Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has been honoured with the Best Performing Senator of the Year award at the Democracy Heroes Award Africa 2025, held on Thursday night at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
The prestigious 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.
Senator Ned Nwoko, who emerged winner in a category that featured several serving senators, received the honour from Honourable Alhassan Ado Garba Doguwa, Member representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency, Kano State, and leader of the Northern Region Caucus of the 10th House of Representatives.
The lawmaker, flanked by jubilant Anioma sons and supporters, expressed profound appreciation for the recognition, dedicating 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 Republic of Nigeria and later became the first Premier of Midwestern Nigeria. He was a poet, a politician, and a lawyer. He was the one who came up with the idea of Anioma as a state,” he stated.
Senator Ned Nwoko traced the historical origin of the Anioma State agitation to Sir Osadebay, describing him as a visionary whose dream remains 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. His name was Sir Dennis Osadebay. 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, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Anioma State will be created”, Senator Ned Nwoko added.
In an earlier interview with the organisers, following his win, Senator Ned Nwoko spoke about public service, patriotism, and integrity in leadership, emphasising 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, for Delta, for the South South, and for Nigeria.”
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.
Senator Ned 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.
