The Niger Delta Advancement Awards (NDAA) 8.0 proudly honors outstanding legislative leadership in its Speaker of the Year category, recognizing the Speakers of the State Houses of Assembly from the nine Niger Delta states who have excelled in fostering unity, passing progressive laws, ensuring effective oversight, and supporting executive agendas for regional development in 2025. The grand finale is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026, at The Arena Event Centre, GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with the red carpet opening at 4:00 PM and the main ceremony commencing at 5:00 PM.
As an official media partner, Alexa News Network Limited (Alexa.ng) presents detailed profiles of the eight distinguished nominees. These Speakers have demonstrated remarkable stewardship in guiding their assemblies through complex legislative processes, promoting harmony among members, and advancing people-centered laws amid the unique socio-economic challenges of the Niger Delta. With 840 nominees competing across 56 categories, public voting is actively open on the official NDAA website (www.ndaawards.juvenismag.com), allowing citizens to support their preferred leaders and contribute to recognizing excellence.
Here are the inspiring profiles of the nominees:
1. Rt. Hon. Abraham Ngobere – Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly (Bayelsa State)
A seasoned PDP legislator representing Brass Constituency 3, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ngobere has served as the 7th Speaker since June 2023. In 2025, he presided over the scrutiny and passage of the state's "Budget of ASSURED Prosperity" for 2025, emphasizing prudent resource management, infrastructure, and sustainable development in the oil-rich but environmentally challenged state. His leadership has focused on holding the executive accountable while promoting peaceful governance and collaboration across senatorial districts.
2. Rt. Hon. Dennis Emomotimi Guwor – Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly (Delta State)
As Speaker of the 8th Delta Assembly since June 2023, Rt. Hon. Dennis Emomotimi Guwor has led a dynamic legislature aligned with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's M.O.R.E Agenda. In 2025, the House passed multiple landmark bills, including amendments to anti-terrorism and anti-cultism laws, education reforms for colleges, and infrastructure funding through the 2025 Appropriation Bill. Guwor has emphasized unity, training for lawmakers, inclusive economic growth, and oversight, while hosting former members for mentorship and continuity.
3. Rt. Hon. Blessing Sheriff Agbebaku – Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (Edo State)
A PDP-turned-APC member representing Owan West, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku was elected Speaker of the 8th Edo Assembly in 2023. Despite political shifts, including a notable defection in 2025, he has advocated for collaboration and development, praising Governor's strides in infrastructure and education. His tenure has focused on legislative support for state progress, constituency projects like school and road developments, and maintaining assembly stability amid transitions.
4. Rt. Hon. Oladiji Olamide Adesanmi – Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly (Ondo State)
Popularly known as "Landmark," Rt. Hon. Oladiji Olamide Adesanmi, representing Ondo East, emerged Speaker of the 10th Ondo Assembly in 2023. A former Deputy Majority Leader and businessman, he received the Parliamentarian Excellence Award in 2024 for outstanding contributions. In 2025, he has driven legislative excellence, supporting education, infrastructure, and humanitarian initiatives through his philanthropy and business background in polytechnics and vocational training.
5. Rt. Hon. Udeme J. Otong – Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (Akwa Ibom State)
Representing Abak Constituency, Rt. Hon. Udeme J. Otong has been Speaker of the 8th Akwa Ibom Assembly since 2023. He pledged to redefine effective representation through people-oriented bills, motions, and resolutions for social and economic freedom. His leadership emphasizes unity across constituencies, oversight functions, and making Akwa Ibom a model for national development, with a focus on responsiveness to public needs.
6. Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem – Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly (Cross River State)
A member of the APC representing Ikom 2, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem has led the 10th Cross River Assembly since 2023, advocating for unity, progress, and collaboration. In 2025, he distributed ₦10 million bursary to 100 students in Ikom, passed key bills impacting various sectors, and supported Governor Bassey Otu's "People’s First" agenda in tourism revival, security, and infrastructure. His tenure highlights grassroots empowerment and harmonious governance.
7. Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe – Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly (Imo State)
A first-timer representing Ihitte/Uboma, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe was elected Speaker of the 10th Imo Assembly in 2023. In 2025, he commended Governor Hope Uzodimma's achievements in security, education recruitment, road projects, and digital economy initiatives while overseeing the presentation and scrutiny of the record ₦1.43 trillion "Budget of Economic Breakthrough" for 2026. His leadership promotes collaboration between arms of government for impactful development.
8. Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa – Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly (Abia State)
Representing Aba South on the Labour Party platform, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa emerged Speaker of the 8th Abia Assembly in 2023, marking a shift in political dynamics. As a first-timer, he has fostered unity across party lines, supported Governor Alex Otti's agenda, and emphasized thorough legislative processes for bills affecting the people, prioritizing accountability, infrastructure, and public welfare.
These nominees exemplify visionary legislative leadership, driving harmony, innovation, and progress in their states while contributing to the broader Niger Delta narrative of resilience and development. Their efforts inspire hope for stronger institutions and better governance.
The NDAA 8.0 promises an evening of celebration, inspiration, and recognition. Engage by voting on the official website and follow Alexa.ng for ongoing updates, nominee spotlights, and exclusive coverage.
