CAPACITY BUILDING: Tetra Foundation Sends 20 Nigerian Cadets To Greece For Maritime Training
By Roland Ekama
In its continued commitment to contributing to the development of the largest technically skilled employment vertical in Nigeria and making the nation a globally competitive maritime hub, the Tetra Foundation on Monday, 14th October 2024, sent another batch of 20 cadets to the Metropolitan College Maritime Academy in Greece for a four-year course, fully sponsored by the organization.
The scholarship covers all travel expenses, tuition fees, accommodation, and other necessary costs for the entire duration of their stay in Greece.
Speaking at the departure ceremony held at the office in Lagos, Director , Tetra Foundation, Ejiofor Onyiuke addressed the beneficiaries, describing the initiative as a “world of opportunities, adventure, and growth, both professionally and personally.”
He encouraged the cadets, stating that the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry rested on their shoulders:”Today marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in your lives. As you prepare to embark on your journey to The Metropolitan College Maritime Academy in Greece, you carry with you not only your hopes and dreams but also the vision of Tetra Foundation, the entire Nigerian maritime industry, and the blessings of your loving families,” he said.
“I want to congratulate each one of you on earning a place in the 2024/2025 Seafarers Program. This is not just a scholarship—this is a gateway to a world of opportunities, adventure, and growth, both professionally and personally.”
To the proud parents present, Ejiofor extended his heartfelt congratulations: “I can only imagine the pride swelling in your hearts as you watch your children take this bold step toward their future. It is no small feat to witness your wards earn a place in such a prestigious program. You have every reason to be proud, and we celebrate this moment with you.”
Acknowledging the concerns of parents sending their children far from home, Ejiofor assured them that the Foundation’s representatives in Greece would be responsible for the cadets’ well-being: “Rest assured, your wards are in very capable hands. Upon their arrival in Greece, they will be received by our trusted company representatives from our Greece office. These dedicated individuals will be responsible for their well-being throughout their stay and will provide all the support they need—both in their academic journey and their personal lives. Their safety, comfort, and success are our utmost priority, and we are committed to ensuring they are fully supported.”
On a final note to the beneficiary’s, Ejiofor submitted by saying; “Work hard, stay focused, and remember that you carry the hopes of your families, your country, and the entire Nigerian maritime community on your shoulders. This is an opportunity to learn, to build lifelong friendships, and to return as skilled professionals ready to make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s maritime sector.”
Also speaking at the ceremony, Rear Admiral Patrick Ozojiofor (rtd), another Director of the Foundation, urged the cadets to be exemplary representatives of Nigeria, the Foundation, and their families:
“We want you to be good ambassadors of your country regardless of where you are going for training. Make a good image of Nigeria.”
He further added that the organization’s aim is for the cadets to become future leaders in the maritime sector: “We want you to form a strong alumni in years to come and to create a formidable group that will make Nigeria’s shipping industry great.”
He reminded the cadets of their responsibilities: “Do not disappoint your parents, the country, and this organization. What we want to do for you is to make you great.”
According to Ozojiofor, thousands of applications were received, but only 20 cadets were selected based on merit and without favoritism: “We have selected you, but what you become in the future depends on your choices. Shipping is all about discipline. We want to make you notable representatives of Nigeria’s maritime workforce and position you to gain employment anywhere in the world.”
“Do not let the company, your parents, and the country hear bad news about you,” he concluded.
Recall that in 2023, the Tetra Foundation sponsored 10 cadets to the same academy in Greece, as part of its ongoing efforts to groom world-class seafarers from Nigeria. This initiative continues to build a pipeline of world-class Nigerian seafarers, positioning the nation as a key player in the global maritime industry.
