By Ebriku John Friday
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and Nigeria’s leading Real Estate Mogul, Prince Sam Ogrih were among eminent Nigerians that received the annual Independent Newspaper Awards in Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos.
The ceremony which held at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos was the 10th edition of Independent Newspaper Awards.
Prince Ogrih, a major developer and promoter of prime gated communities in Nigeria, including the Plantation City, a princely estate in Warri, Delta State, was conferred with the Real Estate personality of the Year Award-2020.
In his speech, the Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief, Independent Newspaper, Mr Steve Omanufeme, stated that “This year’s award focuses on people with exceptional performance in their chosen profession and walks of life. That is why it is themed: Recognising Excellence.”
Continuing, he maintained that, “Our Board of Editors specifically embarked on thorough and painstaking assessment exercise from which our distinguished awards recipients were selected.”
“So, today we are here to celebrate you all for your services to Nigeria in your chosen fields. Indeed, you all have a rich resume of achievement worthy of emulation,” he stated.
Some other awardees during the event included: The Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule; Governor Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya, Gombe State and Governor Darius Ishaku, Taraba State.
Prince Ogrih’s commitment to excellence in service delivery and abiding faith in business beyond profit has continued to attract local and international attention.
Recently, Rotary International commended Mr Ogrih for supporting the work of the organization to improve lives. The commendation was communicated via a letter jointly signed by Holger Knaack, President, Rotary International 2020-21; K.R. Ravindran, Chair, The Rotary Foundation, 2020-21, on behalf of the board of directors, the organization acknowledged his contributions towards supporting the work of Rotary International.
The letter partly reads, “As a Major Donor, you join an international group of compassionate people who are committed to serving others, no matter what the challenge is. Today — because of you — another generation of Rotarians can care for their communities in times of uncertainty and need.”
Prince Ogrih has also received prestigious awards from major local and international organizations, including The Georgia Congressional Commendation Award, from the Legislative Black Caucus of the State of Georgia; The African Leadership Awards, by the UK based African Leadership Magazine; The National Housing Awards, among others.
Through his foundation, Sam and Lauretta Ogrih Foundation, SLOF, Sam Ogrih has continued to provide education support for over 1500 students in the South-South region of Nigeria. His support for primary, secondary and tertiary education is premised on the fact that Education holds the key to liberate the mind and set individuals on the path to greatness.
Sam Ogrih, founded Delta Mega-Trend – a Real Estate Development and Civil Engineering works company, in 2009, to help bridge the housing and infrastructure deficit in the country. With offices in Delta, Lagos, Abuja and Houston-Texas, the Company has gained a reputation for blending excellence and profitability for discerning real estate investors.
The company’s ongoing real estate development in Warri, Delta State, has in the last three years recorded a significant upsurge in price and profitability for investors. It has also been rated the largest and safest real estate development in the South-South part of Nigerian.
