AAU Honours Akpodiete for Contributions to Health, Education, Youth Empowerment ~ Truth Reporters

 

Hon. Dr. Olotu Otemu Akpodiete, Executive Director of the Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF), has been honoured by the Faculty of Physical Sciences, Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, with a Special Award of Recognition as a Distinguished Alumnus.

The award was presented during the faculty's 3rd Annual International Conference and Exhibition held on Tuesday in Ekpoma. The conference, themed "Uniting Physical Sciences for Innovation," brought together academics, researchers, alumni and stakeholders to explore the role of the physical sciences in driving innovation and sustainable development.

Presenting the award, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. F.O. Ikpotokin, commended alumni and other stakeholders for their continued contributions to teaching, research and infrastructural development within the faculty.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Eunice E. Omonzejie, congratulated the award recipients, students and management of the faculty for sustaining the institution's tradition of academic excellence.

The conference featured a keynote lecture delivered by Prof. Daniel Okuonghae, while lead papers were presented by Prof. Susan and Dr. Sunny Okosun.

An elated Akpodiete described the recognition as the most cherished award he had received, attributing the honour to the unwavering support of members of the Explorers Innovative Initiative (EII), where he served as immediate past president.

"This is the best award I have received so far," he said, dedicating the honour to members of EII for their commitment to the development of the department over the past four years.

Akpodiete highlighted the interventions of OERAF in health, education and community development, noting that the foundation has enrolled more than 500 residents in the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, a feat that earned it recognition from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as a Health Insurance Ambassador.

He said the foundation has also awarded scholarships and cash grants to students of Delta State University, Oleh Campus, and Government College, Ughelli, while providing grants, skills training and financial support to more than 100 widows, elderly women and young entrepreneurs.

According to him, OERAF has conducted medical outreach programmes across Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, organised security training for community leaders and vigilante groups, supported sports development across Delta State and executed community water projects in Ughelli South.

Akpodiete also highlighted the contributions of the Explorers Innovative Initiative to Ambrose Alli University, including the donation of a mobile public address system, Physics and Geophysics textbooks, cash grants to students and the presentation of awards to the university management, the faculty dean and lecturers during the annual Explorers Day celebration.

Other recipients of the Special Award of Recognition were Hon. Odinigwe Odogi, Dr. Oluwashina Aladejubelo, Prof. Omonzejie and Mrs. Gladys Edoigiawerie.

The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Omi Ujuanbi, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to participants, guests and sponsors for their support towards the successful hosting of the conference.