As the Niger Delta region continues to celebrate leaders who drive progress, empowerment, and good governance, the Niger Delta Advancement Award (NDAA) 8.0 has unveiled a distinguished list of nominees for the Best House of Assembly Member category. This prestigious recognition highlights lawmakers from across the nine Niger Delta states who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their constituencies through legislative initiatives, community development, and advocacy for the region's advancement. The winner will be announced on Sunday 8th of February, 2026 at the event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Alexa News Network Limited (Alexa.ng) ensures these programmes' contributions gain broad recognition.
The NDAA 8.0, powered by JUVENIS Magazine/TV, aims to reward outstanding performances in 2025, fostering unity and inspiring better service delivery. The nominees, drawn from Delta, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Imo, and Abia states, represent a blend of experience, youthfulness, and dedication to public service. Here are detailed profiles of these remarkable leaders:
1. Hon. (Barr.) Matthew O. Omonade – Ughelli North 1 Constituency (Delta State)
A seasoned legal practitioner and APC member, Hon. Omonade has made significant strides in alleviating economic hardships in his constituency. In 2024, he empowered over 1,150 constituents, including market women, artisans, and small business owners, with N23 million in grants. This initiative, flagged off in his Ovara-Umusu community, underscores his focus on grassroots economic support amid national challenges. As a former aide to high-profile political figures, Omonade brings legal expertise and political acumen to the Delta State House of Assembly, championing inclusive development.
2. Hon. Christopher Odunayo Ahris Ayebusiwa – Okitipupa 1 Constituency (Ondo State)
Known affectionately as Chris Ayebusiwa, this APC lawmaker chairs the House Committee on Tertiary Institutions and serves on several key committees, including Public Accounts and Judiciary. A public administrator with a background in grassroots politics, he won election in 2023 after previous attempts, promising visible change. Ayebusiwa has been vocal on governance issues, praising Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa's commitment while advocating for communal progress. His emergence reflects the people's preference for dedicated representation in Okitipupa.
3. Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem – Itu Constituency (Akwa Ibom State)
Serving as Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edidem is a champion of education and youth development. He organized the maiden ARISE Quiz Competition to boost science education and pledged partnerships for infrastructure improvements in public schools. Edidem has addressed critical issues like flooding and road networks, while promoting peace for project execution. His leadership emphasizes the ARISE Agenda's educational pillar, earning him respect as a forward-thinking representative.
4. Hon. Charity Iguodala Aiguobarueghian – Ovia North East 1 Constituency (Edo State)
A lawyer with over two decades of experience, Hon. Aiguobarueghian has held key roles, including Majority Leader and later Minority Leader. He empowered 41 women with N2 million in grants to support businesses, fulfilling campaign promises. Active in legislative debates, he has defended candidates in legal matters and contributed to bills like the state anthem. His journey reflects resilience and commitment to socioeconomic upliftment in Ovia North East.
5. Hon. Felix E. Bonny Ayah – Southern Ijaw 1 Constituency (Bayelsa State)
Representing a key constituency in Bayelsa, Hon. Ayah (PDP) has focused on community harmony and traditional leadership support. He congratulated new chiefs and pledged infrastructure like palaces and stipends for councils. A consistent figure in Bayelsa politics, Ayah's efforts promote unity and development in Southern Ijaw, contributing to peaceful governance.
6. Hon. Cyril James Omini – Yakurr 1 Constituency (Cross River State)
Hon. Omini empowered 150 women with N15 million for businesses on International Women's Day, addressing economic hardships. He has been involved in key house activities, including votes of confidence and investigations. Cleared of unfounded allegations, Omini's first-year impacts highlight youth innovation and poverty alleviation in Yakurr.
7. Hon. (Engr.) Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie – Mbaitoli Constituency (Imo State)
An engineer and philanthropist, Hon. Ikpamezie chairs the House Committee on Environment. He moved motions for rehabilitating technical colleges, sensitizing on expired products, and addressing heat waves. Recognized as a proactive lawmaker, his focus on vocational education and public health positions him as a driver of self-reliance in Mbaitoli.
8. Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu – Arochukwu Constituency (Abia State)
As Majority Leader, Hon. Kalu (a former journalist and banker) has sponsored multiple bills, including on HIV/AIDS control. He advocates for party unity and has been active in legislative reforms. His background in media informs his push for transparent governance in Arochukwu.
9. Hon. Marilyn Dumkelechukwu Okowa-Daramola – Ika North East Constituency (Delta State)
The youngest in the 8th Assembly and first female from her constituency, Hon. Okowa-Daramola chairs Finance and Appropriation. A lawyer and girl-child empowerment advocate, she pioneered Project GEST, training 1,850 female entrepreneurs. Through her foundation, she supports education and women's enterprise, making history as a trailblazer.
10. Hon. Prince Abayomi B. Akinruntan – Ilaje 1 Constituency (Ondo State)
A prince and businessman, former Deputy Speaker Akinruntan has long served Ilaje. Involved in oil and gas, he founded a charitable foundation for ameliorating burdens. His legislative tenure focused on coastal development and youth empowerment.
11. Hon. Eric Akpan – Nsit Ibom Constituency (Akwa Ibom State)
Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, Hon. Akpan warns against mismanagement and addresses insecurity. His motions tackle urgent issues like murders and financial accountability, promoting transparency in Nsit Ibom.
12. Hon. Natasha Irobosa Osawaru – Egor Constituency (Edo State)
A young PDP lawmaker and former Deputy Majority Leader, Osawaru champions youth and women's vocational training. Granddaughter of a prominent philanthropist, she organizes entrepreneurship projects for community empowerment.
13. Hon. Oteigbanyo George Braah – Nembe 1 Constituency (Bayelsa State)
An APGA member and Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Braah chairs Judiciary and Justice. He condemned security invasions and advocates for court orders, focusing on justice and peace in Nembe.
14. Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Davies Enyiofem Etta – Abi Constituency (Cross River State)
Deputy Leader, Rt. Hon. Etta sponsors bills on rent regulation and local government reforms. He addresses housing costs and political appointments, aiming for fairness in Abi.
15. Hon. Prince Emeka Osamuta – Ndokwa East Constituency (Delta State)
Deputy Majority Whip, Prince Osamuta delivers in education (classroom constructions) and infrastructure (road approvals). His stewardship includes empowerment and cultural festivals, earning votes of confidence.
These nominees embody the spirit of the Niger Delta—resilient, innovative, and people-focused. The NDAA 8.0 event promises to be a grand celebration of their contributions, encouraging more leaders to prioritize advancement. As voting and final selections proceed, the region watches with anticipation for who will emerge as the Best House of Assembly Member.
