The Niger Delta Advancement Award 8.0 has released its prestigious list of nominees for the Man of the Year category, honoring exceptional individuals who have demonstrated visionary leadership, economic impact, philanthropy, and unwavering commitment to the progress of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large. This award celebrates men whose contributions in governance, business, security, and community development have inspired transformation and fostered hope amid the region's challenges.
The nominees, drawn from across the Niger Delta states, include sitting governors, influential entrepreneurs, and security experts whose achievements in 2025 have ranged from fiscal prudence and infrastructure renewal to combating oil theft and driving indigenous innovation.
The full list of nominees for Man of the Year includes:
- H.E. Pastor Umo Eno – Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State
- H.E. Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori – Executive Governor of Delta State
- Engr. Jack-Rich Tein Jr. – Founder, Belema Oil Producing (Rivers State)
- H.E. Lucky Aiyedatiwa – Executive Governor of Ondo State
- H.E. Sen. Douye Diri – Executive Governor of Bayelsa State
- Rt. Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo – Politician/CEO, OZB Communications (Imo State)
- H.E. Sen. Hope Uzodinma – Executive Governor of Imo State
- H.E. Bassey Otu – Executive Governor of Cross River State
- Dr. Magnus Chukwuekezie – Group Chairman, Everyday Foods Group (Akwa Ibom State)
- H.E. Monday Okpebholo – Executive Governor of Edo State
- H.E. Alex Otti – Executive Governor of Abia State
- High Chief (Engr.) Kestin E. Pondi – MD, Tantita Security Services (Delta State)
- H.E. Sen. Godswill Akpabio – Senate President (Akwa Ibom State)
- Azibaola Robert – Entrepreneur, Lawyer & Innovator (Bayelsa State)
- Chief (Engr.) Grant Offor – Philanthropist/GMD, RAMEC Group (Rivers State)
These nominees embody excellence in public service and private enterprise, contributing significantly to economic stability, security, and human capital development in the Niger Delta.
H.E. Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has been widely recognized as a beacon of prudent governance. Named Governor of the Year 2025 by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) in a state-by-state comparative analysis, Eno achieved an impressive array of completed and ongoing projects across sectors without resorting to bank loans or external borrowing—an uncommon feat amid Nigeria's economic challenges. His ARISE Agenda emphasizes prudent resource management, institutional reforms, and people-focused initiatives, including health advancements like commissioning portable X-ray machines for TB control, infrastructure projects such as reconstructing the Ibom International Convention Centre, and sustained support for education and humanitarian efforts.
H.E. Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has advanced transformative progress 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, disbursed scholarships worth millions, and benefited over 250,000 Deltans through social welfare interventions. Oborevwori's focus on infrastructure, agriculture mechanization, fiscal discipline (with significant IGR growth and debt reduction), and inclusive governance has positioned Delta as a model of sustained development.
Engr. Jack-Rich Tein Jr., Founder of Belema Oil Producing Limited in Rivers State, pioneered indigenous oil exploration as the first such company from an oil-producing community in the Niger Delta. With over two decades of upstream expertise, he has promoted capacity building, technology transfer, and community empowerment, including scholarships and employment for thousands of youths through the Belema and Jack-Rich Foundation.
H.E. Sen. Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has prioritized infrastructure, agriculture, and connectivity. In 2025, he unveiled an aircraft for commercial flights under Air Bayelsa, supported farmers with monthly grants, boosted rice production, and advanced projects like the Bakassi Deep Seaport, earning praise for inclusive governance and peacebuilding.
H.E. Sen. Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has sustained his 3R mantra (Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, Recovery), achieving national acclaim for excellence in health insurance implementation as the Best Health Insurance and Managed Care Government Agency in 2025. His administration reduced debt, boosted IGR, recruited teachers, and advanced economic breakthroughs.
H.E. Alex Otti of Abia State has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, attracting investments, improving power supply, reconstructing roads, remodelling schools, and implementing free education with teacher recruitment. Praised for merit-based governance, Otti's leadership has restored hope and positioned Abia as a beacon of efficiency.
High Chief (Engr.) Kestin E. Pondi, MD of Tantita Security Services in Delta State, has led groundbreaking efforts against oil theft, discovering thousands of incidents, apprehending vessels and equipment, and contributing to increased crude production. His community-focused approach includes donating police stations and therapy centers, promoting peace and development.
Azibaola Robert, a Bayelsa-based entrepreneur, lawyer, and innovator, founded Zeetin Engineering to pioneer made-in-Nigeria electric vehicles and heavy-duty equipment. A Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, he advocates for environmental rights and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
The Niger Delta Advancement Award 8.0 continues to recognize impactful leadership that drives unity and prosperity. The winner of the Man of the Year, 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 begins 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 provide comprehensive coverage, including live updates and nominee highlights.
These nominees stand as pillars of progress, proving that dedicated leadership can overcome challenges and unlock the full potential of the Niger Delta for generations to come.
