Sir Itiako Ikpokpo (Malik)
Popularly called Malik, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, by divine grace, is a quintessential Nigerian.
He hails from Uro in Irri Kingdom, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, but was born in the Yoruba community of Odogbolu, Ogun State, where he had his primary education.
He later attended Federal Government College, Azare in Bauchi State, and Federal Government College, Idoani in Ondo State for his secondary education, before gaining admission into the University of Port Harcourt, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and International Relations.
During his time at UNIPORT, he stood out not only academically but also in social activism, which led to his emergence as President of the Student Union Government.
Having travelled across different parts of Nigeria through education, business, politics, and public service, he developed a strong flair for languages, speaking Isoko, Yoruba, Hausa, and English fluently, while also building friendships and networks across the country.
Naturally driven by self-determination, Ikpokpo ventured into private business after graduation, building a notable business empire that currently employs hundreds of people.
His investments under DUNAMIS-ICON LIMITED span transportation, hospitality and catering services, business consultancy, agriculture, and sports management.
In 2014, he was elected Executive Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, becoming the first to serve two terms, which he completed in 2021.
During his tenure, he was also elected Chairman of the Delta State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
His outstanding service, contributions to ALGON’s growth, and strong advocacy for local government reforms earned him the nickname “General Malik” nationwide, as well as his appointment by ALGON’s National Executive Committee as Director General, Administrator, and Chief Executive Officer of its National Secretariat, overseeing the affairs of all 774 local governments in Nigeria.
Sir Ikpokpo’s involvement in sports began as an enthusiast and philanthropist, supporting several athletes under his mentor, Chief Solomon Ogba, a former Delta State Sports Administrator, Commissioner, AFN President, and now 1st Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee.
Leveraging his positions as Local Government Chairman and ALGON Chairman in Delta State, he introduced the first Delta State Local Governments Sports Festival, bringing together athletes from the 25 councils.
The initiative aimed to strengthen grassroots sports development, promote talent discovery, and encourage local governments to invest in sports.
As ALGON Director General, he worked towards expanding this initiative across all 774 local government areas before leaving office.
In line with his commitment to grassroots sports, he launched the Niger Delta Sports Festival in 2025, now regarded as the largest talent discovery platform, one of the best-organised sporting events, and the biggest private-sector-driven regional multi-sport youth competition in Nigeria and across Africa.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission described him as the biggest sports marketer in Nigeria, while also noting that the 2nd Niger Delta Games was the cleanest sports competition held in recent times.
He currently serves as Chairman of the Delta State Athletics Association and holds several traditional titles, including 4th Degree Knight of the Order of St. Mulumba, Clan Otota and Atanaru of Irri Kingdom, Ugonofure of Olomoro Kingdom, Osugba of Enhwe Kingdom, Oruogho of Umeh Kingdom, Omanufogho of Oleh Kingdom, Owata of Igbide Kingdom, and Obruthe of Ozoro Kingdom.
Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, the Obruthe of Ozoro Kingdom.
Ladies and gentlemen, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, KSM.
