As the race for Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Udu Federal Constituency heats up ahead of 2027, frontline House of Representatives Aspirant, Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete JP, has been honoured with the Explorers Leadership Award_ for his “people-first, results-driven” approach to leadership in both private and public service.
The award was presented by the President of Explorers Innovative Initiative, EII, Chief Onos Gold Ekpuda, during the association’s 6th Annual General Meeting/Reunion 2026 held on Friday, May 2, 2026, at Goldstep Hotel, Delta State.
The recognition comes as PDP stakeholders in U3 intensify consultations ahead of party primaries. In his citation, Chief Ekpuda described Dr. Akpodiete as “great, proactive, visionary, tactical, results-oriented, team-driven, listening, and inclusive”_ — traits delegates say the constituency needs at the National Assembly.
Responding, Dr. Akpodiete said the award reinforces his resolve to offer quality representation. _“This honour will motivate me to continue showing exemplary leadership across private and public sectors. U3 deserves a voice that listens, unites, and delivers. That is the mandate I seek,”_ he told reporters.
Dr. Akpodiete served as the immediate past President of EII. Under his tenure, the association recorded several milestones. Notable among them was the successful hosting of Explorers Day at the Department of Physics, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. At the event, cash prizes were awarded to best performing students, while textbooks on geophysics and physics were donated to the department to aid learning and research.
His administration also presented awards of excellence to the former Vice Chancellor of the University, the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, and distinguished lecturers of the department for their contributions to academia. Another major achievement was the formal registration of the association with the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, giving EII full legal status.
The 2026 AGM featured a seminar by Emeritus President Okogie Felix Ugbesia on _“Mid Life Transition: From Crisis to Catalyst.”_ Other highlights included the unveiling of the maiden edition of _The Explorers Magazine_, adoption of an amended constitution, and a presentation of achievements by the new executive council.
Other members honoured with Explorers Awards were Explorer Florence Agbator, Ejiro Agbonifo, Erharuyi Erhunmwunsee, Olumide Ogundowole, and Eribo Osasu.
The reunion was well attended by members including Jonathan Balogun, Itota Godwin, Ufuoma Akpehre, Idahosa Collins, Omatsola Boyo, Violet Etsano, and Dickson Okhiria, among others.
Explorers Innovative Initiative is a group of diverse professionals who graduated from Department of physics Class 2004 from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, committed to leadership and membership development, innovation, and community service.
