By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
THE national leadership of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) says the honorary doctoral degrees conferred on the duo of His Majesty, Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Seriyai II, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom, and High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), is most appropriate and well-deserved.
In a statement signed by Ken Robinson, PhD, PANDEF’s National Publicity Secretary and made available to Stonix News on Wednesday, the apex Niger Delta sociocultural organisation congratulated the duo for their contributions to humanity and the Niger Delta.
Diette-Spiff, pioneer Military Governor of Old Rivers State and Tompolo were conferred with Honorary Doctoral Degrees by the Nigeria Maritime University during its maiden convocation ceremony at Okerenkoko, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, last weekend.
PANDEF averred that the conferment of the Doctor of Education (Honoris Causa) on High Chief Ekemupolo by the university is “most appropriate and well-deserved, given his extraordinary foresight, vision, and contributions to educational development in Delta State, particularly the establishment of Mienka Dive, a model diving institute, which helped to midwife the take-off of the Nigeria Maritime University, as well as his peace-building efforts in the Niger Delta region.”
Describing Tompolo as a dynamic and prolific mobilizer of men and resources , PANDEF said “his various efforts in creating value and contributing to the sustenance of peace in the Niger Delta, and the development of the national economy, particularly through Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd, deserve commendations.
“PANDEF is likewise delighted at the installation of His Majesty, King Dr. Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, the pioneer Co-Chairman of the PANDEF Steering Committee, and current Co-Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the flagship regional body, as Chancellor of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), and his admittance into the degree of Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) Honoris Causa.
“PANDEF commends the Management and Staff of the Nigeria Maritime University for the honour bestowed on these great men as well as the impressive running of the university.
“Noting that the reopening of the university for academic activities at the Nigeria Maritime University was one of the items in the “16-Point Demand” presented to the federal government on 1st November 2016 by PANDEF, It is, thus, gratifying that the University is alive and well.
“We equally use this opportunity to thank the Visitor to the University, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the federal government’s continued support to the university.”
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