The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) Delta State, through its Centre for Waste Management and Sustainable Resources (CWMSR), successfully hosted Champions Day 2025, an inspiring event aimed at empowering students with knowledge, innovation, and opportunities in sustainability and waste management.
The highlight of the event was the presence of Mr. Ade Mabo, a renowned entrepreneur, mentor, and sustainability advocate, who delivered an insightful keynote speech on “Collaboration and Leverage as a Means to Wealth Creation in Waste Management.” His session provided a roadmap for young innovators on how strategic partnerships and resource optimization can drive economic transformation in the waste sector.
Prior to his speech, Mr. Mabo visited the CWMSR, where he was introduced to groundbreaking innovations by FUPRE students who displayed a range of valuable items crafted from waste materials. These included recycled furniture, fashion accessories, eco-friendly construction materials, and energy-efficient devices, demonstrating the vast potential in waste-to-wealth initiatives.
Commending the students for their ingenuity, Mr. Mabo encouraged them to scale their ideas into sustainable businesses, reinforcing the importance of entrepreneurial thinking in environmental conservation.
Following the center visit, Mr. Mabo paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of FUPRE, Prof. Rim-Rukeh Akpofure. The discussion focused on sustainable development, innovation in waste management, and potential collaborations between industry and academia.
Prof. Akpofure lauded Mr. Mabo’s commitment to empowering young minds and expressed the university’s readiness to partner with stakeholders in developing sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.
Mr. Mabo proceeded to the event hall, where a large audience of eager students awaited his address. Delivering a powerful and engaging lecture, he covered essential themes such as:
- Strategic Collaboration – How working together leads to shared success in waste management.
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship – Transforming waste into valuable products and business opportunities.
- Overcoming Challenges – Strategies for navigating obstacles in sustainability ventures.
- Personal Growth & Success – Unlocking one’s potential through discipline and vision.
His interactive Q&A session allowed students to seek guidance on their career paths, business ideas, and sustainability efforts. Mr. Mabo also granted one-on-one interviews, further inspiring students to take bold steps towards innovation and self-reliance.
The event was graced by Lady Diana Ereyitomi Eyo-Enoette – SA to Delta State Governor on SDGs. At the close of the event, Mr. Ade Mabo was presented with an award from FUPRE for his valuable contribution and inspiring presence. His words ignited a spark of innovation and resilience among students, reinforcing the belief that waste is not just refuse but an untapped resource for wealth creation.
The Centre for Waste Management and Sustainable Resources (CWMSR) looks forward to future collaborations with industry leaders like Mr. Mabo to advance sustainability education, research, and entrepreneurial initiatives.