The Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Delta State, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, has been honoured by the Association of Dance Scholars and Practitioners of Nigeria (ADSPON) in recognition of his distinguished leadership in politics, human capital development and contributions to the growth of the creative industry.
The Award of Excellence was formally conferred on Chinye by the National President of ADSPON, Professor Mrs Mariam Asabe Iyen, fsonta, fadspon, on Thursday, October 22, 2026, during the association’s 11th Annual International Conference held at the Main Auditorium of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Delta State.
The recognition acknowledged Chinye’s commitment to promoting and developing the arts, particularly film and theatre, as well as his contributions to advancing the creative industry in Delta State and Nigeria during his tenure as Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism.
The conference attracted prominent personalities from academia, Government and the creative sector, including the Vice-Chancellor of Dennis Osadebay University, Professor Samuel Ovuete Aghalio.
The Wife of the Delta State Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, was the Eminent Guest of Honour at the event and was represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Ezinne Theresa Onyeme.
Chinye, who was unavoidably absent, was represented by the Secretary to Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Kennedy Okoh, who led other principal officers of the council to the ceremony.
In the citation presented in his honour, Chinye was recognised for his contributions to the development of the arts and creative industry, especially film and theatre, alongside his commitment to public service, grassroots development and human capital advancement.
A graduate of Economics from Edo State University, Ekpoma, Chinye ventured into private business before joining active politics in 2001. His distinguished public service career includes serving as Delta State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism and Executive Chairman of the Delta State Waste Management Board.
During his tenure as Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, he made significant contributions to the growth of the creative sector, promoting artistic expression and strengthening the place of arts and culture in Delta State and Nigeria.
A grassroots politician and philanthropist, Chinye is widely recognised for his accessibility, humility and dedication to the welfare of his people. Over the years, he has supported initiatives in education, youth empowerment, infrastructure, agriculture and human capital development across Aniocha North.
Since his election as Executive Chairman in July 2024, Chinye has anchored his administration on the MORE G.A.I.N.S. Agenda, which prioritises Good Governance, Accessibility, Infrastructure, Agriculture and Human Capital Development, Notable Youth Development Initiatives, and Security and Peace.
Within two years, his administration has recorded more than 74 verifiable projects and programmes across the communities of Aniocha North, alongside interventions in employment, youth empowerment, education and economic development.
His commitment to grassroots governance has earned him other recognitions, including the Overall Best Local Government Chairman in the South-South Region by the Nigerian Local Government Excellence Award and the Delta State Integrity Chairman of the Year Award.
Receiving the honour on behalf of the council chairman, Hon. Kennedy Okoh expressed appreciation to ADSPON for recognising the council boss, describing the gesture as a significant acknowledgement of his leadership qualities, public service record and contributions to the creative industry.
Okoh noted that the recognition would further inspire Chinye to intensify his efforts towards delivering good governance and fulfilling the mandate entrusted to him by the people of Aniocha North.
He added that the honour would serve as additional motivation for the chairman to sustain his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, youth advancement and improved living conditions across the local government area.
