Prominent Niger Delta Sons and Daughters Honored with Prestigious Heart of Gold Award

Mary Nnah

The 15th edition of the Eve Afrique Red Ball ceremony recently took place in Abuja, recognising the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations to the Niger Delta region.
The event honoured notable figures with the esteemed Heart of Gold Award, acknowledging their significant strides in areas such as human rights protection, peaceful dispute resolution, sustainable development, and governance.

The recipients of the award included Mrs. Maureen Tamuno, Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL); Asu Ekiye, fondly known as the “Prince of the Niger Delta”; Otunbress Timi Peggotty Dumbo, a multifaceted entrepreneur and philanthropist; Mrs. Tonye Briggs Oniyide, a trailblazer in culture, tourism, and public service; Hon. Boma Iyaye, Executive Director (Finance and Administration) of the Niger Delta Development Commission; Dr. Daere Akobo, an entrepreneur and philanthropist; Mr. Idaere Gogo Ogan, a boardroom guru; Samy Nasreddin; Mr. Richard Akinaka; and Tantita Security Service Nig. Limited.

In her address, Ivy Davies Etokakpan, Organiser and Publisher of Eve Afrique, highlighted the importance of the yearly event, which celebrates the milestones and impact of the Red Ball for Charity Initiative on the Niger Delta region and society at large. She stated, “The Prestigious Heart of Gold Award is given to individuals who have made significant strides in areas such as human rights protection, peaceful dispute resolution, sustainable development in the Niger Delta region, and governance.”

Mrs. Tamuno, one of the recipients, expressed her gratitude for the award, stating that it serves as a call to do more for the youth and people of the Niger Delta region. She pledged her continued support for the cause of the Niger Delta people and collaboration with Eve Afrique’s programs.

Guest speaker Stella Fubara, who spoke on the theme “Restoring the Pride of the Niger Delta”, emphasised that the region’s pride was not stolen overnight but eroded by decades of neglect, exploitation, division, and disillusionment. She stressed the importance of integrity, excellence, and hard work in restoring the region’s pride, stating, “I believe in our capacity to restore the Pride of the Niger Delta. It is something to stand for. But here is the truth, a Pride can be lost so it can be reclaimed. I make a call for integrity, for excellence, and hard work because that is what it will take to bring our Pride back.”

Another guest speaker, Yibo Koko, highlighted the significance of vision in reclaiming the Pride of the Niger Delta. He stated, “If you lack vision, then you can’t see. The whole idea is to see, and if we can’t see the beauty of the region, then you can’t be brilliant enough to bring it back. So, what Eve Afrique Red Ball is doing is creating an avenue for us to see and then reclaim it.”

Dr. Kaine Chinwah, another speaker, emphasized the need for environmental preservation and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region. She stressed the importance of individuals taking ownership of the region’s future through hard work and active participation.

The Chairman of the Eve Afrique Advisory Board and awardee, Alabo (Dr.) Emi Membere, stated that restoring the Pride of the Niger Delta is a call to return to the values, identity, and collective strength that define the people of the region. He emphasized that the Niger Delta region is rich in history, beauty, culture, resilience, and potential, and that it’s time to showcase these attributes to the world.

The Eve Afrique Red Ball ceremony serves as a platform to celebrate the impact of the Red Ball for Charity Initiative on the Niger Delta region and society at large. The event brings together individuals and organisations committed to making a positive difference in the region.