- The NDDC Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde (2nd right), receives a plaque on behalf of the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, as the New Telegraph Public Servant of the Year from the Chief Creative Officer of Distinguished Nigeria, Joe Femi-Dagunro (2nd left), during the 2025 New Telegraph Awards ceremony in Lagos State. With them are the NDDC Director Human Resource and Administration, Sir Kelechi Nwelue (right) and a Director in NDDC Corporate Affairs. Dr. Tony Omah (left)
Admin I Sunday, February 15.26
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has been honoured with the New Telegraph Public Servant of the Year Award alongside state governors and other distinguished personalities from the public and private sectors.
The award was presented to Ogbuku by the Chief Creative Officer of Distinguished Nigeria, Joe Femi-Dagunro, during the 2025 New Telegraph Awards ceremony held in Lagos State.
In his remarks at the event, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer, represented by the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, expressed appreciation for the recognition, noting that it reflected the growing acknowledgement of the Commission’s developmental strides in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
Ogbuku stated: “This award recognises the dedication and hard work we have put in since we assumed office. We are grateful to God for the privilege to serve and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing us with the platform to demonstrate our capacity. He assembled a team that has repositioned the administration and development trajectory of the Niger Delta region.
This honour challenges us to achieve even more, and it reminds us that we must intensify our efforts in making a difference in the region.”
He added that the Commission remained committed to meeting the developmental needs of the people of the Niger Delta, ensuring that development reaches every community in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.
Sharing his perspective on the recognition, the NDDC Director, Administration and Human Resources, Sir Kelechi Nwelue, remarked that the award was well-deserved and would further motivate the NDDC Managing Director to scale up the Commission’s efforts.
“This honour affirms the Managing Director’s resilience and commitment to sustainable development in the Niger Delta. This recognition would, indeed, inspire the Commission to sustain its contributions to regional growth,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Publisher of the Daily Telegraph, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, noted that the New Telegraph Awards were established to celebrate individuals in key public and private sector roles who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and performance.
He stated: “The New Telegraph Awards serve as a non-partisan platform bringing together thought leaders, policymakers and business professionals. The awards recognise and celebrate deserving Nigerians across both the public and private sectors.”
