The 9th edition of the prestigious Garden City Advancement Awards (GACAA), organized by Heritage Plus, lit up the Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt, with a celebration of remarkable achievements and contributions to societal advancement.

This year’s event, themed “The Niger Delta and the Nigeria We Deserve – A Private Sector Perspective,” was a resounding success, bringing together leaders, innovators, and changemakers across diverse sectors.

Robinson Koyoyo, Principal Partner of GACAA, opened the event by emphasizing the importance of recognizing individuals and organizations that inspire progress and foster development. “The GACAA is not just an award; it is a call to action for all stakeholders to promote excellence and innovation that positively impacts our society,” he said.

This year’s theme sparked engaging discussions on the intersection of governance and private sector contributions to building a sustainable Niger Delta and a better Nigeria.

GACAA 2024 celebrated an impressive roster of honorees who have demonstrated exceptional achievements across various fields. Among the distinguished recipients were:

Chuka Peter Nwachukwu – Outstanding Performance in Leadership

High Chief Dr. Matt Offeh – Role Model to the Male Child

Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo – Most Celebrated Legislator of the Year and Excellence & Integrity in Legislative Business

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku – Most Celebrated MD/CEO of the Year

My Ace China (mayor of housing) -outstanding real estate entrepreneur.

Prof Amani – Fast Rising Comedian of the Year

Engr. Douglas Happiness Ibiba – Outstanding Young Oil & Gas Professional of the Year

Amb. Dr. Chief Ernest Ifeanyi Eboigbe – Most Supportive Personality of the Year

Kobaba Jornsen – Garden City’s Most Influential Comedian of the Year

Okere Benjamin Chukwuemeka – Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Engr. Emmanuel Ukoh – Award for Business Excellence

Ejiro Kelvin Akowien – Tech Disruptor Award

Villa Tuscanna Luxe Hotel received the Award for Excellence in Hospitality Business, while Ofure Global International Services, the event’s official partner, was honored as Partnership Champion of the Year.

Other Recipients Include:

Chief Dr. Ekezie Chidiebere Jerry – Award for Excellence in Business

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) – Outstanding Government Agency of the Year

Rainbow Heritage Group – Integrity in Business & Innovation

Mariere Daniel Oyawiri Foundation – Most Promising Charity Organization of the Year

Vital Skills Development Academy – Capacity Building Organization of the Year

Sarens Buildwell Nigeria Limited – Excellence in Quality Service Delivery

Henry Mars Deluxe Wears – Men’s Designer of the Year

Michtar Paints – Customer-Friendly Paint of the Year

Petrez Guards – Best Unarmed Event Security Guard of the Year

150nHerbert Restaurant – Leisure Spot of the Year

Satine Couture – Designer Brand of the Year

Desicon Engineering Limited – Outstanding Indigenous Company of the Year

Prince Nelson Onyeneho – Young Performing Personality of the Year

Danny Spry – Comic Personality of the Year

Community Initiatives and Future Goals

Heritage Plus reinforced its commitment to giving back through programs like the GACAA Drive Safe Campaign, Schools Outreach and Back to School Projects, Girl-Child Advocacy Program, and Clean Rivers Campaign. These initiatives aim to inspire public participation in sustainable projects and build a brighter future for Rivers State.

The event provided a vibrant atmosphere for leisure, networking, and collaboration, fostering relationships among investors, vendors, and partners. As the awards continue to set benchmarks for excellence, GACAA remains a vital force in celebrating and inspiring progress in Rivers State and the Niger Delta.