By Godwin Chukwumaechi
The Ijaw National Congress of the Americas (INC-A) has conferred on the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer MD/CEO of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Americas Limited (PINL) Osahon Okunbo, with its Leadership Award.
The award was in recognition of “his numerous positive strides in piloting an effective youth engagement, community services and pragmatic leadership within the Niger Delta communities.”
The conferment of the award, which was at the 2024 global convention which brought together prominent Nigeria leaders and dignitaries from the Niger Delta region and across the globe also saw Okunbo honored as a Special Guest for his community services and pragmatic leadership within the Niger Delta communities and his exemplary leadership roles.
In his address at the convention Okunbo declared to the leaders of the region; “We owe the youths more than words,” adding that the young people in the Niger Delta were watching to see if the promises made to them would hold.
While expressing his appreciation to the INC-Americas for the award, Okunbo who was represented at the convention by Tari Alamesiegha and Ikenna Ukwa said; “To be honoured by this community means more than I can say. 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”.
In the speech, delivered by Ikenna Ukwa, the PINL CEO said; “When we began this work, the terrain was as layered as the region itself. Years of tension. Environmental damage. Broken promises. There was a quiet fatigue in the air — a sense that things might never truly change.”
Osahon reflected on his journey, acknowledging the challenges and the importance of rebuilding trust and hope in the communities he serves.
He emphasized the significance of responsible leadership, highlighting that true leadership lied not in visibility but in accountability and service to others.
The INC-A convention, themed “Effective Leadership in Ijaw Nation,” featured notable speakers and guests, including President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba; former President of Nigeria, His Excellency (Dr.) Goodluck Jonathan; Governor of Rivers State, H.E. (Sir) Siminalayi Fubara; and Governor of Bayelsa State, H.E. Senator Douye Diri, among others.
Reflecting further on the Niger Delta struggles, Okunbo said; “We didn’t arrive with declarations. We came with a quiet commitment to do things differently. We listened. We partnered—with traditional institutions, with youths, with local leadership. We didn’t get everything right. But we stayed. We showed up again and again.
“And something began to shift. Communities that once turned away began to lean in. Incidents dropped. Dialogue returned. And through consistent partnership, we began to see not just operational wins — but human ones. Trust restored. Jobs reignited. Young people daring to hope again.
“That’s what this work has always been about. It’s easy to build pipelines. Much harder to rebuild trust. But that’s the work. And that’s where the heart of leadership lies — not in visibility, but in responsibility.
“I am proud of what we’ve done. But even more aware of the work still to come. There are still stories waiting to be rewritten. Still systems to strengthen. Still young people in the Niger Delta watching to see if the promises made to them will hold. We owe them more than words.
“So we’ll keep holding the line. Keep listening. Keep building — with dignity at the centre”.
