ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Institute of Security and Strategic Studies has conferred its 2026 Outstanding Member Award on Dr. Olotu Akpodiete, Executive Director of the Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation, in recognition of his outstanding academic and professional standing and his commitment to promoting the highest world standards in security management.
The award was presented at the 1st Annual ISSS Security Conference 2026 held in Abuja with the theme: “Building a Resilient National Security Ecosystem: Innovation, Intelligence, and Community Partnership for a Safer Nigeria.”
The high-level conference was chaired by Major General Garba Audu (Rtd), who delivered the welcome address. The keynote address was delivered by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd) OFR, Honourable Minister of Defence. Other lead speakers at the event included Dr. Bello Abdullahi, Ms. Patricia Eromosele, Amb. Ken Nwachukwu, and Dr. Stephen Olori.
Dr. Akpodiete was honoured alongside other distinguished awardees including His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, Executive Governor of Taraba State; Sir Chikwe Udenisi; Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote; Captain Michael Sunday Ige; and Barr. Chamberlain Asuoha.
Responding after receiving the award, Dr. Akpodiete appreciated the Institute for the honour, noting that the recognition would further motivate him to continue contributing to the development of security management in Nigeria.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this award from the Institute of Security and Strategic Studies. This recognition is not just for me; it is for all those who have worked tirelessly to promote peace, security, and community development in Delta State and across Nigeria. It will spur me to do more,” Dr. Akpodiete stated.
Through the Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation, Dr. Akpodiete has been a leading advocate for security development and peace-building in Delta State. His interventions include the Security and Safety Education Project in public schools, Memorial Lectures on Conflict Resolution and Community Safety and Security, and the establishment of Neighborhood Watch structures in Delta State.
The Foundation has also donated security communication gadgets to community leaders and vigilante groups and has been at the forefront of advocacy for the creation of a Ministry of Security to strengthen the state security framework.
The ISSS Outstanding Member Award is conferred on individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the advancement of security management and strategic studies in Nigeria. Dr. Akpodiete’s recognition reflects his tireless efforts to promote community-based security solutions and his contributions to the professional development of security practitioners in the country.
The conference brought together security experts, academics, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss strategies for building a resilient national security ecosystem in Nigeria. The theme focused on innovation, intelligence, and community partnership as key pillars for a safer Nigeria.
In his keynote address, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd) emphasised the need for a holistic approach to security that integrates technology, intelligence, and community engagement. He noted that Nigeria’s security challenges required the collective effort of all stakeholders, including government, the private sector, civil society, and communities.
Dr. Akpodiete’s award is a testament to his commitment to security development and peace-building in Nigeria. His work through the Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation has touched the lives of thousands of people in Delta State and beyond, and his recognition at the ISSS conference is a fitting tribute to his contributions to national security.
