ONC Commends Assembly As Isaka Sea School Re-establishment Bill Scales First Reading

Notable Niger Delta socio-cultural group, the Orashi National Congress, ONC, has commended the Rivers State House of Assembly over a bill seeking to re-establish the Government Sea School, Isaka, in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

 

The bill, sponsored by Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, scaled its first reading during the 69th legislative sitting of the Assembly on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, ONC President General, Amb. Comrade Emeni Ibe, also praised Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari, member representing Ahoada West Constituency, for attending the sitting.

According to the Congress, the proposed legislation seeks to reposition the institution as a modern maritime and vocational training centre, with updated operational standards to meet industry demands and support the growing blue economy.

Ibe described the proposed re-establishment as a strategic development for Rivers State, particularly for riverine communities whose residents depend on maritime activities for their livelihoods.

He noted that a functional sea school would provide young people with professional maritime training and certification, improve employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s maritime sector.

The ONC President General urged the Assembly, under Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, to expedite consideration and passage of the bill, while calling on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to assent to it when passed.

He added that the institution could provide valuable opportunities for youths across Orashi’s riverine communities and enhance their competitiveness in the maritime industry.