BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
THE Global Director of Africanist Inclusion in Diaspora, Mr Samuel Okehebunor has praised Delta State’s sustainable development efforts and urged united action against illegal oil theft.
Okehebunor made the remarks at the fourth Anniversary and Roundtable on Sustainable Development hosted by the Centre for Sustainable Development (FUPRE-CSD), Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun.
The event, themed “Sustainable Partnership Against Crude Oil Theft, Pipeline Vandalism and Illegal Mining”, was held recently in Asaba, where Mr Okehebunor was also formally presented with the prestigious 2025 Fellowship Award by FUPRE-CSD. Commending the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Okehebunor highlighted programmes in community-based environmental management, renewable energy pilots, and youth-led agricultural cooperatives as progressive examples of sustainability.
“Delta State has set an inspiring example of how government, academia, and civil society can work together to foster sustainable livelihoods. However, our progress is being severely undermined by illegal oil theft, an illicit trade that drains state revenue, damages our ecosystems, and fuels insecurity,” he said.
Okehebunor emphasised the need for a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder response. Government agencies, he said, must enhance surveillance and enforcement efforts; oil companies should increase transparency and invest in local engagement; while traditional and community leaders must galvanise grassroots support to report and prevent sabotage.
“We need every voice in Delta; traditional councils, industry leaders, youth groups, to speak with one accord against oil vandalism. Only then can we protect our environment and secure the resources needed for sustainable development,” he urged.
Okehebunor expressed gratitude to FUPRE for the fellowship honour, reaffirming his commitment to building a fairer, more resilient, and sustainable society. Meanwhile, the Centre Director, Dr Elias Elemike congratulated Okehebunor, describing him as a perfect embodiment of the centre’s mission.
“Okehebunor represents the interdisciplinary spirit we champion. His global advocacy, grassroots mobilisation, and academic collaborations make him an ideal ambassador for sustainable development,” Dr Elemike said.
According to Dr Elemike, since founding the Okehebunor Foundation, the awardee has led projects across Africa in education, vocational training, and women’s health.
