Stella Fubara, the former Regional Director of International Operations at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, has said hard work, integrity, and excellence are needed to restore the Pride of the Niger Delta.
She disclosed this while serving as Guest Speaker at the 15th Edition of the Eve Afrique Red Ball and Heart of Gold Award ceremony, which had the theme “Restoring the Pride of the Niger Delta.”
She said: “We are gathered here for a theme that should shake us to our core, “Restoring the Pride of the Niger Delta.” Our Pride was not stolen overnight, it did not disappear by accident, it was eroded by decades of neglect, exploitation, division and disillusionment. But here is the truth, A Pride can be lost so it can be reclaimed. I call for integrity, excellence, and hard work because that is what it will take to bring our Pride back. No handouts, saviours, excuses, it will take all of us here to make an impact.”
The chairman of the Eve Afrique Advisory Board, Alabo ( Dr) Emi Membere-Otaji, said restoring the Pride of the Niger Delta is a call to return to the values, identity, and collective strength that define us as a people. “It is about showing the world that the Niger Delta is more than its challenges. It has history, beauty, culture, resilience, and potential.
In her welcome address, Ivy Davies Etokakpan, the organiser and Publisher of Eve Afrique News, said the 2025 Red Ball is not merely an event but a rallying call for collective action and change.
“Now more than ever, it is time to reclaim the region’s lost glory and pave the way toward a renewed and resilient future. Our vision for the 15th Edition Red Ball is restoration anchored in a multifaceted approach focusing on revitalising our environment, fostering economic empowerment, building sustainable infrastructure, promoting social cohesion, and advancing health and education,” Etokakpan said.
Some of the sons and daughters of the Niger Delta who received the Heart of Gold Award are Asu Ekiye, fondly known as the “Prince of the Niger Delta,” Mrs Tonye Briggs Oniyide, a trailblazer in culture, tourism, and public service; and Mrs Maureen Tamuno, the MD of Abuja Investment Company Limited.
Others are Otunbress Timi Peggotty Dumbo, a multifaceted entrepreneur and Philanthropist, Hon Boma Iyaye, Executive Director (Finance And Administration) Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Daere Akobo, an entrepreneur and Philanthropist, Mr Idaere Gogo Ogan, a boardroom guru and economist, Samy Nasreddin, Mr Richard Akinaka, and Tantita Security Service Nigeria Limited.
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