BMNA Set to Honour Elder T.K. Ogoriba as “Izon Icon of the Year”
By Ebi Freeman, Yenagoa – Organisers of the prestigious Bayelsa Media Network Awards (BMNA) have announced the nomination of elder statesman, Elder T.K. Ogoriba for the highly coveted honour, as “Izon Icon of the Year” citing his decades of selfless struggle, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the emancipation of the Ijaw people.
Presenting the nomination letter, Project Manager of BMNA, Mr. Blessing Matthew Ozegbe, commended Elder Ogoriba for his historic sacrifices that contributed to the creation of Bayelsa State, describing him as one of the foremost founding fathers of the Ijaw nation.
According to Ozegbe, the nomination was informed by Elder Ogoriba’s genuine and constructive agitations for the emancipation of the Ijaw people, his consistent peace-making and bridge-building efforts across Ijaw communities, and his principled stand on issues affecting the Izon nation, particularly the marginalisation of the Izon people and the environmental degradation of the Niger Delta.
He further described Elder Ogoriba as a detribalised Nigerian, an eloquent and competent leader whose visionary leadership places the collective interest of the Ijaw nation above personal gain.
“Elder T.K. Ogoriba has remained firm, truthful and courageous in speaking for his people. His life reflects service, sacrifice and integrity, which aligns perfectly with the values of the Bayelsa Media Network Awards,” Ozegbe said.
The BMNA Project Manager also urged prominent sons and daughters of the Ijaw nation to emulate the positive antecedents and selfless leadership style of Elder Ogoriba, noting that such examples are critical to the unity and progress of the Izon people.
The Bayelsa Media Network Awards ceremony, where Elder T.K. Ogoriba will be formally honoured as “Izon Icon of the Year,” is scheduled to hold on December 26, 2025, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat.
The annual BMNA event recognises outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to media development, leadership, peace and community advancement in Bayelsa State and the wider Niger Delta region.
