The award was presented to Dr. Ogbuku by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, at the event themed “Shaping Nigeria’s Economic Future: Navigating Challenges, Unlocking Opportunities”, which took place at The Blanc Grand Event Centre in Abuja on December 3, 2025. The ceremony featured insights from thought leaders, including a keynote address by former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan (represented by former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim).

In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Ogbuku expressed profound gratitude, describing the award as a testament to the collective hard work of the NDDC team and growing national appreciation for the Commission’s transformative efforts in the Niger Delta. He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the enabling platform and leadership that has driven meaningful change. He also acknowledged the support from the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, and reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to intensify efforts in 2026—delivering inclusive, people-focused development across every corner of the region in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, noted that the honor would further motivate the team to sustain and expand sustainable development initiatives. Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, hailed it as a major milestone for the NDDC, thanking BusinessDay for the recognition while pledging continued community impact.

Publisher of BusinessDay, Mr. Frank Aigbogun (represented by Editor Lolade Akinmurele), emphasized that the awards celebrate exceptional leadership and dedication in public service—going beyond efficiency to full commitment to national progress.

This accolade highlights Dr. Ogbuku’s outstanding stewardship in repositioning the NDDC for greater transparency, efficiency, and impact—validating ongoing reforms and fueling momentum for accelerated regional transformation.

Congratulations to Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and the entire NDDC family—proof that dedicated service is being recognized and rewarded!

A letter from Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, Permanent Secretary (General Services Office) for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, confirms Ogbuku’s selection for the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS). Organized by The Best Strategic (TBS) Media in partnership with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the event will unfold at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, with President Tinubu in attendance.

The letter notes: “With reference to the letter from the Chairman, Advisory Council of Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service, I write to respectfully inform you that you have been nominated to receive a Distinguished Award for Excellence in Infrastructure Delivery and Sustainable Regional Growth.”

This accolade builds on President Tinubu’s praise on July 12, 2024, at the Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit in Port Harcourt, where he lauded the NDDC Board and Management for their unified push to accelerate growth in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta.

Under Ogbuku’s leadership, the NDDC has delivered standout results, including new roads, bridge rehabilitations, and enhanced social amenities that drive sustainable progress in the region.

The honor was presented at a ceremony in the UK House of Commons, London, recognizing his exceptional work in regional development, innovation, and governance across the Niger Delta. During a special Parliamentary Session hosted by Hon. Oliver Ryan MP for Burnley and chaired by Prof. Kishan Devani BEM, Ogbuku earned applause for driving sustainable development and inclusive growth in Nigeria’s oil-producing communities.

Represented by Dr. Chris Ekam and Dr. Willie Etim, Ogbuku expressed gratitude to the LPSA leadership for selecting him and NDDC as Nigeria Regional Development Agency of the Year 2025. He noted that this international nod from London underscores the visible transformations NDDC has delivered in the region.

The award, Ogbuku added, will motivate the NDDC Board and Management to accelerate legacy projects, prioritizing regional infrastructure and human capital development.

LPSA founder and convener, Mazi Godson Azu, highlighted the summit’s growth as a premier global platform for governance, leadership, diplomacy, and democratic peace across Africa, the Commonwealth, and beyond. “Born from a vision to promote dialogue, peace, and democratic partnership between Africa, the Commonwealth, and the global community,” he said. The annual event gathers political leaders, academics, business innovators, and partners for discussions on democracy and sustainable development.

Other distinguished recipients included Former Kenyan Vice President Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris, and Mayor Paul Bristow.

In an official letter, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede stated: “Having contributed immensely to the development of the NA’s infrastructure, human capacity development, as well as enhancement of the NA’s operational efficiency and accomplishment of the COAS Command Philosophy, [Ogbuku] is hereby awarded the NA Outstanding Service Commendation Medal (NAOSCM).”

The medal was conferred on Ogbuku at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2025 Lecture and Award Ceremony in Abuja. Additionally, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Delta State Council, led by Chairman Comrade Churchill Oyewe, honored him as a “Champion of Transformational Leadership” during the World Press Briefing in Asaba.

Ogbuku expressed deep appreciation to both the Army and NUJ, saying the recognitions will drive NDDC to intensify development efforts. He praised the Nigerian Army’s role in fostering peace in the Niger Delta, enabling residents to thrive and conduct business securely.

Highlighting NDDC’s longstanding partnership with the Army, Ogbuku emphasized: “For us in NDDC, we have done a lot to ensure that we collaborate with security agencies because we believe that security, peace, and development are intertwined. Where there is no security, there will be no peace, and where there is no peace, there will be no development. We will do our best to support the security agencies to succeed because, when they succeed, we will also succeed.”

The accolade was presented at the 3rd Edition of the African Heritage Concert and Awards 2025 in Marrakesh, Morocco, attended by prominent figures like Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabiru Yusuf and WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Represented by NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, Ogbuku celebrated the honor and reaffirmed his drive for regional progress. “For us at NDDC, this award means we must redouble our efforts. We will continue striving to positively impact the lives of Niger Delta people through impactful programmes and projects,” he said.

Ogbuku acknowledged NDDC’s milestones but emphasized more work ahead, especially during the Commission’s 25th anniversary. “This award is an encouragement to do more. It shows that Nigerians and Niger Delta people appreciate the development efforts of the Commission.”

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, recipient of the “African Life Achievement Award,” urged Africa to harness its inner potential via a recorded message, thanking Heritage Times for spotlighting continental excellence.

Heritage Times Chairman Mr. Moses Siasia described the Pan-African event as a platform to honor outstanding African leaders, organizations, and diaspora figures. He praised Ogbuku’s “Lighting Up The Niger Delta” project for illuminating vulnerable oil-rich communities. “We celebrate African excellence, culture, and heritage and honour African leaders, change-makers, and individuals who embody the spirit of African excellence. We bring together influential African innovators,” Siasia added. The awards aim to sustain excellence, promote Afrocentrism, and inspire Africa’s true narrative.

Ogbuku, thrilled by the recognition, said it reflects national appreciation for NDDC’s efforts in the oil-rich Niger Delta. “It is a recognition of our hard work all through the year. We thank God for the opportunity of service, and we thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving us the platform to showcase our ingenuity. He put together a team that has transformed the administration and development of the Niger Delta region.

“We also thank the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, who has provided us with technical and administrative support. This honour calls on us to do more and reminds us that next year we must redouble our efforts and do better.

“We will not rest on our oars until we satisfy the yearnings of the people of the Niger Delta region and take development to the nooks and crannies of the region as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.”

Minister Idris, also honored, highlighted his ministry’s two-year push for transparent communication: “Over the past 2 years, we have focused on redefining Nigeria’s national communication architecture to promote transparency, professionalism, and citizen-centred governance. We have revitalised the national orientation framework, strengthened government-to-citizen communication, and advanced reforms that promote media responsibility, ethical standards, and public accountability.

“The Ministry remains committed to building a more informed, united, and values-driven society. We will continue to strengthen public communication channels and deepen the reforms necessary for a healthier, more transparent information space.”

NDDC’s Executive Director Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, called the award validating for sustainable development, while Executive Director Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, pledged continued community impact.

BusinessDay Publisher Mr. Frank Aigbogun, via Editor Mr. Lolade Akinmurele, emphasized the awards’ role in spotlighting exceptional public service under the theme: Shaping Nigeria’s Economic Future: Navigating Challenges, Unlocking Opportunities. “Public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation.”