Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof Ngozi Odu on Sunday led other distinguished public servants, academics, professional and business executives to receive Integrity Awards from the Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists NACJ South South Zone as part of the association’s 2026, annual Integrity and Patriotism lecture.
Among other recipients of the awards are the immediate past Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Prof Ibibia Worika; Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, Vice Chancellor, Rivers State University, RSU; Chief Dr. Promise Omuruka Okagwa, Founder/CEO of Dandavide Fairway Agro Venture, Lagos;
Chief Levi Ngochindo,
MD/CEO of Brilev Oil Nig. Ltd, Port Harcourt,
The event organised by the South South Zone of NACJ, with theme; “Integrity and Patriotism: Key Vital Factors for Building a Virile Nation,” ended with a call on Nigerian Leaders at all levels to prioritize integrity and ethical leadership.
Professor Odu was conferred with the “Most Outstanding Deputy Governor of the Year” award for showcasing a high level of integrity in leadership.
Speaking after receiving the award, the Rivers State Deputy Governor, expressed gratitude to NACJ for the recognition, while urging them to keep on practicing their profession in consonance with Christian values for the good of Nigeria.
She dedicated the award to God emphasizing that God has been the most significant influence in her life especially in decision-making and that her actions are ordered by Him.
“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 pray over it because I have a way that God communicates to me.
“So, my advice is this, 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 also want to advise that you shouldn’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 see the thing that was like a mustard seed, is now an oak tree. Nothing good comes easy. So keep working hard, be resilient and dogged and you will get it right with God helping you,” she advised.
In his remarks, NACJ National President, Dr. Charles Okhai, said integrity and patriotism are critical to sustainable development in Nigeria. “A nation can only thrive when its citizens and leaders uphold honesty, accountability, and commitment to the common good,” Okhai stated.
He congratulated the Rivers’ Deputy Governor, Prof. Odu and other awardees for their outstanding leadership qualities and contributions to societal development, adding that the award celebrates individuals who exemplify integrity and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
He hinted that the awardees were carefully selected and honoured for prioritising integrity in their various fields of endeavors.
Eighteen other distinguished Nigerians from the South South region including the immediate past Bonny LGA Chairperson, Dame Alabota Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox.
One of the awardees, and Founder/CEO of Dandavide Fairway Agro Venture, Chief Dr. Promise Omuruka Okagwa, KSC, the Otumba Fesogboye I of Imota Land, Ikorodu, Lagos State, who was honoured with “Integrity Entrepreneur of the Year Award,” in recognition of his contributions to growth of the nation’s economy, commitment in human capacity development, and promotion of initiatives that uplift livelihoods and strengthening communal growth in Rivers State, Lagos and the country at large, thanked the organisers for the honour.
Dr. Okagwa, who is also the Chairman and Founder of Twins Liquor and Beverage Stores, with outlets across Lagos, said the recognition will spur him for greater responsibilities to God and the nation.
“I feel very excited. I feel rewarded for living a Christ-like life. I feel fulfilled combining business and my Christian life in the challenging world we find ourselves as Christians.
“By God’s grace, I have remained steadfast and my steadfastness in God and always being honest with whoever in the society, business associates, partners, and some providers of services, have earned me an award today as Integrity Entrepreneur of the Year. It really pays to be transparent, honest, and a businessman who has a fear of God,” he said after the conferment.
The Rivers-born Agri-business expert, consultant and evangelist, commended NACJ for what he described as thorough research on the awardees. “I am very, very impressed with their work. I think the award today is more like another sermon that will be preached, not just in the church but to the entire world. It’s something that I would love to share so that Nigerians will learn to live upright and also be committed to the things of God.”
Describing the event’s theme as apt and timely, Chief Okagwa urged leaders at all levels to prioritise integrity. “My advice for our leaders is for them to remember that everything we have today, we’ll leave it one day. So integrity is the main thing. You will be remembered for the good things you have done, not for all the positions, all the wealth and everything you have. Children will only read and remember your deeds,” he said.
