Houston, Texas — Dr. Osahon Okunbo, Managing Director of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) and Chairman of Wells Carlton Hotels and Apartments, has been honoured with a prestigious Leadership Award by the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Americas Chapter.

The award was presented during the 2024 INC-Americas Global Convention, held in Houston, Texas, a gathering that attracted key leaders and dignitaries from the Niger Delta region and the Nigerian diaspora.

Dr. Okunbo was recognized as a Special Guest of Honor and Leadership Award recipient for his outstanding contributions to youth empowerment, community service, and transformative leadership in the Niger Delta.

Represented at the event by Tari Alamesiegha and Hon. Ikenna Ukwa, Dr. Okunbo conveyed his appreciation in a heartfelt speech delivered by Hon. Ukwa. He reflected on the challenges he encountered and the resolve to rebuild trust in communities long burdened by environmental degradation, underdevelopment, and decades of broken promises.

“This is not just an award. It is a reflection—a moment to pause and take stock of what the journey has been, what it has demanded, and what it continues to require,” Okunbo said.

He described the early days of his intervention in the Niger Delta as a time of uncertainty and disillusionment but emphasized that his team approached the region with humility and a firm resolve to engage, listen, and act differently.

“We didn’t arrive with declarations. We came with a quiet commitment to do things differently… We partnered with traditional institutions, with youth, with local leadership,” he said. “We showed up again and again. And something began to shift… trust restored, jobs reignited, young people daring to hope again.”

Themed “Effective Leadership in Ijaw Nation,” the convention featured prominent figures including the President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba; former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan; Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara; and Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri, among others.

Dr. Okunbo reaffirmed his continued commitment to uplifting the Niger Delta through sustainable development initiatives and inclusive leadership. His recognition serves as a testament to his transformative impact and enduring belief in the region’s potential.

“This award is not an endpoint—it is encouragement to press on,” he concluded. “The real reward lies in every life changed, every community empowered, and every future reclaimed.”

The award underscores Dr. Okunbo’s ongoing role as a bridge-builder and visionary leader in Nigeria’s oil-rich but often marginalized Niger Delta region.