By Kennedy Atevure & Stanley Azeza,
The Olotu and Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) has launched a series of impactful community events in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, in memory of the late Chief Dr. Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., a revered leader and philanthropist.
In April 2025, the foundation, led by its Executive Director, Dr. Olotu Otemu Akpodiete, Ph.D. (JP), organized memorial activities aimed at advancing education, security, healthcare, and women empowerment across the community.
A key highlight was a public lecture on the importance of health insurance held at Okparabe in Ughelli South and Otor-Udu in Udu LGA. Dr. Akpodiete emphasized the critical role of health insurance in societal well-being and praised the Delta State government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for making health insurance affordable at just ₦7,000 per person, compared to the federal scheme’s ₦40,000.
Representing the Director General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, Mr. Emmanuel Akpofure commended Dr. Akpodiete for sponsoring the registration of over 400 indigents across the Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency into the scheme — a pioneering gesture in the area.
Further activities included a memorial lecture on conflict resolution and community security held at Ughelli Kingdom Hall. Speaking at the event, Dr. Akpodiete reaffirmed OERAF’s commitment to promoting peace and security in local communities, reflecting the values of his late grandfather, who served as Otota (spokesperson) of Ughelli Kingdom.
Security expert Mr. Sylvester Obose, the guest lecturer, underscored the importance of conflict prevention, response, and resolution in sustaining community safety.
To bolster local security, members of the Delta State Advisory Council, Olorogun Major Patrick Egone (Rtd) and Chief Emmanuel Ogbonene, presented new communication gadgets to security groups in Erhuwarien, Ekredjebo, and Ughelli Kingdom.
As part of the remembrance activities, OERAF also organized a debate competition-focused lecture for students in Ughelli North, held on April 10, 2025. In his address, Dr. Akpodiete encouraged youths to prioritize academic excellence, pledging continued support for quality education.
Chairman of the event, Olorogun Dr. Chris Oharisi, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Delta State College of Health Science and Technology, urged students to embrace patriotism and commitment to their studies, emphasizing debate as a tool for developing public speaking skills.
The Principal of Government College, Ughelli, Mr. Samson Obor, thanked the foundation for investing in the educational future of Delta youth.
Highlighting the life of the late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Barrister (Mrs.) Agboka Akpodiete-Omale described him as a disciplined, generous community leader and philanthropist, whose legacy of integrity continues through his descendants.
Extending the outreach, OERAF also awarded soft grants to 30 women from Otor-Ihwreko community to support small businesses. Guest speaker Chief Dr. Linda Ikpuri, a member of the Warri South Properties and Investment Board, advised beneficiaries to utilize the grants wisely, warning that opportunities squandered rarely return.
In her remarks, Chief Dr. Ikpuri praised OERAF’s impactful programs and pledged collaboration to further community development.
The remembrance activities culminated with a novelty football match at Ughelli Public Field on April 11, 2025. In an exciting game that ended 1-1, the children of the late Chief Akpodiete’s team scored first before the grandchildren's team equalized via a penalty kick.
Following the match, Dr. Akpodiete appealed to the Ughelli North Local Government Council to upgrade the Ughelli Public Field into a mini-stadium, noting its longstanding significance to the community.
Dignitaries at the match included representatives from the Ughelli North Local Government Council, family members, and community leaders. The day concluded with the presentation of cash prizes, group photographs, and light refreshments.
Through these initiatives, OERAF continues to honor the memory of Chief Dr. Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete by uplifting the lives of the people he served.
