The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Professor Ngozi Odu, has received “The Most Outstanding Integrity Deputy Governor Award 2026.”
The Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ) recognized her at its Integrity and Patriots Award Ceremony in Port Harcourt on Sunday, honoring her for her commitment, dedication, steadfastness, and accountability to God and man, as well as her role as deputy Governor during the political turmoil in Rivers State.
While accepting the award from the team in her office, Professor Odu emphasized that God has been the most significant influence in her decision-making and that her actions are directed by Him.
She said, “In every action I take, God orders my steps. I’ve sold myself to Christ , and so my steps are ordered by the Lord. And that is why when people ask me for anything, I say, can I pray over it? I have a way that God communicates to me. And I want to tell you one thing, that because you are Christian Journalists, you should always seek the face of God because when you do that, you can never get it wrong.”
I want to thank you for this great honour done me. I appreciate you and just to say, don’t relent in anything you are doing. The moment you are convinced with what you are doing, you will gather momentum. Just keep doing it and you will be shocked how you look back and say my goodness, this thing was like a mustard seed, now it’s an oak tree. Nothing good comes easy. You work hard for it, you will be resillient, you will be dogged and say I know what I want and I will get it with God helping me.”
The President of NACJ, Dr Charles Okhai led the Rivers State Executive on the visit including the Chairman, Kingsley Izejiobi, Secretary, Desire Lordson and award Committee Chairman, Amaechi Okonkwo.
Other recipients of this year’s Integrity Award are three notable Waste Managers in Nigeria; thd Managing Director, The Initiates PLC Nigeria and pioneer President of the Waste Management Society of Nigeria WAMASON, Mr Rueben Ossai.
Another notable waste Management Expert, Noble brother Benson Friday Abu who is the National Publicity Secretary of WAMASON.
The Executive Secretary / CEO Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme RIVCHPP, Dr Vetty Agala was also honoured with the Integrity Woman of the Year Award. This follows her unwavering commitment to integrity in her efforts in transforming the health insurance programme in Rivers State.
The immediate-past Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Dame Alabota Hon Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox, DSSRS, JP, has been recognised and honoured as the Integrity Woman of the Year 2026 by the National Secretariat of the Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ) at its Integrity and Patriots Award Ceremony held in Port Harcourt over the weekend.
More notable award recipients in attendance were; former Secretary to the Rivers State Government SSG, Professor Ibibia Worika who is a professor of Comparative Patroleum and International Environmental Law and Policy, the first Female Professor of Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment in Africa, Prof Cynthia Amaka Obiora.
The Vice Chancellor of the Rivees State University, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, an award winning scholar and outstanding leader.
Chief Levi Mba Ngochindo, a renowned businessman with enduring legacies from Ogale in Eleme LGA Rivers State.
A colossus in the Oil and Gas, Dr Ifeanyi Roy-Omeni, a cerebral Academic whose name resonates with excellence and uncompromising integrity.
Chief Ibinabo Michael West, son of the historic Buguma Kingdom in Kalabari, a man of bold vision clad in integrity.
The illustrious Chukwudi Kingsley Odika from Anambra State, a first class philanthropist with unwavering commitment to integrity.
Agbani Horsefall, a prolific songwriter, vocalist, and gospel Minister with outstanding career impact on the society.
Engr Kinanee Sam Barikpoa, an Ogoni illustrious son from Bua, Khani is honoured for commitment to integrity through his political career and outreaches.
Professor Silvs Opuala-Charles is the Chairman, Governing Council of Garden City Premier Business School, Professor of Economics and Management is recognised for transformational contributions to government financial policiesvsnd his accountability.
Captain Chinonso Omezurike, Commandant Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Borokiri in recognition of her high profile professionalism.
Sir Henry Ajoku Ph.D, from Ulakwo Imo State is the CEO of Haritex Group. Hojoured in recognition of his selfless service to humanity.
Seasoned Marketing and Communication Expert, Rashes Bolarinwa in recognition of impact covering journalism, Public relations, among others.
The award held at the Nigerian Bar Association Building on Moscow Road, Rivers State, aimed at inspiring the recipients of the awards and other the more was well attended.
The event returns next year being an annual event.
