By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, has reaffirmed its commitment to producing highly skilled, safety-conscious and globally competitive seafarers as it joined the international maritime community to commemorate the 2026 Day of the Seafarer on Thursday, June 25.
Speaking during the celebration held in Lagos, the Acting Rector of MAN Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, described seafarers as the backbone of global shipping, noting that their dedication and resilience remain critical to international trade, economic growth and global connectivity.
He said the Academy was proud to join governments, maritime institutions and industry stakeholders across the world in celebrating seafarers for their invaluable contributions to the movement of goods and services across continents.
According to Dr. Okonna, while the Lagos event was underway, cadets of the Academy were also gathered at the institution’s main auditorium in Oron, Akwa Ibom State, where they participated in a special programme featuring lectures, mentorship sessions and presentations designed to inspire and prepare them for successful careers at sea.
«”On this Day of the Seafarer 2026, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria is proud to identify with and celebrate seafarers all over the world for the onerous work they do to keep the wheel of global commerce constantly turning. As we celebrate here in Lagos, future seafarers are gathered in the Academy’s main auditorium in Oron with lecturers and invited speakers to mentor and prepare them for the future.”»
The Acting Rector reaffirmed the Academy’s unwavering commitment to the effective implementation of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers, 1978 (as amended), stressing that the institution would continue to uphold international standards in maritime education and training.
He also urged Nigerian seafarers to remain disciplined, safety-conscious and professional in the discharge of their responsibilities, assuring them that MAN Oron would continue to equip them with the knowledge, competence and practical skills required to excel in the global maritime industry.
«”The Academy remains committed to implementing the STCW Convention in detail and will continue to produce seafarers who are globally competitive, safety-conscious and outstanding ambassadors of both the Academy and Nigeria,” he said.»
The Day of the Seafarer is observed annually on June 25. It was established by a resolution adopted at the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila, which revised the STCW Convention, to recognise the vital contributions of seafarers to international trade, the global economy and society.
