Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta), was on Thursday night honoured with the “Best Performing Senator of the Year” award at the Democracy Heroes Award Africa 2025.
Nwoko representing Delta North Senatorial District, emerged winner in a category that featured several serving senators.
RELATED STORIES
His award was presented to him, by Rep Alhassan Doguwa, Member representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency, Kano State, and leader of the Northern Region Caucus of the 10th House of Representatives.
The award which recognises excellence in public service and democratic leadership, came after a rigorous selection and voting process that assessed nominees on their legislative efforts, people oriented bills, motions, and visible contributions in the 10th National Assembly.
Flanked by jubilant Anioma sons and supporters, the lawmaker expressed appreciation for the recognition and dedicated the award to Sir Dennis Osadebay, Nigeria’s second Senate President and first Premier of the defunct Midwestern Region.
“There are many awards and many hosts, but this is one award that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
“I want to dedicate this award to a very special man. He was the second Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and later became the first Premier of Midwestern Nigeria.
“He is a poet, a politician, and a lawyer. He is the one who came up with the idea of Anioma as a state,” Nwoko said.
He also traced the historical origin of the Anioma State agitation to Sir Osadebay, describing him as a visionary whose dream remained alive through his own legislative pursuits.
“Anioma is the Igbo speaking part of Delta out of the five ethnic groups that make up the state.
“What he started many years ago, the creation of Anioma State, is what I am trying to achieve today. He started the agitation for the creation of Anioma State.
“With your prayers, and with the support of the current Senate, the House of Representatives, and, of course, the help of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, Anioma State will be created,” he added.
Nwoko who also emphasised patriotism in service and integrity in leadership, said that politics should not be a means of personal enrichment but an avenue for genuine service to the people.
“I am grateful for the votes. There are many good and outstanding senators, I just happen to be the one that made it. Most of us are serving our country. What matters is that we all work for the interests of our people and the nation at large.
“I understand what it means to be a representative. Being a senator gives me the opportunity to serve them.
“If you’re in government to make money, then you shouldn’t have ever been there. You should have made your money wherever you are before coming to serve. This is why many get into trouble.
“I will keep the flag flying, not just for me but for the Igbo nation, Delta, South South, And Nigeria,” he further said.
The Democracy Heroes Award Africa is an annual event that recognises individuals and institutions contributing to democratic governance, leadership excellence, and social development across the continent.
Nwoko’s recognition comes amid his ongoing legislative efforts, including sponsorship of people centred bills, motions and advocacy for the creation of Anioma State.
“”A cause deeply rooted in the political vision of the late Sir Dennis Osadebay, to whom he has now dedicated this latest honour.
