Alumni Stories
Stewardship of Land and Community
Mr. Eddie Tanago
FAS | 2025
Eddie Tanago is the kind of man who becomes a footnote in international reports—the local activist who stood up to the bulldozers. His weapon of choice is the petition, his battlefield the decaying forests stolen from villages through the legal alchemy of Special Agriculture and Business Leases (SABLs). As the Campaign Manager for ACT NOW!, he doesn't create jobs; he creates accountability.
His honor is a political act. It sanctifies a career spent in the crosshairs, most notably his 2025 victory against a SLAPP suit, a strategic lawsuit designed to silence him—which transformed him from a loud voice into a symbol of resilient civic courage. DWU, in honoring him, endorsed the inconvenient truth that a nation cannot be built on stolen land, injustice and corruption.
Entrepreneurship in Service of Community
Josiah Pup
FAS | 2025
Josiah Pup represents a different kind of resistance: the defiance of economic fatalism. He started with K1,500 and a used Toyota Hilux, a far cry from the multinational corporations that typically dominate the narrative of PNG business. From that kernel, he grew the Armed Seal Group, a security, construction, finance, and real estate conglomerate that employs over 200 nationals.
His mission, “to be the solution,” is executed not through protest but through payroll. Paying school fees for struggling families and funding local churches, he practices a form of capitalism that is intensely local and personal. DWU, in honoring him, made the case that ethical enterprise is itself a form of activism in a nation hungry for opportunity.
Alumni Awards
Chief Superintendent Anthony Wagambie Jnr
Acknowledgement of effective, inspiring leadership and accomplishments and the selfless and outstanding service to our Alma Mater and society. Mr. Wagambie Jr was recognized for putting in place proactive measures to engage with the public and improve policing and crime prevention in Lae, the second biggest city of Papua New Guinea. Mr. Wagambie Jr was recognized for:
- Establishing and managing an effective crime management system through a toll free phone number and free SMS which enables the public of Lae to send in text, photographs and videos of incidents of crimes that enables the police to respond; and
- Establishing a Sector Response Unity (SRU), whereby police officers patrol within hotspot sectors, which has led to significant reduction in crime in crime hotspot in Lae City.
Maku Gifts and Lava Girl Owner, Miss Annette Sete
Miss Annette Sete, a 2004 Bachelor in Communication Arts (Journalism) graduate. Awarded for her outstanding career achievements and service to society. She was considered to have attained extraordinary distinction as a female entrepreneur through her PNG themed handmade jewelry through her business Maku Gifts and her fabric designs and clothing pieces under the clothing label of Lava Girl.
Give Back
Join the alumni community creating equity and opportunity for all
- Alumni Newsletter: Stay informed with regular updates, news, and announcements from DWU.
- Alumni Events: Be notified about reunions, networking events, and campus activities.
- Mentorship Program: Engage with current students by sharing your professional experience and guidance.
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