...As Council Chairman Dedicates Award to Gov. Peter Mbah
In a resounding affirmation of Enugu State’s rising profile in health governance, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has honoured the Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Hon. John Ogbodo, with its prestigious “Best Abuja Commitment Chairman” Award, a recognition that celebrates outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to primary healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
The award, presented by the WHO Southeast Zonal team during a ceremony attended by key health stakeholders, was the outcome of an extensive review of Hon. Ogbodo’s performance in supporting WHO-led and state-driven health initiatives. According to Dr. Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, WHO Southeast Zonal Coordinator, the council boss demonstrated “a high level of responsiveness, strategic health planning, and consistent alignment with national and WHO health goals.”
Flanked by other notable figures including Dr. Adaeze Ugwu (WHO Enugu State Coordinator), Dr. Ikechukwu Chidolue (IDSR Technical Assistant), Dr. Collins Okafor, Barr. Chidi Ani (Chief of Staff), and Hon. Nicholas Aninwagu (Supervisor for Health), the WHO team highlighted how Ogbodo’s leadership had significantly improved health indicators in Nkanu West.
However, in a moment of humility and deep admiration, Hon. Ogbodo used the spotlight to dedicate the award to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, whom he described as the “true architect of the health revolution currently sweeping through the state.”
“This honour is truly for Governor Peter Mbah,” he declared. “While the award bears my name, it reflects the foundation laid by His Excellency’s transformative vision. From constructing a world-class 300-bed specialist hospital to rolling out 260 fully-equipped Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres across the state, Governor Mbah has set a new benchmark for health development. We at the local level are simply building on his bold blueprint.”
Hon. Ogbodo commended the governor for providing the political will, infrastructure, and policy environment necessary for LGAs to perform optimally in health service delivery. He also applauded the synergy between state and local health actors, which he noted has enabled collaborative success and efficient outreach to rural communities.
“Governor Mbah inspires us to act decisively, think progressively, and serve compassionately,” he said. “This award is a reminder that when visionary leadership flows from the top, real transformation becomes possible even at the grassroots.”
The award marks a high point in Ogbodo’s tenure and shines a spotlight on the broader gains being recorded under the Mbah-led administration. It also serves as a validation of the state–local government synergy model being practiced in Enugu, one that WHO now recognizes as a case study for others to emulate.
As Enugu State continues to draw national and international commendation for its innovative health policies, the latest WHO recognition stands as both a tribute to Governor Mbah’s leadership and a call for deeper commitment to community-based healthcare systems.
In the words of Hon. Ogbodo:
“This is not the end, but a fresh motivation to serve better, reach farther, and heal more.”
