Minority Leader of the 10th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, was on Tuesday honoured in Abuja with the 2025 Leadership Award for Integrity, Stewardship and Transparency in Public Service—a recognition he described as “a call for sober reflection.”
The award, presented by the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA) in partnership with Naijablitznews and Hellosis Media, celebrates Chinda’s consistent push for people-centred legislation and his unwavering stance on accountability.
In his short but emotional acceptance speech, Chinda dedicated the honour to the Nigerian people, expressing deep concern over the current state of the nation.
According to him, “It’s time for sober reflection considering what is happening in the country at the moment. I fervently pray that God should help us get things we have left undone to enable us bring Nigeria back to its place of pride. To this end I dedicate this award to all Nigerians.”
*A Career Built on Reform and Public Trust*
Reading his citation on behalf of CCLCA’s Director-General, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, Associate Editor of Naijablitznews, Gloria Ikibah, described Chinda as “a force for positive change” whose legislative footprint has remained visible since he first joined the National Assembly in 2011.
Fondly called O.K. Chinda, she noted that the lawmaker’s work in the 10th Assembly has been “immediate and profound,” highlighting his push to amend the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act to widen opportunities for Nigerians across multiple key sectors, not just oil and gas.
She stressed that the amendment, driven by Chinda, aims to “grow Nigerian skills and the economy astronomically.”
The citation further commended Chinda for spearheading the House’s recent resolution on workers’ welfare. Earlier in the month, he moved the motion advocating a minimum living wage of not less than N100,000, insisting no Nigerian worker should be left behind in the ongoing economic crisis.
His strong opposition to a proposed trade agreement with the United Kingdom—described as unfavourable to Nigerian legal practitioners—was also highlighted as a demonstration of his commitment to protecting national sovereignty and professional dignity.
*Track Record of Accountability and Grassroots Impact*
Chinda’s legacy, the organisers said, extends beyond the current Assembly. As Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in the 8th Assembly, he set a new benchmark by submitting three audited reports—a record feat—while transforming the committee into Nigeria’s first fully e-compliant oversight body. His meticulous approach earned him widespread respect and multiple recognitions.
At the constituency level, his philosophy is rooted in empowerment rather than dependence. He established the now-famous “Obio/Akpor Embassy” in Abuja—an accommodation facility offering constituents up to three nights of free lodging.
His “I win, you win” empowerment model, which provides scholarships, JAMB forms, skills training and starter packs, is also widely celebrated.
*A Life of Service*
Born on March 24, 1966, in Elelenwo, Chinda built a strong academic foundation before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School in Lagos, where he graduated in 1995. His early years saw him offering free legal support through the radio programme “You and the Law,” handling pro-bono cases for indigent citizens.
From a junior solicitor to a principal partner, and later Commissioner for Environment in Rivers State, his journey has been one defined by commitment to justice, service and social upliftment.
As he held up his award on Tuesday, Chinda made it clear that the honour was not his alone. It was, in his words, an encouragement to keep fighting for a country that can still rise again.
