By Tony Okafor
The reappointment of Dr. Ossy Onuko as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) is a decision that deserves widespread commendation.
There are moments in the life of a developing city when leadership rises above routine administration and becomes a deliberate mission to shape history.
That moment now appears to be unfolding in Awka under the stewardship of Dr. Onuko.
His declaration of “ACTDA 2.0” reflects a bold development agenda aimed at transforming Awka into a modern, organised, and investment-friendly capital city capable of attracting global development partners and foreign investors.
For many years, emerging state capitals across Nigeria struggled with poor planning, weak regulation, environmental decay, and uncoordinated growth. Awka was not immune to these challenges.
Today, however, there are increasing signs of a new direction. The emphasis is gradually shifting from mere physical expansion to strategic urban planning, regulatory compliance, environmental sustainability, institutional efficiency, and smart-city development.
The Awka Capital Territory spans four local government areas, making its management a complex and sensitive responsibility. Such a task requires vision, competence, discipline, and continuity of purpose — qualities that Dr. Onuko has continued to demonstrate.
This is why Governor Chukwuma Soludo got it right by retaining him. Leadership is often judged by the calibre of individuals entrusted with public institutions.
By reappointing Dr. Onuko, the governor has reinforced his administration’s broader vision of building a livable, prosperous, secure, smart, and globally competitive Anambra State.
The recent ACTDA staff retreat further underscored this commitment.
By bringing together experts in urban planning, development management, leadership, and public communication, the agency demonstrated a willingness to embrace global best practices and strengthen institutional capacity.
The lessons drawn from successful cities such as Singapore serve as important reminders that great cities are built through vision, discipline, professionalism, and continuity.
Equally significant is Awka’s selection for the African Development Bank’s African Cities Programme — a recognition that validates growing confidence in the city’s development trajectory.
International development institutions only partner where they see credible leadership, strategic planning, and a clear sense of direction.
Urban transformation is never the work of one individual alone. It requires collective effort, government support, institutional strength, and public cooperation.
Yet every successful transformation needs a driving force — a catalyst willing to push boundaries and sustain momentum. Dr. Onuko appears determined to play that role.
If ACTDA sustains the current pace of reforms and development, history may well remember this period as the defining turning point when Awka began its transition from a growing state capital into a truly modern and globally competitive city.
