…Dedicates Honour to God, Gov. Fubara, Pledges More Transparency, City-wide Beautification
The Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Amairigha Edward Hart, has been honoured as the “Most Distinguished Commissioner of the Year 2026” by the Niger Delta Media Practitioners of Nigeria.
The award was presented to the Commissioner in his office in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in recognition of his contributions to workers’ welfare, inter-ministerial collaboration and the implementation of the urban renewal agenda of the Rivers State Government.
Presenting the award, Convener of the Niger Delta Media Practitioners of Nigeria, Joseph Aomeji, said Hart’s efforts were contributing to the restoration of Port Harcourt’s reputation as the Garden City.
Aomeji cited improved workers’ welfare, city beautification and horticulture, stakeholder integration, accountability and transparency, as well as effective management, compliance and revenue generation among the factors that earned the Commissioner the recognition.
Responding, Hart dedicated the award to God Almighty and the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, saying the recognition was a reflection of the administration’s commitment to the development and transformation of the state.
The Commissioner said the progress recorded in urban renewal, metropolitan revitalisation, city beautification and sustainable planning was directly linked to the Governor’s commitment to the growth and development of Rivers State.
“This award serves as a reminder of the responsibilities ahead,” Hart said, adding that he accepted the honour on behalf of the management and staff of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
He pledged that the Ministry would continue to operate with full transparency and an open-door policy, while working in line with the developmental objectives of the state government.
Hart also called for sustained collaboration between the Ministry and the media, stressing the importance of keeping the public informed, highlighting areas of growth and building partnerships that would promote sustainable development across Rivers State and the Niger Delta.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Soibitein Duke Harry, described the award as “most deserving,” noting that the Ministry had witnessed remarkable progress since the Commissioner assumed office in March.
She pledged the continued cooperation of the Ministry’s workforce towards sustaining the momentum and advancing the administration’s urban development objectives.
The high point of the ceremony was the nomination of Commissioner Hart as Grand Patron of the Niger Delta Media Practitioners of Nigeria, further underscoring the group’s recognition of his relationship with the media and his role in the state’s urban renewal efforts.
