By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Permanent Secretary of the Anambra State Ministry of Environment, Mr. Tochukwu Obodogha, has been honoured with a Special Recognition Award by Century Media International (CMI) for his exceptional leadership, commitment, administrative excellence, and service to environmental development in the state.
The award presentation, which held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the Permanent Secretary’s office, Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka, was witnessed by a delegation of the group and some staff of the Ministry.
Presenting the award on behalf of CMI, Mr. Chima Davidson described the recognition as indicative of Mr. Obodogha’s tireless contributions toward advancing environmental policies, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s transformation agenda in the state.
Mr. Davidson and his team commended the Permanent Secretary for his outstanding record of service, proactive administrative leadership, and effective coordination of government initiatives that have greatly improved environmental cleanliness, waste management, and urban renewal across the state. The award, they noted, was part of the organization’s periodic recognition of individuals, groups and public servants whose commitment and performance have made tangible impacts in their respective sectors and the society at large.
Speaking shortly after receiving the honour, Mr. Obodogha expressed appreciation to Century Media International for the recognition, which he described as a humbling yet inspiring gesture. He dedicated the award to the Anambra State Government under the leadership of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, whose visionary governance, he said, continues to provide the enabling environment for effective service delivery.
He praised the Governor’s development blueprint anchored on the five pillars of progress where environment stands tall. He further highlighted some of the administration’s landmark achievements, including the recruitment of over 8,000 teachers, free education from nursery to senior secondary levels, and the introduction of free antenatal and delivery care for mothers across the state. He also commemded the empowerment of over 30,000 youths by thr Governor through the “One Youth, Two Skills” programme, which has become a model for youth engagement and innovation.
Mr. Obodogha further drew attention to the government’s infrastructural achievements, including the breaking of the 34-year jinx surrounding the construction of a befitting new Government House for the state. He applauded the ongoing dualization of the Agulu–Nnewi–Okija road corridor, describing it as a game-changing project that will open up more economic opportunities and improve intra-state mobility.
He also expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo for awarding the Adili Road project in Nnewi, following the successful completion of Igwe Orizu Road, Bank Road, and Okpuneze–Uruagu Road in Nnewi North Local Government Area. According to him, such infrastructural transformations reflect the administration’s commitment to equitable development across all parts of Anambra.
While also commending the State Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Felix Odimegwu (Omus), and the staff of the Ministry for their support, Mr. Obodogha said the award will motivate him to continue to discharge his duties with more sense of commitment and dedication in the overall interest of the state while also facilitating realization of the governor’s vision of making Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland.
This reporter, Izunna Okafor, gathered that the award presentation ended on a high note, with the delegation expressing commendation and admiration for the professionalism and administrative competence of the Permanent Secretary and his team in driving Governor Soludo’s environmental reforms.
More photos from the event:
