In a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding contributions to human capacity development, HRH Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe Chairman South South Elders Forum has been honoured with the prestigious Niger Delta Media Practitioners of Nigeria (NDMPN) Award as Most Distinguished Niger Delta Elder Statesman of the Year 2024/2025. I
It was torrents of encomiums and commendations for the Niger Delta Elder Statesman on Friday, 8th of August 2025 at his residence in Port Harcourt.
In his address, the convener of the media group, Ambassador Joseph Asomeji stated the purpose of the group. He said, “The NDMPN is a group of practicing Mediamen from the 9 Niger Delta States. He said the NDMPN award is a prestigious honour that recognises excellence in public service, recognises individuals and organizations who have distinguished themselves and demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment and dedication to societal development.”
In continuation he said, “This award does not only recognize individual achievements but also stands as a testament to the impact that dedicated and passionate public servants can have on their communities.”
Ambassador Asomeji who itemized some of the achievements of the group, said NDMPN held a youth sensitization conference in 2024 with over 500 youths in attendance from across the 23 LGA in Rivers State, under the sponsorship of Mayor of House, MyAce China.
The group also partnered with Ogeyi’s Place Hotel and Ashgrove School organized a sensitization talk and distributed 3,000 copies of branded exercise books and writing materials to pupils at Okoro-nu-odu community school rumuagholu. He said, the group’s award recognition is a motivation to others to strive for excellence in public service and to make a positive difference in the society.
In the award citation, the Board of Trustees Secretary Pastor Oziri Gospel acknowledged the unique passion, unmatched commitment and the wealth of experience that the former National Publicity Secretary/PRO of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe has put in, which invariably portrayed him as most distinguished Niger Delta Elder Statesman. Hence, the group acknowledged his works as a social crusader and his advocacy for justice, good governance, and systemic reforms in Nigeria.”
While presenting the award plaque, Chairman Board of Trustees Dr. Gilbert Amadi, noted the celebrant’s highly cerebral and timely contributions to discussions of far reaching developmental dividends to the Nigerian nation as a whole. He said the group had considered him for the Award considering his contributions to the overall development of the Niger Delta, Nigeria and humanity.
In his remark, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe expressed his unreserved appreciation to the group for the honour of the award. He frowned at the continuous deplorable state of the Niger Delta by the government which he described as “carefree.”
He said, “Some of the Niger Deltans and Nigerians at large have been reduced to operate with the spirit of begging because of the hardship due to the regular significant depreciation the Naira has experienced particularly after the floating of the currency.”
In continuation he said, “Poverty remains widespread, with a significant portion of the population struggling to afford basic necessities.”
He said he would never cease from being vocal regarding the rate of underdevelooment, unemployment and lack of productive activities that occupy the minds of the youths, particularly the educated once, which has forced them into crimes such as cultism, oil bunkering, oil theft, armed robbery and kidnapping for ransom, instead of following the part of honour like education and legitimate business that will lead them to national and international limelight.
