Abdulkadir, Okonna Sue for Discipline, Teamwork As NSML Inducts 21Youths Into Cadetship Programme
The Managing Director Chief Executive Officer of NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) Ahmed Abdulkadir and Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Dr. Kevin Okonna have urged young Seafarers to uphold discipline, teamwork while focusing firmly on their career path
Speaking at the cadet induction programme for 21 young aspiring seafarers,Abdulkadir and Okonna described seafaring as pivotal to the survival of the global maritime industry
Speaking on the Theme, Celebrating Excellence in Maritime Development,
MD Abdulkadir reiterated that Seafarers are the lifeblood of the shipping industry, served as the output for the procurement and manufacturing of shipping goods.
He noted that, in the era of rapid technological change, expanding international trade, the need for weather training has become critical, and highly skilled seafarers are becoming greater.
He highlighted the on-going education, practical experience, and professional development that will ensure the industry will be resilient and the native professionals will be safe.
“At NSML, we recognize the importance of investing in the next generation of maritime professionals. Our Cadetship Scheme is designed to provide a comprehensive and structured learning program, keeping them in skills, knowledge, and expertise required to excel in this dynamic industry”.
Speaking further, He said, “Through this programme, we aim not only to develop promising seafarers, but also to inspire others who will shape the future of the maritime sector. By investing in the development of qualified and skilled seafarers, we are equally addressing the global perennial shortage of skilled professionals and ensuring the sustainability of our industry, while deepening our interest in the global maritime sector”,
NSML boss insisted that, the relaunch of this Cadetship Programme is a testament to NSML’s purpose and vision.
“One, to participate in a prosper international maritime market, as well as to be a recognized international leader in integrating shipping and maritime services, providing innovative and sustainable maritime solutions.
By investing in our next generation of maritime professionals, we are laying the foundation for us becoming the vital center of excellence, not only in Nigeria, but across the world”.
He reiterated that, as the largest employer of seafarers in Nigeria, the company is committed to domesticating international shipping skill sets and standards, with the believe that by developing local talent and expertise, NSML is contributing to the growth and development of the Nigerian maritime industry, thus creating opportunities for economic advancement and global competitiveness.
“Our commitment to excellence goes beyond cadetship adding, at present, the International Maritime Center of Excellence, MCOE, which is already the administrative body for the Cadetship Programme, embodies standard income of world-class training. We have, as of last count, secured UK NCEU accreditation for four of our courses, Human Elements in Leadership and Management, Health, Health Operational, Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems, and the Basic Electrocardio quide Gas Tanker Operations. We are also in the process of upgrading our facility, such that it will become the advanced life-hack training center in Africa”.
Abdulkadir further projected that NSML expectation is that this time next year, it will be celebrating the full accreditation of that center. It is now beginning that the training and development skills of seafarers really is the foundation of the industry.
According to him, without seafarers, there would not be shipping in the maritime industry.
He expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude to partners, stakeholders, but most importantly to the management and staff of Nigeria LFGIP, who, without whom, would not be at the forefront of the sponsorship of cadetship programme.
“We are proud to continue on that path and take up this responsibility, reaffirming our dedication to capacity-developing the industry condition.
Together, we can shape the future of the maritime industry and contribute to the development of the Nigerian maritime sector.
To you, the successful 21 cadets, who have gone through a transparent and rigorous selection process, I ask you to seize this opportunity with both hands, be diligent, be disciplined, be focused, and most importantly, be committed to excellence. Take advantage of the training, the mentorship, and the exposure that this program offers you. Develop your skills, build your networks, and strive to become the best version of yourselves.
Because ultimately, this industry and the survival of it rests in your hands. Let us embrace this opportunity to learn from you, inspire our mission, and raise the standards of maritime excellence”. He concluded.
Also speaking at the event, Okonna said the seafaring opportunity is the outcome of a process of negotiating with the NSML for the purpose of providing opportunities on board their ships for cadets of Maritime Academy.
He commended the NSML and it’s parent company,Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) for being outstanding and supportive to the Maritime Academy of Nigeria over the years
Okonna said “If there were two companies in the world globally that I would want to send our cadets to work NSML will be the top one and we have a very long history with the NSML
“They had a cadetship training program in the 90s into the early 2000s.Many cadets from Maritime Academy of Nigeria were trained by the NSML for their mandatory sea time and many of them went on to be the top officers operating those vessels. In fact, the first Nigerian to captain an NSML NLNG ship to be precise is an ex-cadet of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Captain Yusuf Hambali is a product of Maritime Academy of Nigeria. The first Nigerian to captain manage an NSML ship.
“So we needed to recreate that relationship . As soon as I took over the management of the institution I had my sight on recreating that special relationship we had with the NSML but today has brought much more glory than I anticipated because we are not only here to celebrate the conclusion of the process of having an agreement for cadetship training having an agreement with the NSML for training of cadets of Maritime Academy of Nigeria but we’re here to celebrate NSML’s own program for training of cadets independent of that agreement.
“So we now have a two-pronged opportunity for training cadets of Maritime Academy of Nigeria under our own agreement and training Nigerian Merchant Navy cadets under the NSML’s own program” Okonna said
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