The Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced the legislative process towards the re-establishment of Government Sea School, Isaka, in Okrika Local Government Area, following the First Reading of a bill sponsored by the lawmaker representing Okrika State Constituency, Hon. Linda Somiari Stewart.
The bill, which was presented during plenary, seeks to repeal the Rivers State Sports Institute Law and establish a legal framework for restoring Government Sea School, Isaka, as a maritime and vocational training institution.
The proposed legislation is aimed at providing young people in Okrika and other parts of Rivers State with opportunities to acquire practical skills and professional competencies to participate in the maritime industry and the emerging blue economy.
Speaking on the development, Stewart described the First Reading as a significant step towards restoring an institution whose purpose reflects the maritime heritage and aspirations of riverine communities.
According to her, the proposed legislation will provide for the school’s governance, funding and administration while updating its operational mandate to meet contemporary maritime training requirements.
She noted that young people in Rivers State deserved opportunities to translate the state’s maritime resources and heritage into practical skills, productive livelihoods and meaningful careers.
Stewart observed that the rivers and creeks of the state had sustained generations of residents, adding that, with appropriate education and vocational training, they could also provide new pathways to economic prosperity.
She explained that the vision behind the bill was to establish a sea school capable of equipping young people from Okrika and across Rivers State with the knowledge, technical competence and discipline required to participate meaningfully in the maritime sector.
The lawmaker stressed that achieving the objective would require a clear institutional mandate, effective administration and sustained commitment to maritime education.
Stewart expressed appreciation to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, and members of the Assembly for their support for the legislative initiative.
She also acknowledged the contributions of the bill’s co-sponsors, Hon. Arnold Davids, Hon. Tonye Adoki, Hon. Enemi George, Hon. Igwe Aforji, Hon. Azeru Opara and Hon. Nkemjika Ezekwe.
According to her, their collective commitment reflects a shared determination to expand access to education, vocational skills and economic opportunities for the people of Rivers State.
The First Reading marks the initial stage of the legislative process, with further consideration required before the proposed legislation can become law.
If passed and implemented, the bill could provide an institutional framework for restoring Government Sea School, Isaka, and strengthening maritime and vocational education in the state.
The initiative is also expected to support efforts to prepare young people for employment and entrepreneurship in marine transportation, maritime logistics and other related industries.
Stewart maintained that Rivers State’s maritime heritage should open doors for future generations, stressing that equipping young people with relevant skills would contribute to stronger communities and sustainable prosperity.