ORO NATION RECEIVE SIR VICTOR ANTAI 

honor him with Oro Ambassadors Award for Outstanding Contribution to Oro’s Development Oron, Akwa Ibom State – Sir Victor Antai , KJW, the Executive Director, Projects (EDP), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has been celebrated for his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of Oro Nation. At a grand reception organized by the Oron Union, Sir Antai was conferred with the prestigious Oro Ambassadors Award in recognition of his elevation and outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the region. Presenting the award, HRM Odidem Bassey Etim Edet JP, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers’ Council, lauded Sir Antai’s dedication to service, describing the occasion as a historic milestone for Oro Nation. He commended the Oron Union for organizing the event and urged the people to rally behind Sir Antai to ensure the successful execution of his plans and vision for the community. In his remarks, Sir Antai expressed gratitude to God and also to the Oro people for the honor and recognition. He reaffirmed NDDC’s commitment to the Niger Delta region and outlined key infrastructural projects designed to transform Oro Nation and Akwa Ibom State. These include the Ebughu-Udesi-Oruko Road with a bridge, the Okossi-Mbokpu Eyokan-Etebi Road with a bridge, and the Essien Udim-Ika-Azumiri Road with a bridge. He emphasized the significant economic benefits of these projects, which are set to enhance mobility, trade, and connectivity across villages, local governments areas, and states. As a forward-looking gesture, Sir Antai announced NDDC’s ₦50 million support for the Oro Digital Center project. This initiative aims to improve digital literacy and empower the Oro people with essential technological skills, underscoring his vision for a digitally inclusive society. The event also recognized other prominent individuals as Oro Ambassadors. These honorees included Her Excellency, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, Ph.D., Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State; Justice Okon Abang, Justice of the Court of Appeal; Chief Engr. Benedict Ukpong, Federal Commissioner of the National Population Commission; and Rep. Martins Esin, Member representing Oro Federal Constituency in the National Assembly. Each of these distinguished personalities was celebrated for their invaluable contributions to the progress and unity of Oro Nation. The President-General of the Oron Union, Sir Essang Nsa Bassey, commended Sir Antai’s unwavering commitment to Oro Nation. He described Sir Antai’s achievements as a source of inspiration for many and expressed optimism that the recognition would motivate him to continue his impactful works. The event was graced by an array of dignitaries, including the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; the State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan; the Chairman of the Akpakip Oro Elders’ Advisory Forum, Ikpoto Okon Osung; Hon. Aniekan Abraham, Special Adviser to the President of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; royal fathers, clergy members, and other eminent personalities. The Oro Ambassadors Award bestowed on Sir Victor Antai is not only a recognition of his achievements but also a call to further action. Sir Antai continues to champion development initiatives that are poised to leave an enduring legacy in Oro Nation and beyond. (C) Media Unit, Office of the EDP, NDDC