The Executive of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Igbokoda District led by the Chairman, Comr. Ikuemehinlo Layemo today paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of OSOPADEC, Otunba Sam Erejuwa at his Oba-Ile, Akure office.

The visit which was to congratulate the Chairman over his well deserved appointment by the Governor of the State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, was equally an opportunity to seek his support in the area of security and overall development of the Union.

The Union Chairman Comr. Ikuemehinlo Layemo in his speech read through the General Secretary, Comr. Ajimuda Emmanuel requested the support of the Commission on training of Seamen in Maritime related institution for acquisition of skills and knowledge in Marine and Oil matters.

Ikuemehinlo said in 2011, the Ondo State Government through OSOPADEC gave the Union a Toyota Hiace Bus to ease engagements with its National Headquarters in Lagos. This vehicle according to him needs replacement. He therefore appealed to OSOPADEC to extend hands of fellowship to the Union by replacing the old and faulty vehicle.

Comr. Ikuemehinlo went further to demand for the provision of Outboard Engine and Speed Boats as the Union means of transportation in the riverine area.

He equally urged the Commission to assist with the completion of its office complex located in Igbokoda, the Headquarters of Ilaje Local Government.

In his response, the Chairman welcomed Comr. Ikuemehinlo and his team to his office and thanked him for the timely visit. He said all the request placed before him is what he’s willing to do.

In his words; “by the Special Grace of God, the Skills Acquisition at Ugbonla would be converted to School of Maritime Transport and Logistics; it’s a campus of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa. The faculty will offer Degrees in Oil and Gas, Shipping, Port Management, Maritime Security, Maritime Economy and Finance”. “The facilities are already there; there is a stadium, there is a swimming pool, there is a Jetty, there is a Naval Base, there is a road passing through the place and by God’s Grace, this time next year, the school will be fully functional.”

Erejuwa promised that the first set of students to be admitted would be placed on scholarship by the Commission. “OSOPADEC will sponsor fully, school fees for the first 100 students”. “In fact, we are going to change the narrative. All we need is your support and prayer.”

Commenting on other requests, Erejuwa said there is an urgent need for the Union to put up a letter through OSOPADEC to Mr. Governor for onward approval to lessen the burden of the Commission as there are limits to his approving capacity as the Chairman.

Appreciating the Chairman for creating time out of his busy schedule to interact with the Union, the Zonal Secretary, Comr. Dr. Bayo Shegede said Sam Erejuwa has brought new face in managing the affairs of the Commission as this attest to testimonies of the people in the mandate areas.

Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Ondo State District is the umbrella body of all the water transport workers and the Seamen (Seafearers) in the riverine areas of Ondo State.

In the team were Special Assistant on Union Matters to former Governor of the State and the Secretary, Ilaje Local Government, Comr. Dr. Bayo Shegede, Comr. Ajimuda Emmanuel – Secretary, Comr. Olatunji Afolabi – Treasurer, Comr. Erejuwa Anthony, Comr. Ehinmore Jamson, Comr. Obazuaye Monday and Comr. Akintubuwa Bosede.