Monarch, Former Minister Attend Investiture Honouring Akpoveta with UN-POLAC Peace Ambassador Award
By Ezekiel Kagbala
Ughelli, Delta State — The Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, His Majesty, Evangelist Wilson Ojakovo Oharisi III, and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Stephen Orise Oru, on Saturday joined array of distinguished personalities to witness the investiture of Olorogun (Dr.) Isaac Akpoveta, who was honoured with the prestigious United Nations Positive Livelihood Award Centre, UN-POalAC International Peace Advocate Award.
The colourful ceremony, held at Akpoveta’s Ofuoma residence in Ughelli North Local Government Area, drew Ughelli traditional ruler, UN-POLAC officials, government functionaries, business leaders, civil society representatives, community elders, and a host of well-wishers from across Nigeria.
The event marked a significant milestone in Dr. Akpoveta’s long-standing contributions to humanitarian service, health sector reforms, and grassroots development initiatives. In addition to the peace ambassador title, he was conferred with a Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) and appointed Patron of UN-POLAC for the South-South region—a recognition that further elevates his leadership profile in peace-building and social impact.
Akpoveta, the Director General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, In his acceptance speech, expressed profound gratitude for the honours, describing them as “a renewed call to greater service, responsibility, and unwavering commitment to the cause of humanity.”
He noted that the recognitions strongly align with his personal values of justice, peace, and inclusive development, emphasizing that societies thrive when people feel safe, respected, and valued.
“Every life matters, and every human being deserves dignity, equity, and hope. Peaceful societies create the foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity,” he stated.
Dr. Akpoveta used the occasion to highlight the need for community-driven peace efforts, stressing that conflict disproportionately affects vulnerable groups.
“When trouble comes, the rich may escape, but the elderly, the disabled, and underserved groups have nowhere to run. This is why we must deliberately create peace,” he said.
He described the hoisting of the UN-POLAC flag in Ofuoma as a symbolic gesture, one that represents the community’s commitment to champion peace, and development-oriented values.
Dr. Akpoveta dedicated his honours to vulnerable citizens across Delta State, reaffirming his pledge to continue supporting philanthropy, capacity building, and programmes that uplift underserved populations.
Speaking on behalf of the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, Olorogun Peter Akpofure commended the honouree, describing Dr. Akpoveta as “a worthy son of our great land whose achievements continue to bring honour to the Ughelli Kingdom both nationally and internationally.”
He praised Akpoveta’s humility, dedication to service, and consistent contributions to peace and development, noting that the community is proud of his global recognition.
Other dignitaries at the event included political leaders, traditional title holders, senior government officials, and peace ambassadors from various states who commended the UN-POLAC for acknowledging Dr. Akpoveta’s impact.
Guests described the investiture as timely, especially as Nigeria continues to explore avenues for strengthening social harmony and fostering peaceful coexistence across diverse communities.
The ceremony concluded with goodwill messages, the official hoisting of UN-POALAC flags and decoration of Dr. Akpoveta with the UN-POLAC insignia.
