The Niger Delta Advancement Award 8.0, a flagship event honoring exemplary leadership, innovation, and sustainable development across Nigeria's South-South and oil-rich region, has released its distinguished list of nominees for the coveted Governor of the Year category. This award celebrates sitting governors who have demonstrated outstanding performance in infrastructure renewal, economic empowerment, security enhancement, healthcare delivery, education reform, and inclusive governance throughout 2025.
Representing eight key states in the Niger Delta geopolitical zone, these nominees have navigated economic challenges, fostered peace, attracted investments, and delivered tangible dividends of democracy to their people. Their leadership reflects resilience, prudence, and a commitment to transforming the region amid national and regional complexities.
The full list of nominees for Governor of the Year includes:
- H.E. Umo Eno – Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State
- H.E. Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori – Executive Governor of Delta State
- H.E. Alex Otti – Executive Governor of Abia State
- H.E. Douye Diri – Executive Governor of Bayelsa State
- H.E. Lucky Aiyedatiwa – Executive Governor of Ondo State
- H.E. Bassey Otu – Executive Governor of Cross River State
- H.E. Hope Uzodinma – Executive Governor of Imo State
- H.E. Monday Okpebholo – Executive Governor of Edo State
These governors have been spotlighted for their visionary policies and measurable impacts, from debt reduction and infrastructure booms to health sector milestones and agricultural revolutions.
H.E. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has been widely acclaimed as a standout performer in 2025. Named Governor of the Year 2025 by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) in a state-by-state comparative analysis, Eno earned praise for delivering an impressive array of completed and ongoing projects without resorting to loans or external borrowing—a rare feat amid Nigeria's economic climate. His ARISE Agenda has driven prudent resource management, institutional reforms, and people-focused governance. Key highlights include health sector advancements like commissioning five portable X-ray machines for TB control, releasing counterpart funding for immunization and nutrition programs, and infrastructure projects such as reconstructing the Ibom International Convention Centre and Hotel to boost tourism. Eno's administration also emphasized education, road rehabilitation, and humanitarian support, dedicating achievements to the people while maintaining zero tolerance for excuses.
H.E. Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has transformed governance under his MORE Agenda (Meaningful Development, Opportunities, Results, and Empowerment). In 2025, his administration released over N1 billion for the College of Health Sciences at Delta State University of Science and Technology, inaugurated key road projects, and disbursed scholarships worth millions to beneficiaries. Oborevwori's focus on infrastructure, social welfare (benefiting over 250,000 Deltans), agriculture mechanization, and security has earned accolades, including recognition as a top performer in regional reviews. His commitment to completing inherited projects and promoting unity has made Delta a model of inclusive progress.
H.E. Alex Otti of Abia State has orchestrated what many describe as a "miracle" in governance. In 2025, his administration attracted investments, improved power supply, reconstructed roads, remodeled schools, boosted teachers' welfare, and cleared health workers' salaries. Otti implemented free education, recruited thousands of teachers, and launched initiatives like the Abia Leadership Academy. Praised by figures like the Emir of Kano for transformative achievements, Otti's merit-based approach has restored hope and positioned Abia as a beacon of efficient, accountable leadership.
H.E. Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has prioritized infrastructure, agriculture, and peacebuilding. In 2025, his administration supported farmers with monthly grants, boosted rice production, and advanced projects like the Bakassi Deep Seaport. Diri's inclusive governance and prompt payment of salaries earned commendations from monarchs and stakeholders, solidifying his reputation for sustainable development in a challenging terrain.
H.E. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has focused on economic consolidation through his OUR EASE agenda. Achievements in 2025 include teacher recruitment, WAEC fee payments, scholarships, and positioning Ondo as a global investment destination. Aiyedatiwa's emphasis on transparency, education, agriculture, and infrastructure has driven progress and attracted partnerships.
H.E. Bassey Otu of Cross River State emerged as The Sun Governor of the Year 2025 for his people-oriented initiatives. Key milestones include remodelling the Governor’s Office, constructing an ultra-modern state library, developing a botanical garden, and reclaiming Tinapa Resort. Otu's inclusive approach, infrastructure renewal, and agricultural support have fostered unity and repositioned Cross River for growth.
H.E. Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has sustained his 3R mantra (Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, Recovery). In 2025, he reduced debt significantly, boosted IGR, and advanced health insurance, earning awards for excellence in implementation. Uzodinma's focus on education, security, and economic breakthrough has brightened Imo's narrative.
H.E. Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, in his first full year, declared 2025 a period of progress under the SHINE agenda. Achievements include enhanced security (flushing out kidnappers, reducing cultism), road projects, school upgrades, agricultural expansion, and financial prudence.
The Niger Delta Advancement Award 8.0 continues to inspire excellence and accountability. The winner of the Governor 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 starting 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 comprehensive coverage, including live updates, nominee spotlights, and post-event analysis to celebrate these leaders' contributions to the Niger Delta's advancement.
As the region looks forward to this prestigious gathering, these nominees exemplify dedicated stewardship, proving that visionary governance can drive prosperity, peace, and unity in the Niger Delta.
