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.
The honour according to the organisers is in recognition of 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. The award acknowledges his remarkable efforts in promoting sustainable development in Nigeria.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul Rasheed Na’Allah who presented the prestigious award, said Mustapha’s achievements in promoting sustainable development and his commitment to the SDGs have made a significant impact on the lives of many. Therefore, the award serves as a testament to his dedication and hard work.
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, that the repositioned institution can catalyze Nigeria’s greatness and development.
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. He was member, Federal House of Representatives and a two-term Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 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 distinguished personalties, including H.E Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Brig-Gen. Adewale Adekoya, Acting Director, Nigeria Army Heritage and Future Centre and 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.