The MD/CEO of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), Dr. Osahon Okunbo, has appreciated Ijaws for recognizing his modest efforts and honouring him with an award.
Recall that the revered Ijaw National Congress – America (INC-A) conferred the PINL boss with a leadership award during its just-concluded global convention.
The vibrant business magnate was represented by Mr. Tari Alamieyesiegha and Dr. Ikenna Ukwa at the well-attended event. 
Speaking through the latter, the PINL CEO said that “To be honoured by this community means more than I can say. This is not just an award—it is a reflection.”
However, he noted that it is a moment to pause and take stock of what the journey has been, what it has demanded, and what it continues to require to achieve set goals.
Okunbo equally reminisced that: “When we began this work, the terrain was as layered as the region itself. Years of tension. Environmental damage. Broken promises. There was a quiet fatigue in the air—a sense that things might never truly change.
“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.”
He added that Niger Delta leaders and other elders owe the youths more than words,” insisting that young people in the oil-rich region were watching to see if the promises made to them would be kept.
While saying he was proud of the exploits PINL has made over the years, Okunbo acknowledged there is more work to be done to secure the national assets under the company’s jurisdiction.
“There are still stories waiting to be rewritten. Still systems to strengthen. Still 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,” he assured.
