The Niger Delta Advancement Award 8.0, a celebrated platform recognizing excellence, empowerment, and transformative leadership across Nigeria's South-South region, has unveiled its distinguished nominees for the AMAZON OF THE YEAR category. This prestigious award spotlights remarkable women who have excelled as philanthropists, advocates, entrepreneurs, politicians, and humanitarians, championing women's rights, community development, health, education, and economic empowerment in the face of regional challenges.
Drawing from states including Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Cross River, Abia, Edo, and Ondo, these 15 nominees represent a powerful force of resilience, compassion, and innovation. Their contributions have uplifted vulnerable groups, promoted gender equality, and fostered sustainable progress in the Niger Delta.
The full list of nominees for AMAZON OF THE YEAR includes:
Deaconess (Mrs.) Tobore Oborevwori – Philanthropist/Wife of the Governor (Delta)
Barr. Cordelia U. Eke – Women Advocate/Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association (Rivers)
Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Diri – Philanthropist/Social Advocate/Wife of the Governor (Bayelsa)
Engr. Roberta Edu – IT Expert/Founder & CEO, Moppet Foods Company (Akwa Ibom)
Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma – Humanitarian/Wife of the Governor (Imo)
Dame Winifred Akpani – Humanitarian/MD of Northwest Petroleum & Gas Co. (Cross River)
Mrs. Priscilla Otti – Humanitarian/Health Advocate/Wife of the Governor (Abia)
Hon. Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion – Politician/Barrister/Women Advocate (Edo)
Princess Olawumi Annah Fayemi Obayelu – Legislator/Women Advocate (Ondo)
Chief (Mrs.) Evelyn O. Oboro – Politician/Women Advocate/Former Legislator (Delta)
Dame Hon. Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox – Politician/Women Advocate (Rivers)
HRM Ugoeze Shirley Okwudinma – Women Advocate/Philanthropist/Entrepreneur (Imo)
Chief (Barr.) Marie Olabisi Idaomi – Politician/Lawyer/Women Advocate (Edo)
Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha – Minister/Women Advocate/Former Legislator (Abia)
High Chief Crystal Jane Cosmas – Humanitarian/Entrepreneur/Broadcaster (Imo)
These exceptional women have used their platforms to drive meaningful change, from grassroots empowerment and health initiatives to breaking barriers in male-dominated fields and advocating for vulnerable populations.
Deaconess (Mrs.) Tobore Oborevwori, First Lady of Delta State and founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, is renowned for her unwavering philanthropy. She has empowered women and youths through market outreaches, distributed essential food items to vulnerable families quarterly, awarded scholarships to visually impaired students, provided assistive devices, and supported special needs education with learning aids. Her initiatives focus on gender-based violence prevention, healthcare, and community resilience, earning her acclaim as a compassionate leader dedicated to sustainable development.
Barr. Cordelia U. Eke, the pioneering first female Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Port Harcourt Branch in Rivers State, is a trailblazer in legal advocacy. A Director in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, ace criminal prosecutor, and author of the acclaimed book Criminal Justice in Nigeria: A Practical Guide, she has championed welfare-focused initiatives, pro bono services, and women's empowerment in the legal profession, earning praise for transformative leadership amid challenges.
Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Diri, First Lady of Bayelsa State and founder of the Gloria Diri Foundation (GDF), is a certified nurse midwife and public health educator. She has spearheaded care for the elderly and widows, distributed farming tools to hundreds of women for food security, supported youth sports development, and campaigned against ritual killings and gender-based violence, promoting sustainable livelihoods and community welfare.
Engr. Roberta Edu, IT expert and Founder/CEO of Moppet Foods Company in Akwa Ibom, has revolutionized child nutrition with nutritious baby cereals. Achieving HACCP certification for food safety, her brand addresses malnutrition concerns, empowering families and setting high standards in the food industry through innovation and quality assurance.
Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma, First Lady of Imo State, is a dedicated lawyer and humanitarian. As a devoted mother and advocate, she supports initiatives under the Renewed Hope framework, focusing on women's empowerment, health, and family welfare, complementing her husband's governance with compassion and legal expertise.
Dame Winifred Akpani, Managing Director of Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited (with ties to Cross River), is a chartered accountant and entrepreneurial powerhouse. Starting with modest capital, she built a major player in Nigeria's downstream petroleum sector, earning awards like the Zik Prize in Entrepreneurial Leadership while supporting childcare, healthcare, education, and security through philanthropy.
Mrs. Priscilla Otti, First Lady of Abia State and passionate advocate for human rights, child care, and women's empowerment, has championed prison reforms, welcomed newborns with gifts, fought child trafficking and gender-based violence, and promoted vaccination drives against preventable diseases, fostering inclusive and safe communities.
Hon. Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion, a barrister and politician from Edo State, has served as a federal lawmaker representing Ovia Federal Constituency. Known for advocating widows, vulnerable girls, and women's rights, she has returned to the House of Representatives, continuing her legacy of progressive leadership and gender equity.
Other nominees, including legislators and humanitarians from Ondo, Delta, Rivers, Imo, and Abia, continue this tradition of impactful service, from policy advocacy and entrepreneurship to grassroots support.
The Niger Delta Advancement Award 8.0 inspires excellence and unity in the region. The winner of the AMAZON OF THE YEAR category, along with other honorees, will be announced on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at The Arena Event Centre, GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The event features a glamorous Red Carpet at 4:00 pm, followed by the Main Event at 5:00 pm.
Alexa News Network Limited (Alexa.ng), an official media partner, will provide extensive coverage, profiles, and updates to celebrate these remarkable women.
As anticipation builds, these nominees exemplify the strength and vision driving progress in the Niger Delta, proving that empowered women lead to empowered communities and a brighter future.
