Gov Otti Bags IAWPA’s ‘SDG Personality Of The Year In Africa 2025’ Award

The International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) has, through its International Spokesman, Amb Emmanuel Nkweke, announced that Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, Nigeria, will be recognised as the SDG Personality of the Year in Africa 2025.

This prestigious award, Amb. Nkweke said will be announced during the upcoming United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York from July 14 to 29, 2025.

Governor Otti’s outstanding leadership and commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have earned him this esteemed recognition. Under his administration, Abia State has made significant strides in critical areas of the SDGs, including: Poverty Reduction, which has led to implementing policies to alleviate poverty and improve the well-being of citizens.

“Quality Education leading to enhancing access to quality education and promoting skills development.

“As well as healthcare through the strengthening of healthcare systems and improving access to quality healthcare services,” he stated.

Amb Emmanuel Nkweke stressed that IAWPA, with its Special Consultative Status under the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations since 2019, has been actively promoting peace and sustainable development goals globally.

The organisation’s contributions include: Advocacy: Promoting awareness and understanding of the SDGs among governments, civil society, and the private sector; Capacity Building: Providing training and capacity-building programs for stakeholders to achieve the SDGs; and Partnerships: Fostering partnerships between governments, civil society, and the private sector to accelerate progress toward the SDGs.

“IAWPA will participate in the HLPF with a 7-member delegation led by Amb. Lawrence Oluwaseun Adeniyi, IAWPA’s Focal Point on SDGs to the UN who has made credible impact in the United States. The organisation’s participation will focus on promoting peace, sustainable development, and partnerships to achieve the SDGs.

“The announcement of Governor Otti as the SDG Personality of the Year in Africa 2025 is a testament to his leadership and commitment to advancing the SDGs in Abia State and beyond. IAWPA congratulates Governor Otti on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to continued collaboration in promoting peace and sustainable development,” Nweke added.

Other activities the delegation, under the leadership of Amb. Lawrence, aside presentation of its position paper, will include a courtesy call on Amb. Syndoph Endoni, Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations on July 16, 2025