The Executive Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Enugu State Chapter, Hon. Sydney Okechukwu Edeh, has received a rare honour from former elected local government chairmen in the state for what they described as his outstanding leadership, service and commitment to grassroots development.
The Association of Former Elected Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, presented Edeh with an Award of Distinguished Service and Comradeship at a ceremony attended by former and serving council chairmen, political stakeholders, colleagues and well-wishers.
The association said the recognition was in appreciation of Edeh’s inclusive leadership and his efforts to maintain strong relationships with former council leaders while advancing the interests of local government administration in Enugu State.
Speaking on behalf of the association, Hon. Samuel Ngene said the gathering was convened to “give honour to whom honour is due,” describing Edeh as a “special breed” whose leadership had earned the admiration and support of former council chairmen across the state.
Ngene, who said he worked with Edeh during his tenure as chairman of the association, commended him for accommodating former council chairmen and recognising their contributions to the development of their respective councils and Enugu State.
According to him, the former council chairmen had “already paid their dues” through their years of service, adding that Edeh understood their sacrifices and had provided an inclusive leadership that made them feel valued.
He said the association unanimously resolved to honour Edeh for his distinguished service and spirit of comradeship, stressing that his leadership had taken the body of former council chairmen to another level.
Ngene assured Edeh that the former council chairmen would continue to support him even after his tenure, expressing confidence that his legacy would remain a positive mark on the state.
Dignitaries Hail Edeh
The ceremony also attracted goodwill messages from serving council chairmen, political leaders and other stakeholders, who praised Edeh’s leadership qualities, achievements and relationship with past and present local government officials.
The Executive Chairman of Enugu South Local Government Council, Hon. (Dr.) Caleb Onyema Ani, joined other serving council chairmen in commending Edeh’s leadership and achievements.
The APC candidate for Nkanu East in the forthcoming local government elections, Hon. Mike Ogbuekwe, pledged his loyalty and commitment to regular consultation with Edeh.
The APC State Women Leader, Enugu State, Mrs. Esther Edeh, described Sydney Edeh as a son and praised his leadership qualities and contributions to the state.
In a goodwill message, Uchenna Cyril Anioke, Ph.D., described the recognition as a bipartisan initiative focused on appreciating good leadership rather than political affiliation.
The Secretary of the association, Ogbonna Idike; former Chairman of Aninri, Prince Okezie Nwanjoku; former ALGON Chairman, Hon. Frank Ugwu; and former Chairman of Nkanu East, Hon. Ejike Ani, also described Edeh as a man of the people and a “trailblazer of uncommon pedigree.”
The association further announced that Edeh would enjoy automatic membership of the body upon leaving office, in recognition of his relationship with former council leaders and his contributions to local government administration.
Edeh: Public Office Is Temporary
Responding to the honour, Edeh described the occasion as “a very wonderful and emotional day” in his life and expressed appreciation to the former council chairmen for recognising his service.
He reflected on his journey into politics and public service, recalling how senior colleagues encouraged him to accept responsibilities and execute every assignment diligently, regardless of its size.
Edeh also acknowledged the support and confidence he received from the Enugu State Government, noting that occupying public office came with significant responsibilities.
The council chairman said his eventual exit from office would not mark the end of his service to the people, but would usher in a new phase in which he would join the association of former council chairmen and continue contributing to democracy and good governance in the state.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining relationships across political divides, urging leaders to respect one another based on their contributions, objectives and commitment to public service.
Edeh also reminded serving council chairmen that they would eventually become former chairmen, urging them to treat past office holders with dignity and ensure that their contributions were not forgotten.
He particularly appealed to his incoming successor, Engineer Mike, to respect former council chairmen and other past leaders, stressing that leadership was temporary and every occupant of public office should strive to leave behind a positive legacy.
Edeh recalled that upon assuming office, he deliberately recognised and supported former council chairmen, secretaries and deputy chairmen in Nkanu East, saying such gestures were part of his responsibility to honour those who had served before him.
The ceremony brought together past and present local government leaders to celebrate Edeh’s tenure and acknowledge what they described as his commitment to service, inclusiveness and grassroots development.
The event ended with prayers and goodwill messages for Edeh’s future, with participants expressing confidence that his contributions to public service would continue beyond his tenure as Executive Chairman of Nkanu East and Chairman of Enugu State ALGON.
