The Niger Delta Advancement Award 8.0 proudly unveils its inspiring list of nominees for the Young Person of the Year category, spotlighting exceptional young leaders, innovators, activists, and entrepreneurs from across the Niger Delta region. This award honors individuals under 40 who have made remarkable contributions in humanitarianism, social advocacy, content creation, fintech, politics, business, and community development, driving positive change and inspiring the next generation amid the region's unique socio-economic landscape.
With nominees representing diverse fields—from digital entertainment and human rights to financial inclusion and youth empowerment—these 15 trailblazers embody resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to uplifting their communities in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Imo, Abia, and Ondo states.
The full list of nominees for Young Person of the Year includes:
- Precious S. Andrews a.k.a. DJ Ritzy – Humanitarian/Girl Child Advocate (Akwa Ibom)
- High Chief (Barr.) Osomkime Edwin Blankson – Business Man/Philanthropist (Bayelsa)
- Aya Kanu a.k.a. MC Mbakara – Influencer/Business Man/Life Coach (Cross River)
- Harrison Gwamnishu – Human Rights Activist/Social Entrepreneur (Delta)
- Sally Suleiman – Humanitarian/Social Advocate/Community Volunteer (Edo)
- Emmanuel C. Ejekwu a.k.a. Sabinus – Content Creator/Influencer (Rivers)
- Kennedy Ekezie-Joseph – Fintech Expert/Social & Youth Advocate (Imo)
- Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu – Politician/Legislator/Youth Advocate (Abia)
- Dekunle Remi Jr. Okunrinboye – Entrepreneur/Philanthropist/Capacity Builder (Ondo)
- Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr. – Politician/Legislator/Youth Advocate (Cross River)
- Dietake Avwerosuo Clinton – Humanitarian/Youth & Community Advocate (Delta)
- Comrade Ini Ememobong – Lawyer/Linguist/Public Relations Strategist (Akwa Ibom)
- Asaba KP Asaba – Life Coach/Career Consultant/Conference Host (Rivers)
- Benjamin Justice Soghie – Entrepreneur/Philanthropist/Spiritual Leader (Edo)
- Michael Chukwudi Amaefule – Sports Entrepreneur/Philanthropist (Imo)
These young achievers have harnessed their talents and platforms to address pressing issues like gender equality, human rights, financial inclusion, entertainment, and grassroots empowerment, proving that youth-led initiatives can transform lives and foster sustainable progress in the Niger Delta.
Precious S. Andrews a.k.a. DJ Ritzy, a trailblazing female DJ from Akwa Ibom, stands out as a passionate humanitarian and girl child advocate. Known as Akwa Ibom's foremost female disk jockey, she has released popular mixtapes like the "Akwa Ibom Indigenous Mix," celebrating local music and culture while blending highlife and hip-hop in Ibibio dialect. Through initiatives like "Girl Alert" and "Widow's Mite," she champions women's rights, supports vulnerable groups, and promotes empowerment, making her a role model for young girls in the region.
Harrison Gwamnishu, a renowned human rights activist and social entrepreneur from Delta State, has dedicated his life to fighting wrongful incarceration and prison reforms after spending four years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Founder of the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation, he has advocated for thousands of detainees, raised awareness on police brutality, and engaged in high-profile cases. A 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow, he has received awards like Human Rights Activist of the Year and served briefly as Senior Special Assistant on Civil Society and Youth Mobilization to the Delta State Governor.
Emmanuel C. Ejekwu a.k.a. Sabinus (Mr Funny or Oga Sabinus), a celebrated content creator and comedian from Rivers State, has taken Nigerian social media by storm with his hilarious skits featuring relatable Pidgin English humor and catchphrases like "Something Hooge." Born in Port Harcourt, he holds a degree in Linguistics and Communication Studies from the University of Port Harcourt. Winner of the Best Online Social Content Creator at the AMVCA, Sabinus has sponsored community projects like road construction in Port Harcourt, appeared in Nollywood films, and become a brand ambassador, inspiring millions through clean, family-oriented entertainment.
Kennedy Ekezie-Joseph, a fintech visionary and social advocate from Imo State, co-founded Kippa, a groundbreaking platform empowering African small businesses with digital bookkeeping and financial tools. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in Finance, Queen's Young Leader Award recipient, and President's Young African Leaders Fellow, he has championed financial inclusion, women's rights (founding an organization at 16 against female genital mutilation), and youth empowerment, blending innovation with global impact.
Aya Kanu a.k.a. MC Mbakara, an influential comedian, actor, and MC from Cross River State, is celebrated for his clean, culturally rooted comedy skits that blend humor with African values. With a background in Biochemistry and a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from Cross River University of Technology, he has featured in Nollywood films and built a massive following. A family man and entrepreneur, he promotes unity between Cross River and Akwa Ibom under the Akwa-Cross identity.
Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr., the youngest Senator in Nigeria representing Cross River South, brings youthful energy to politics. A former Commissioner for Finance (longest-serving in Cross River), he has influenced appointments for young people, chaired the Senate Committee on NDDC, and advocated for infrastructure, education, and economic development, embodying progressive leadership.
Other nominees continue this legacy of excellence, from philanthropists like High Chief Osomkime Edwin Blankson in Bayelsa, who supports community initiatives including sports tournaments, to youth advocates and entrepreneurs driving capacity building and spiritual leadership across the region.
The Niger Delta Advancement Award 8.0 serves as a beacon for recognizing young excellence and fostering accountability in the Niger Delta. The winner of the Young Person of the Year, alongside other categories, will be announced on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at The Arena Event Centre, GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The event kicks off with 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 deliver live coverage, in-depth profiles, and updates to showcase these young leaders' transformative stories.
As the Niger Delta gears up for this grand celebration, these nominees inspire hope, demonstrating that young visionaries can lead meaningful change, unity, and prosperity in one of Nigeria's most vibrant regions.
