Gov. Oborevwori, Manager, Mulade Receive Varsity Awards
By Wilson Macaulay
Burutu, Delta State – The Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, has conferred Awards of Excellence on the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; former Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator James Manager; and renowned peace ambassador, environmentalist, and development advocate, Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade, among others.
Other distinguished awardees include the Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Julius Takeme, and His Royal Highness, Bosu Dio (JP), Ayamabulou 1, the Ibenanawei of Iduwini Kingdom. HRH Dio also serves as the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Niger Delta (TROMPCON), Delta State Chapter, representing the Ijaw ethnic nationalities.
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The awards were presented during the institution’s first convocation ceremony, held on its premises on Saturday, March 8, 2025.
Governor Oborevwori was recognized for his unwavering commitment to upgrading the institution to polytechnic status, making it the first maritime polytechnic in Nigeria and West Africa, second only to South Africa.
Senator James Manager, who served in the National Assembly under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from 2003 to 2023, was honored for his legislative contributions, sponsorship of numerous bills, and dedication to educational advancement in Delta State.
Chief Sheriff Mulade, National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) and Chairman of the Delta State Mini-Football Association, was celebrated for his relentless advocacy for higher education in Ijaw land. As the Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West LGA, he championed the conversion of the former Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu, into a university—alongside institutions such as the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Oleh, and the Delta State University of Education, Agbor—before its eventual upgrade to a polytechnic.
The institution’s management described Chief Mulade’s contributions as “too significant to be ignored,” emphasizing that the award was a recognition of his tireless efforts in educational advocacy.
In his remarks, the Rector of the polytechnic, Professor James Okoro, expressed gratitude to the Delta State Government for ensuring the institution’s successful transition to a polytechnic. He also acknowledged the contributions of other stakeholders, noting that the awards were a testament to the institution’s commitment to honoring individuals who have played pivotal roles in its development and societal progress.
It is worth recalling that the Delta State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Oborevwori as Speaker, had unanimously approved the institution’s upgrade. This followed the passage of a bill that repealed the Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu, Law 2006 and enacted the Delta State Polytechnic, Burutu, Law 2023.
