Here comes a man embarking on a second term in office, a man many describe as possessing the Midas touch, turning every responsibility entrusted to him into visible success.
A transformational leader endowed with vision, energy, and administrative competence, his name is Dr. Ossy Onuko, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA).
He has continued to redefine urban governance and development in Awka Anambra State capital.
Stakeholders across Awka and Anambra State, who have closely followed his achievements over the past four years, commended Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for reappointing him as the Managing Director of ACTDA.
They described the reappointment as a well-deserved reward for dedication, quality service, innovation, and his unwavering commitment to transforming Awka into a befitting state capital in line with Governor Soludo’s developmental vision.
Onuko, a native of Umudioka, Awka, was first appointed by Governor Soludo in October 2022 as the Managing Director of ACTDA.
During his first tenure, he distinguished himself through purposeful leadership, strategic reforms, and impactful developmental projects, earning widespread recognition and a second-term appointment based on performance and measurable results.
Over the years, Onuko has become widely known for his strong commitment to urban renewal, environmental sanitation, infrastructure rehabilitation, and the enforcement of city planning regulations within the Awka Capital Territory.
Stakeholders noted that he has consistently demonstrated determination in ensuring sustainable development and modernization of the state capital.
Community leaders, media practitioners, and government stakeholders have described him as an ideas-driven and reform-oriented administrator committed to transforming Awka into a cleaner, safer, more organized, and investment-friendly capital city.
Aggressive urban renewal
One of the major highlights of his administration has been the aggressive urban renewal and environmental reform initiatives introduced under ACTDA. Onuko launched the “Operation Green and Clean” environmental sanitation campaign aimed at improving cleanliness, restoring order, and enhancing the overall appearance of the capital territory.
Under this initiative, overgrown vegetation and illegal structures were removed from several parts of Awka, significantly improving the city’s aesthetics.
His administration also enforced strict regulations against building on waterways and drainage channels while promoting compliance with approved master plans and orderly urban development.
Stakeholders further noted that road rehabilitation projects received renewed attention under his leadership. Several strategic roads within Awka and its environs witnessed rehabilitation or upgrading, including roads around Aroma Junction, Secretariat Road, Zik’s Avenue, Regina Caeli Road, Amaku/COOUTH Access Road, NITEL Junction Road, CPS Junction Road, and Ifite First Market Road.
Residents observed that these interventions improved accessibility, eased traffic congestion, enhanced transportation, and contributed to smoother movement within the capital city.
In the area of traffic decongestion and street trading reforms, Onuko earned people’s praise for taking decisive steps to clear obstructions from major roads and pedestrian walkways. He spearheaded the relocation of street traders to designated trading areas, including the Solution Arena, in order to reduce congestion and restore sanity within the metropolis.
Religious leaders, community stakeholders, and residents publicly commended these efforts, describing them as necessary steps toward restoring dignity, orderliness, and environmental discipline within the capital territory.
Beautification of public infrastructure
Onuko also initiated the beautification of public infrastructure across Awka. Under his administration, flyovers and public spaces were redesigned and beautified through painting, landscaping, and the installation of artistic displays celebrating distinguished Anambra personalities.
Observers noted that these efforts have significantly improved the visual appeal of Awka and positioned the city as an emerging destination for investment and tourism.
Another major aspect of his administration has been the introduction of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives. Through collaboration with private sector stakeholders, ACTDA successfully financed emergency road and infrastructure projects without depending solely on government allocations.
Within the agency, Onuko introduced staff capacity-building programmes aimed at improving efficiency, teamwork, productivity, and staff welfare. Staff members and internal stakeholders reportedly commended his leadership style, administrative discipline, and institutional reforms within ACTDA.
Onuko has consistently articulated a long-term vision of transforming Awka into a “liveable and prosperous homeland” as well as a preferred investment destination in Southeastern Nigeria. According to him, this vision is only achievable through proper urban planning, environmental cleanliness, security, infrastructure development, and strict adherence to modern city standards.
Stronger enforcement of laws
Citizens have also commended his administration for stronger enforcement of environmental laws and visible infrastructural improvements across the capital territory. Under his supervision, ACTDA reconstructed major drainage channels, including the Iyiagu flood channel, to reduce flooding and improve environmental safety in Awka.
As part of his smart city agenda, Onuko has consistently advocated for the transformation of Awka into a modern city driven by technology, effective planning, sanitation, and efficient public infrastructure.
He also introduced organized stalls and mini-markets for displaced traders while maintaining restrictions against roadside trading and obstruction of pedestrian walkways.
In the area of development control and building regulation, ACTDA under Onuko intensified the enforcement of building approval processes to curb unplanned construction and improve safety standards across the city.
Many residents believe that his administration has made Awka cleaner, more organized, and more modern than in previous years. Several stakeholders described him as a leader with passion, courage, and commitment toward actualizing the developmental mandate of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority.
Beyond infrastructure and environmental reforms, Onuko has also shown interest in sports development. Stakeholders noted that he recognizes sports as an important tool for promoting unity, peaceful coexistence, youth engagement, and social development within the state.
An Anambra- state based human rights activist, social crusader, and convener of the “Recover Nigeria Project” Comrade osita Obi,Known for his vocal activism in Awka,described Onuko as “a young man with great energy and vision” capable of handling the enormous responsibility of transforming Awka.
According to him, Governor Soludo made the right decision by reappointing him based on the visible developmental achievements recorded during his first tenure.
“I think his reappointment is the best decision to sustain the ongoing transformation and continued cleanup of the capital city. I am particularly impressed by his efforts in clearing street beggars and improving orderliness around the capital. Before his appointment, Awka was overwhelmed by all manner of street activities, especially around Aroma Junction and UNIZIK Junction.
Proud of Onuko’s feat
“I am proud that despite criticisms from some quarters, he remained focused on doing what is right and giving the state capital a better atmosphere and image,” he said.
Obi further appealed to the ACTDA boss to pay closer attention to activities around Aroma Junction, especially during evening hours.
According to him, “Aroma is the three-arm zone of the state, housing the Government House, judiciary, and several ministries. It deserves special attention and sustained monitoring.”
Another Awka resident, Uche Michael, expressed satisfaction with Onuko’s performance, stating that it was encouraging to see a young administrator entrusted with responsibility and delivering effectively.
“Honestly, Onuko has demonstrated remarkable capacity in transforming Awka from a glorified town into a modern capital city and emerging smart city. Today, there is greater sanity in building construction, market organization, drainage management, and environmental control.
“People are genuinely impressed with his performance and want him to remain committed to the continued development and modernization of Awka,” he stated.
