The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria (PINL), Osahon Okunbo, has stated that Niger Delta youths deserve more commitments that will enable them to thrive, rather than promises.

Okunbo stated this when the Ijaw National Congress of the Americas (INC-A) conferred Leadership Award on him for his positive strides in piloting effective youth engagement, community services, and pragmatic leadership within the Niger Delta communities.

In his address, Okunbo told the leaders of the region, “We owe the youths more than words,” adding that young people in the Niger Delta were watching to see if the promises made to them would be kept.

While expressing appreciation to the INC-Americas for the award, Okunbo, represented by Tari Alamesiegha and Ikenna Ukwa, stated, “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.”

The award was presented at the 2024 global convention, which brought together prominent Nigerian leaders and dignitaries from the Niger Delta region and around the world.

In his speech, PINL CEO, Ikenna Ukwa, said, “When we began this work, the terrain was as layered as the region itself— years of tension, environmental damage, and broken promises. There was a quiet fatigue in the air—a sense that things might never truly change.”

Okanbo reflected on his journey, acknowledging the challenges and the importance of rebuilding trust and hope in the communities he serves.

He emphasised the significance of responsible leadership, highlighting that true leadership lies 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 the 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, systems to strengthen, 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.”