The Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State has bestowed an award of Excellence on High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo.

The award was In recognition of Tompolo’s contribution to the growth and development of the foremost Maritime University in Nigeria.

Mr Iseru Ebike led a high-power team of the institution to present the award on Wednesday in Warri.

Dr Paul Bebenimibo, Media Consultant to Tompolo, received the award on behalf of the awardee.

Speaking at the presentation, Ebike lauded Tompolo’s unequalled and patriotic commitment to the growth and development of the maritime university.

Ebike, a lecturer at the NMU said that Tompolo’s various intervention projects in the University had helped to place the institution on the part of accelerated growth.

He noted that the "Mieka Dive” project, which was very dear to Tompolo, eventually became the cornerstone of the NMU, Okerenkoko.

“We express our deepest appreciation to you for the numerous intervention projects you have embarked upon for the advancement of our dear university.

“Your various targeted assistance has gone a long way to ameliorate the various challenges that have confronted the university community.

“You are our single biggest benefactor, and we shall continue to hold you in high esteem.

“Your foresight and futuristic thoughts brought our dear university into life in the first instance.

“While many of your contemporaries were in the crave to invest in foreign jurisdictions.

“You made the conscious choice to build and equip a multi-billion-naira world class institution to train divers.

“In a location that the uninitiated eyes will consider unviable for such unprecedented infrastructural edifice.

“Mieka Dive, which was a project dear to your heart, eventually became the cornerstone of the premier Maritime University in Nigeria – The Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko,” he said.

The lecturer said that Tompolo had provided a safe haven for the University since inception to run a smooth academic and other social activities.

“We are witnessing the smooth operation of academic and other activities in the university.

“Almost six years after its take-off, no single incident of kidnapping or any other crime has been recorded anywhere, even remotely close to any of the campuses of the university.

“You have provided a safe place for us to live, work and learn. We say thank you GOC,” Ebike said.

Responding, Dr Bebenimibo expressed joy over the honour, describing the gesture as very heartwarming.

“It is heartwarming to see that the seed we planted is growing and waxing strong. There is none of its kind,” he said.

The erudite scholar and Lecturer at the Delta State University, Abraka described his master as a unique personality with a heart of gold.

Dr Bebenimibo urged the Lecturers in the NMU to try their hardest towards moving the institution to greater heights.

“Some of you are now Senior Lecturers. The non-academic staff are climbing the ladder through earned promotions.

“I believe from here, we will move higher and get to the peak of our career.

“I charge you to do your best, and let’s have this collaboration to move this institution forward,” Bebenimibo said.