FUPRE Honours Governor Oborevwori’s Aide, Palmer as SDGs Advocate

…Dedicates award to Ososuakpor, Owhefere.

…Eulogizes Oborevwori for appointing youths into key positions.

By Atikueke Sylvester Ewoma

In a remarkable recognition of his dedication to sustainable development, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Dr. Palmer Ogheneyole Nathaniel, was today, alongside other distinguished Nigerians, bestowed with the prestigious title of SDGs Advocate of FUPRE by the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Ogbomro, Warri, Delta State.

The ceremony which was held at the institution’s SUG Hall saw other prominent Nigerians such as Olorogun Dr Isaac Akpoveta Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, renowned security consultant and Chairman/ Managing Director of Focus Guard Security Limited/ FBI Security, Dr. Shola Mese, Chairman of Etsako East Local Government, Edo State, Hon. Princes Benedicta Attoh and Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, Group Managing Director of Orrion Trust Group as awardees.

Other awardees include Director-General of Watershed Erosion and Climate Change Alhaji Dr. Umah Saleh Anka, Dr. Joyce Ugbusu, Dr. Austin Obidi and several other dignitaries.

In a stirring acceptance speech, Dr. Palmer graciously dedicated the accolade to two influential figures who have left an indelible mark on his journey. Firstly, he paid homage to Dr. Jonathan Oniovoa Ososuakpor, a revered bank executive, industrialist and philanthropist renowned for his tireless efforts in environmental rejuvenation, particularly in his hometown of Emevor where he singlehandedly sponsored the planting of trees for environmental protection and went further to champion the erection of hundreds of solar-powered streetlights to give the community’s nightlife a facelift.

He hailed Dr. Ososuakpor’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and community development as a source of inspiration for his advocacy.

“May I most respectfully dedicate this award to my elder brother, leader and mentor who undoubtedly set the tripod upon which my advocacy took off. Dr. Jonathan Ososuakpor, the Managing Director of Amju Unique Bank, Warri, the man who nurtured my love for nature and the sustainability of the ecosystem. He singlehandedly embarked on the planting of trees in my home community of Emevor for the sustainability of the environment in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of this centre. The trees Ososuakpor planted years ago, like his towering idea for community development, have grown into giant trees that are today shielding us from the crutching sun and at the same time refreshing and protecting our ecosystem”, he said.

Adding that, “I also dedicate this award to the memory of Honorable Barrister Tim Kome Owhefere KSC, a man of gusto, a congressman of no mean feat, a distinguished statesman and former Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, who catalyzed my political trajectory. I will at all times give him the credit for the political visibility I enjoy today. May St. Christopher whom he served dutifully in knighthood continue to intercede for his soul”.

While expressing profound gratitude, to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff F.O Oborevwori, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for the younger generation, Palmer, a confidant and someone renowned to be one of the closest persons to the Governor, acknowledged the Governor’s commitment to fostering opportunities for youth empowerment and inclusion in governance, thereby enabling individuals like himself to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development agenda.

The ceremony served as a testament to Dr. Palmer Ogheneyole Nathaniel’s unwavering dedication to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and his commitment to driving positive change within his community and beyond. As an exemplar of leadership and advocacy, Dr. Palmer continues to inspire others to champion causes that uphold the principles of sustainability, social responsibility and community development.

The ceremony also witnessed the planting of trees within the institution.