NDDC Boss Ogbuku Honoured With African Public Service Award In Morocco

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has received the prestigious “African Public Service Award” from the Heritage Times.

The award recognises Dr. Ogbuku’s transformative leadership and commitment to serving the people of the Niger Delta region.

The ceremony was held in Marrakesh, Morocco, as part of the third edition of the African Heritage Concert and Awards 2025.

The event drew prominent Nigerian and African figures, including Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabiru Yusuf and World Trade Organisation Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Alabo Boma Iyaye, NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, accepted the award on Dr. Ogbuku’s behalf and expressed his heartfelt gratitude.

In a statement issued by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director of Corporate Affairs at NDDC, Ogbuku reiterated his unwavering commitment to the Niger Delta region’s long-term development.

“For us at NDDC, this award means we must step up our efforts,” Dr. Ogbuku said.

“We will continue to strive to positively impact the lives of Niger Delta residents through effective programmes and projects.”

Dr. Ogbuku emphasised that while the Commission has made progress, more work remains to be done.

“This award is a motivator to do more. It demonstrates that Nigerians and Niger Delta residents valued the Commission’s development efforts,” he said, emphasising the award’s significance as the NDDC commemorated its 25th anniversary.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation and recipient of the “African Life Achievement Award,” emphasised the importance of Africa turning inward to realise its full potential.

In a recorded message, she thanked the Heritage Times for recognising excellence across the African continent.

Mr. Moses Siasia, Chairman of Heritage Times, stated that the Pan-African event seeks to recognise and celebrate the outstanding global achievements of distinguished African personalities, organisations, and brands, both on the continent and in the diaspora.

He praised Dr. Ogbuku’s contributions, citing the “groundbreaking ‘Lighting Up The Niger Delta’ project, aimed at lighting up vulnerable communities in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta Region.”

Siasia emphasised the significance of these recognitions and awards in preserving the African culture of excellence, promoting Afrocentrism, and inspiring an ecosystem that will retell the true African story and propel the continent to its full potential.

“We celebrate African excellence, culture, and heritage while also honouring African leaders, change-makers, and individuals who embody the spirit of African excellence. “We bring together influential African innovators,” Siasia explained.