Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The 9th edition of the prestigious Garden City Advancement Awards (GACAA) held on the 16th of November 2024, 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.
Honoring Excellence and Driving Development
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.
Outstanding Recipients
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
- Prof Amani – Fast Rising Comedian of the Year
- Ejiro Kelvin Akowien – Tech Disruptor Award
- My Ace China (Mayor of Housing) – Outstanding Real Estate Entrepreneur 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
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.
A Platform for Collaboration and Networking
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.
