-- Akeem Akilo 

Abuja, Nigeria - June 28, 2024

Senator Lekan Mustapha, CON, has been bestowed with the esteemed award of Excellence in Sustainable Environment for his outstanding contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The award was presented at a ceremony organized by the University of Abuja's Sustainable Development Centre (SDC) in collaboration with MDA Engineering Construction Nigeria Limited.

Senator Mustapha's dedication and commitment to the SDGs during his tenure as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the 9th Senate were recognized and celebrated. The award acknowledges his remarkable efforts in promoting sustainable development in Nigeria.

The prestigious award was presented by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul Rasheed Na'Allah. Senator Lekan Mustapha's achievements in promoting sustainable development and his commitment to the SDGs have made a significant impact on the lives of many. This award serves as a testament to his dedication and hard work.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah says the repositioned institution can catalyze Nigeria’s greatness and development.

Na’Allah told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja at the sidelines of the award ceremony organised by the University’s Sustainable Development Centre (SDC) in honour of him as the “Best Performed” Vice Chancellor of the institution.

The VC who is set to bow out from office in a few days, after five years of impactful tenure said that the institution has been transformed in line with international best practices, to address some of the nation’s problems.

He said the introduction of strategic courses/centres such as the SDC, leadership Centre, Security Centre, aeronautical engineering, and nuclear engineering among others has positioned the university as a catalyst to fast-track the nation’s development.

Senator Lekan Mustapha has had a distinguished political career, rising through the ranks from Local Government Chairman to Board Member of various Federal Government Parastatals, then to Federal House of Representatives Member, and ultimately becoming a two-term Senator. Notably, as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on SDGs in the 9th Senate, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication, earning him the accolade of best Senator in the implementation and execution of SDGs goals by the award organizers. His remarkable journey and achievements are a testament to his commitment to public service and his ability to drive meaningful change.

The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including H.E Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Sustainable Development Goals and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Brig-Gen. Adewale Adekoya, Acting Director, Nigeria Army Heritage and Future Centre,

Prof. Sule Magaji, Director, Sustainable Development Centre (SDC).

Also in attendance were; Hon. (Barr.) Adeleke Oluwafemi Ogunbanwo, Member, House of Representatives, Ijebu Central Federal Constituency; Hon. Afolabi Afuape, Member, House of Representatives, Abeokuta South Federal Constituency; Asiwaju Tele Ogunjobi, FCA; Prof. Aisha Sani Maikudi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics); Prof. Philip Uso Afaha, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration); Mr Yahaya I. Mohammed, Registrar and many other esteemed dignitaries, making it a memorable and prestigious occasion.