

According to him, the institute was approved in September 2021 with a mandate to commence academic activities.
“We have to equip graduates with knowledge, critical thinking, problem solving, decision making and confidence that will enable them operate, maintain and manage ships safely and effectively,” Ighomena said.