NIWA Manager, Ekawu Bags SAYDI-AFRICA’s Nelson Mandela Leadership Award

By Praise Chinecherem

Port Harcourt Area Manager, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Surv. Bernard Ekawu has received the prestigious Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence from the Stay-Africa Youth Development Initiative (SAYDI-AFRICA).

The ceremony, held at the NIWA Port Harcourt Area Office, brought together officials and youth leaders who described the honour as a recognition of Ekawu’s exemplary service, devotion to duty, and leadership style rooted in humility, integrity, and moral values that reflect the true spirit of Nelson Mandela.

SAYDI-AFRICA explained that Ekawu was carefully selected after a thorough evaluation of his professional record and public conduct.

The organisation cited his administrative discipline, transformational strides in the NIWA Port Harcourt office, and unwavering support for the agency’s policy direction under President Bola Tinubu as key considerations.

It further noted his years of dedicated national service, his commitment to building a culture of efficiency in public administration, and a lifestyle that mirrors Pan-African values and serves as a model to young people across the continent.

Presenting the award, President of SAYDI-AFRICA, Amb. Mensah Dominic, described Ekawu as “one of the rare African leaders whose contributions transcend official responsibilities.”

He emphasized that the award is reserved for individuals who embody selfless leadership, promote peace and cooperation, strengthen community values and uphold principles that unite Africans beyond cultural, religious or national lines.

“Honouring leaders like Ekawu enables the organisation to inspire and groom a new generation of young Africans committed to building a prosperous and harmonious continent,” he said.

In his acceptance remarks, Ekawu expressed deep appreciation to SAYDI-AFRICA, describing the recognition as both humbling and motivating.

He said the award affirmed his belief that “God, who sees in secret, rewards openly,” and pledged to intensify efforts in delivering the mandate of the current administration.

Dedicating the award to his team and the entire NIWA workforce, Ekawu reassured NIWA Port Harcourt Area Office’s commitment to excellence, improved service delivery and responsible public engagement.

“Thank you for finding us worthy of this honour,” he added.