President Goodluck Jonathan has approved N2billion maritime training institute in Obuama community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State for the training of ex-militants and other Nigerians.
The institute, which is expected to metamorphose into a Maritime University when completed, will mark the end of training of ex-militants in maritime related studies outside Nigeria.
The presidential adviser on the Niger Delta, Kingsley Kuku disclosed this recently when he visited the Obu-Ama community to assess the site of the proposed maritime training institute which will commence operation within the next one year.
Accompanied by the leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, Asari Dokubo, Kuku explained that the presidential amnesty office has already defended the project before the National Assembly during deliberations on the 2014 appropriation budget.
He explained that the presidency decided to site the project in Obu-Ama as part of President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda and the need to bring development to the coastal communities.
Kuku said the construction of the maritime institute, which will admit some 500 ex-militants, will cost about N2 billion.
He said the project would include hostel facilities and staff quarters for teachers.