By Omonigho Okotie
The Director-General of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA), Hon. Dr. Benjamin Essien Okiemute NN (Rtd.), FNIIS, has received national recognition for his contributions to urban mobility, traffic management and institutional development.
Dr. Okiemute was honoured with the Urban Mobility, Traffic Management and Institutional Transformation Leadership Award at the 2026 GAMMA Stars Honourees ceremony.
The award was presented during the Global Aviation, Maritime, Mobility and Technology Summit (GAMMA TECH Summit 2026), organised by Aspire West Africa in partnership with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
The event took place on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Although he was unable to attend the ceremony, the DESTMA Director-General formally received the award on Thursday, November 12, at his office in Asaba.
The presentation was facilitated by Aspire West Africa’s Asaba Coordinating Personnel, Mr. Ajibo Michael, through DESTMA’s Assistant Director of Administration, Mr. Edwin Onoyona, who received the honour on behalf of the Director-General.
Speaking during the presentation, Ajibo disclosed that the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Aspire West Africa, Dr. Theophilus Bernards, had specifically instructed him to personally deliver the award to the DESTMA boss.
He explained that the recognition was in appreciation of Dr. Okiemute’s contributions to institutional reforms, the modernisation of traffic management operations, promotion of road safety and efforts to reposition DESTMA for greater efficiency and improved service delivery.
Ajibo expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to present the award, noting that the honour underscored the importance of visionary leadership and institutional transformation in the transportation and mobility sector.
In his response, Dr. Okiemute expressed profound gratitude to Aspire West Africa and the organisers of GAMMA TECH Summit 2026 for considering him worthy of the prestigious recognition.
He described the award as a motivation to strengthen ongoing reforms and pursue greater achievements in traffic management and road safety across Delta State.
The DESTMA boss emphasised that the recognition transcended personal achievement, describing it as a testament to the collective dedication, professionalism and commitment of the Authority’s personnel to building a more efficient traffic management system.
He reaffirmed his determination to enhance DESTMA’s operational capacity, strengthen institutional effectiveness and promote safer, more orderly roads in alignment with the development vision of the state.
Dr. Okiemute also acknowledged the support and policy direction of the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, noting that the administration’s commitment to institutional development and improved public service delivery had continued to provide an enabling environment for the Authority’s operations.
Meanwhile, receiving the award on behalf of the Director-General, Onoyona conveyed his appreciation to the organisers, describing the honour as a source of encouragement for the DESTMA management and workforce to sustain their efforts towards improving traffic regulation and road safety.
The national recognition further highlights the growing importance of effective institutional leadership, modern traffic management strategies and sustainable urban mobility in promoting safer and more organised communities.
