FG honours Akpodoro as champion of SDGs, partners with FUPRE

The Federal Government, through the Centre for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun, Delta State, has conferred the prestigious Award of Champion and Partner of SDGs on the Mayor of Urhoboland, Eshanekpe Israel, popularly known as Akpodoro.

The award, presented by FUPRE’s Deputy Director of the Centre, Dr. Okezi Odugala, at the Mayor’s palace in Ughelli, recognses his outstanding contributions toward poverty alleviation, hunger eradication, and peacebuilding, which are the key pillars of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaking at the presentation, Odugala emphasised that FUPRE, as Africa’s only specialised petroleum university, plays a crucial role in advancing the UN’s SDG agenda.

He highlighted that Akpodoro was selected based on merit and his sustained commitment to development, particularly in the Niger Delta region.

“Over the years, experts have closely followed Mayor Akpodoro’s activities, and his relentless efforts in community development, peacebuilding, and human empowerment have made him a worthy recipient of this award. FUPRE is eager to collaborate further with him to achieve more milestones in the pursuit of sustainable development for the global community,” Odugala stated.

Expressing his gratitude, Akpodoro dedicated the award to the people of Urhoboland and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing sustainable development.

He highlighted his ongoing efforts in job creation, youth empowerment, and regional peacebuilding, noting that over 1,000 youths are currently under his workforce.

“The peace we enjoy today in the Niger Delta is a result of the sacrifices made by some of us, former militant leaders, who chose dialogue and stability over restiveness. This award is a call to greater responsibility, and I will continue to contribute my quota to human and material development,” he said.

The Mayor also reiterated his strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing confidence in the administration’s future success.

“As we work towards a more prosperous Nigeria, I am certain that the people will renew their trust in President Tinubu in 2027 through overwhelming support at the polls,” he added.