The Executive Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, Hon. Uchenna Joseph Okolo, has been honoured with the prestigious “Best Local Government Chairman of the Year” award by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council.

The award was presented on Thursday in Enugu during the 2025 NUJ Press Week, held at the International Conference Centre (ICC). The NUJ State Chairman, Mr. Obinna Ogbuka, described Hon. Okolo as a pace-setting grassroots leader whose administration has demonstrated excellence, innovation, and unwavering commitment to community development.

According to the NUJ, this recognition underscores Hon. Okolo’s transformative governance style, his strong focus on community empowerment, and the visible infrastructural rebirth taking place across Awgu Local Government Area under his leadership.

In his remarks, Hon. Okolo expressed gratitude to the NUJ for the honour, describing it as a motivation to remain steadfast in service. He also commended the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his “radical infrastructural development projects, visionary reforms, and exemplary leadership that continue to inspire local government administrators across the state.” He noted that the enabling environment created by Governor Mbah has been a key driver of progress in Awgu LGA.

Since assuming office on October 2, 2024, Hon. Okolo has embarked on an ambitious transformation agenda that has delivered landmark projects across Awgu. These include the Awgu Water-for-All Project, which features the installation of over 20 solar-powered boreholes across various communities; the distribution of 500KVA transformers and 600 solar streetlights aimed at strengthening rural electrification; and the completion of a modern ICT-driven Administrative Centre.

Other milestones include the  beautification and upgrading of the council secretariat into a world-class administrative complex, the near completion of a new Chairman’s Office, and the rollout of 2,000 SATO pan toilets—a bold initiative targeted at ending open defecation and promoting public health.

Furthermore, Hon. Okolo’s administration has undertaken significant road interventions such as the 3.5km Awgu–Ugwueme Road and the 4km road project in Agbogugu, both of which form part of the 13km Smart Green School access network. These projects are enhancing mobility, boosting connectivity, and opening new economic opportunities across Awgu communities.

The NUJ Press Week is an annual celebration designed to highlight excellence in governance, journalism, innovation, and community service across Enugu State.

Hon. Tochukwu Chukwu

Special Adviser, General Media & Publicity,

Office of the Executive Chairman, Awgu LGA