The Federal Ministry of Education, through the Centre for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun, Delta State, has conferred the prestigious title of Champion/Partner on the Mayor of Urhoboland, Eshanekpe Israel, also known as Akpodoro.
The award was presented by the Deputy Director of the Centre, Dr. Okezi Odugala, to the Mayor at his Mayoral Palace in Ughelli, the traditional headquarters of the Urhobo-speaking people worldwide.
This honor recognizes the Mayor’s monumental strides in addressing key aspects of poverty, hunger, and peace-building—core elements of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations members in 2015, introduced 17 global SDGs aimed at promoting “peace and prosperity for people and the planet.”
These goals are designed to combat climate change, preserve oceans and forests, and tackle a variety of global challenges.
Dr. Odugala, in his speech, highlighted that FUPRE is a significant player in advancing the SDGs, being the only university of its kind on the African continent.
He noted that the management of FUPRE has recognized the Mayor as a key partner and Champion of the SDGs in the region and beyond.
He emphasized that experts have closely monitored the Mayor’s activities over the years, leading to the decision to confer the award based on merit and sound reasoning.
Dr. Odugala described the award as unique, driven by excellence and unblemished integrity. He stated that FUPRE is eager to continue its collaboration with the Mayor to achieve even greater SDG outcomes for the global community.
In his acceptance speech, the Mayor expressed deep gratitude to the Federal Government, FUPRE, and the United Nations. He assured them that the recognition would motivate him to redouble his efforts.
The Mayor emphasized that he would do everything within his power to contribute to the advancement of human and material development.
Notably, he mentioned that he has employed over 1,000 youths in his workforce as part of his commitment to addressing poverty, and his ongoing initiatives to foster lasting peace in the Niger Delta region.
“The relative peace we enjoy today in the Niger Delta is the result of the efforts of some of us, including ex-militant leaders, who chose peace over restiveness.
This choice has borne fruit,” the Mayor said. “I remain committed to ensuring that this peace endures. Through my human empowerment programs, I am striving to lift our people out of abject poverty.”
The Mayor further described the award as a call to further action for humanity. He pledged to continue his efforts to touch lives positively and foster peace wherever he goes.
He also thanked the management and staff of FUPRE, particularly the Centre for SDGs, for their support.
As the head of the Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown (AUMFC), the Mayor reaffirmed his support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He expressed confidence that the people of the nation would overwhelmingly renew his mandate in the 2027 elections, assuring that they would vote for him in large numbers.
