30 Beneficiaries of Julius Pondi Foundation Graduates From Marine Institute

The Member representing Burutu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Honourable Julius Pondi has assured his constituents that he would continue to embark on programmes that would add value to the lives of the people.

Honourable Pondi stated this at Obotobo One community in Ogulagha kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area while presenting certificates to thirty youths who recently graduated from the Joe Marine Institute of Nautical Studies and Research under his scholarship programme.

He said he decided to train the thirty youths in different fields in the maritime industry as available records showed that the country had a shortfall of fifty thousand seafarers to effectively man the maritime sector adding that the peculiarities of the region made them suitable to work in the maritime industry.

The Federal lawmaker urged the thirty graduands to leverage on their new skills and knowledge acquired to improve their lives and contribute positively to the maritime industry promising to continue to give robust and effective representation as well as embarking on various empowerment programmes.

While stressing that the thirty youths were drawn from the various wards in Burutu Federal Constituency Honourable Pondi noted that the training was part of concerted efforts to assist youths earn living for themselves.

The Managing Director, Joe Marine Institute of Nautical Studies and Research, Mr Kenneth Epidei said the thirty youths were trained in maritime technology, nautical science and maritime engineering among others for six months and have been certified fit to enter the maritime industry.

He said the institute was renowned for the training of marine officers and ratings for the maritime industry and commended Honourable Julius Pondi for the training exercise as all expenses were paid by him and called on elected and appointed officials of government to emulate him.

Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Kerien Ekeredubamor thanked Honourable Julius Pondi for sponsoring their training saying it was a worthy venture as they were set to sail as Marine Engineer Assistance and Deck hands in the maritime sector and promised to be good ambassadors of the Julius Pondi Foundation.

The highpoint was the presentation of certificates of competence in Marine Technology, Seaman Discharge book as well as international passports and other certifications.

Meanwhile, hundreds of women, children, youths and elders were given free medical test, treatment and drugs on the sideline of the Honourable Julius Pondi Peace Cup final competition.