YENAGOA, BAYELSA STATE — Prominent Bayelsa entrepreneur, politician, and community development advocate, Hon. Chief Berry Negerese, has been honoured with the 2026 African Game Changer Award and officially nominated for inclusion in the prestigious 2026 100 African Game Changers Compendium, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship, indigenous enterprise development, public service, youth empowerment, and sustainable community development.
The honour was conferred by Fresh Facts Magazine, in collaboration with the African Network for Accountability (ANFA), Ghana, during a presentation ceremony in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Presenting the award, the Publisher of Fresh Facts Magazine, Monday Iyke Ojomah, described the recognition as one reserved for exceptional Africans whose leadership, innovation, integrity, and service have created measurable and lasting impact within their communities and across the continent.
According to the Publisher, the 100 African Game Changers Compendium is a prestigious continental publication released once every four years to celebrate distinguished Africans whose achievements continue to shape the future of Africa through entrepreneurship, governance, business, humanitarian service, education, innovation, peacebuilding, and community development.
He noted that Hon. Negerese emerged after a rigorous process involving research, independent assessment, and verification of his professional accomplishments, leadership record, and societal impact.
As the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mabeco Resources Ltd., Hon. Negerese has built one of the Niger Delta’s respected indigenous oil servicing and maritime companies. Under his leadership, the company has provided marine logistics, vessel management, offshore support, and oil servicing solutions to multinational energy companies, including Chevron, TotalEnergies, and Eni/AGIP, while advancing indigenous participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Beyond business, the award citation highlighted his contributions to public service, philanthropy, youth development, and community advancement. A graduate of Sociology from Delta State University, he previously served as a Commissioner in Bayelsa State and currently flies the flag of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Bayelsa State House of Assembly election representing Ekeremor Constituency III (Alabini).
He was also recognised for his leadership as Chairman and Head of the Board of Trustees of the Dodo River Communities Rural Development Association, where he has championed educational initiatives, healthcare improvements, rural infrastructure development, women and youth empowerment programmes, and sustainable community development through the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) framework with international oil companies.
In his acceptance remarks, an appreciative Hon. Negerese described the recognition as both humbling and inspiring.
“I never expected this honour. I did not apply for it, and I never knew it was coming. To be counted among Africa’s Game Changers is a great privilege, and I sincerely appreciate everyone who found me worthy of this recognition,” he said.
Rather than viewing the award as the pinnacle of his achievements, he described it as motivation to do more.
“For me, the game has just started. This recognition will challenge me to work harder, expand my impact, and continue creating opportunities for people. My dream is to continue contributing to society in ways that will positively affect generations to come.”
Reflecting on his journey, Hon. Negerese credited his late father for instilling in him the value of education despite growing up in one of the most underserved riverine communities in Bayelsa State.
He disclosed that his passion for sponsoring students and investing in education is inspired by his father’s vision, adding that he has supported numerous young people through secondary and tertiary education without keeping records because he considers it a lifelong commitment rather than an obligation.
Speaking on his success in the maritime industry, the businessman attributed his achievements to what he described as the “Three Ds”—Desire, Decision, and Determination.
According to him, despite the enormous financial barriers facing indigenous operators in Nigeria’s maritime logistics sector, persistence and resilience enabled Mabeco Resources Ltd. to evolve into a reputable indigenous company serving major international oil companies.
He also used the occasion to advocate greater support for indigenous businesses through improved access to financing and increased local participation in Nigeria’s strategic industries.
On politics, Hon. Negerese explained that his decision to seek elective office was driven by his desire to attract sustainable development to oil-producing communities in Ekeremor Local Government Area.
He pledged to prioritise education, healthcare, infrastructure, economic empowerment, and human capital development if elected to the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, while aligning constituency projects with the development agenda of both the Bayelsa State Government and the Federal Government.
Addressing young people, he urged them to reject violence and embrace constructive engagement, stressing that peace remains the foundation for meaningful development.
“I want to be remembered for the lives I have touched through education and empowerment. If the people I help today are able to educate their own children tomorrow, then my legacy will live on,” he said.
The Publisher of Fresh Facts Magazine congratulated Hon. Chief Berry Negerese on the honour, describing him as a visionary entrepreneur, responsible leader, and passionate advocate of community development whose life continues to inspire confidence in indigenous enterprise and nation-building.
The 2026 edition of the 100 African Game Changers Compendium is scheduled for official launch in Accra, Ghana, in November 2026, where distinguished African leaders from various sectors will be celebrated for their contributions to the continent’s development.
Among dignitaries present at the presentation ceremony were Chief Deme Kolomo, Campaign Director, and other senior members of Hon. Berry Negerese’s campaign executive.
