The Niger Delta Advancement Awards (NDAA) 8.0 continues to elevate exceptional national leadership with its Minister of the Year category, honoring federal ministers from the Niger Delta region who have delivered impactful reforms, infrastructure advancements, economic growth, sectoral transformations, and policy innovations in 2025. The grand finale is set for Sunday, February 8, 2026, at The Arena Event Centre, GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, featuring a glamorous red carpet at 4:00 PM and the main ceremony at 5:00 PM.
As an official media partner, Alexa News Network Limited (Alexa.ng) proudly profiles the nine distinguished nominees in this prestigious category. These ministers, representing Rivers, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Ondo, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Abia, and Cross River states, have driven significant progress in critical sectors amid Nigeria's Renewed Hope Agenda. With 840 nominees across 56 categories, public voting remains open on the official NDAA website (www.ndaawards.juvenismag.com), empowering citizens to support their preferred leaders.
Here are the inspiring profiles of the nominees:
1. Barr. Nyesom Wike – Minister of FCT, Abuja (Rivers State)
A dynamic leader and former Rivers State governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike has revolutionized the Federal Capital Territory in 2025 with sweeping infrastructural reforms. He completed long-abandoned road projects, upgraded schools, enhanced security to make Abuja one of Nigeria's safest cities, and fostered economic growth through investment-friendly policies. Crediting President Tinubu’s leadership, Wike's relentless commissioning of projects—over 20 days of flag-offs and inaugurations—has restored public confidence and positioned the FCT as a model of transformation.
2. Barr. Festus Keyamo – Minister of Aviation & Aerospace Development (Delta State)
A senior advocate and reformist, Barr. Festus Keyamo has repositioned Nigeria's aviation sector as a global contender in 2025. Achievements include improved airport infrastructure, enhanced safety systems, staff training, inter-agency collaboration, and advancements in Performance-Based Navigation. Keyamo cleared trapped airline funds, renewed Bilateral Air Services Agreements, expanded the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, and secured partnerships with Boeing for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facilities, boosting efficiency, job creation, and international confidence.
3. Hon. Abubakar Momoh – Minister of Regional Development (Edo State)
An engineer and former legislator, Hon. Abubakar Momoh has overseen remarkable progress in regional infrastructure despite budgetary constraints. In 2025, his ministry completed abandoned projects, installed over 257 solar streetlights across the Niger Delta, rehabilitated roads like the Oyigbo network in Rivers, and coordinated with agencies like the NDDC for sustainable development in environmental protection, community empowerment, and peacebuilding, fast-tracking growth in underserved areas.
4. Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri – Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) (Bayelsa State)
A former senator and agriculture minister, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri declared 2025 "a win" for Nigeria's oil sector through reforms, new investments, and strengthened local content. Key successes include attracting foreign investment decisions, hosting the Africa Energy Bank, boosting production beyond initial levels, sustaining host community peace, and fully deregulating the downstream sector for constant petroleum availability, driving economic resilience and sustainability.
5. Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo – Minister of Interior (Ondo State)
Known as "Star Boi," Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has transformed the Ministry of Interior with digital innovations in 2025. Milestones include clearing massive passport backlogs, launching contactless renewals for Nigerians abroad, deploying e-Gates at airports, implementing the Advanced Passenger Information System, upgrading correctional facilities, and introducing the Safe Haven Initiative for crime reduction, restoring trust in national security and immigration services.
6. Dr. Doris Uzoka Anite – Minister of State for Finance (Imo State)
A medical doctor turned finance expert, Dr. Doris Uzoka Anite has advanced fiscal reforms since her redeployment. In 2025, she focused on capital market enhancements, insurance modernization, tax reforms, revenue optimization, debt management, and efforts to exit the FATF grey list, rebuilding international trust and supporting inclusive growth through determined leadership and sound governance.
7. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo – Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) (Akwa Ibom State)
With expertise in environmental pollution, Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo has propelled Nigeria's gas sector toward sustainability and industrialization in 2025. Achievements include partnerships to eradicate routine gas flaring (e.g., with TotalEnergies achieving zero routine flaring), advancing the Nigerian Gas Expansion Program, reducing methane emissions, catalyzing upstream investments, and positioning gas as a driver of economic growth and energy transition.
8. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha – Minister of State for Labour & Employment (Abia State)
A dedicated advocate for workforce development, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha launched the National Employment Policy 2025 and advanced skills acquisition initiatives. In 2025, she flagged off skill centers in Abia, boosted job creation through end-of-year empowerment projects, promoted occupational safety, and collaborated on inclusive programs to reduce unemployment and enhance employability nationwide.
9. Sen. John Owan Enoh – Minister of State, Trade & Investment (Cross River State)
A visionary former senator, Sen. John Owan Enoh has committed to industrial growth since his redeployment. In 2025, he launched the Owan-Enoh MSME Support Programme, promoted value chain addition, and drove policies for economic diversification, fostering partnerships and innovation to enhance trade, investment, and industrial development.
These nominees exemplify visionary federal leadership, contributing immensely to national progress while rooting their efforts in Niger Delta values of resilience and development. Their achievements inspire hope for a more prosperous Nigeria.
The NDAA 8.0 promises an unforgettable night of celebration, networking, and recognition of excellence. Fans and stakeholders are encouraged to vote on the official website and follow Alexa.ng for live updates, exclusive interviews, and comprehensive coverage.
