By Douglas Princemola

The General Manager of the Imo State Waste Management Agency ISWAMA, Hon Ugochukwu Aghazie, has been honoured with the Great Achiever Award by the National Association of Electronic Media Presenters of Nigeria NAEMPON. The award was presented in recognition of his outstanding dedication to environmental management, his commitment to improving public health, and his continuous contributions to the overall development of Imo State.

The ceremony, which took place on Saturday at Rockview Hotel Owerri, attracted a large gathering of dignitaries, government officials, media practitioners, community leaders, and stakeholders who came together to celebrate excellence in public service. The atmosphere was filled with admiration as several personalities who have made positive impact in their fields were recognized, with Aghazie standing out as one of the most applauded awardees.

In his remarks during the presentation, the President of NAEMPON, Jerry Osuji, explained that the association carefully examined the activities and achievements of the ISWAMA General Manager before selecting him for the honour. According to Osuji, the awardees track record in maintaining cleanliness in Imo State, particularly within Owerri metropolis, has been consistent and visible to residents and visitors alike.

Osuji further stated that the association appreciates the effort of ISWAMA under Aghazies leadership in improving sanitation, reducing environmental hazards, and ensuring that public spaces remain welcoming. He encouraged him to sustain the progress, noting that the cleanliness of a state is a reflection of its leadership and plays a crucial role in attracting tourists, investors, and development partners.

He stressed that a clean environment is fundamental to economic growth as it boosts the confidence of business owners, helps to prevent diseases, and creates a healthy atmosphere for residents. Osuji added that maintaining sanitation is not just a government responsibility but a collective duty that requires the cooperation of all citizens.

Responding to the honour, Aghazie expressed sincere appreciation to NAEMPON for recognising his efforts. He described the award as a call for greater service and promised to continue working diligently to improve the environment across the state. He noted that the recognition serves as motivation to further strengthen his commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe environment for all.

The ISWAMA General Manager explained that the agency has been expanding its operations through the introduction of innovative methods, including the use of technology to monitor waste disposal and environmental activities. He said ISWAMA has adopted a more strategic approach to waste management to ensure efficiency and sustainability.

Aghazie announced that the agency has concluded plans to intensify sanitation efforts during the festive season, when environmental pressures tend to increase. He said ISWAMA is working with various partners, community associations, and environmental volunteers to maintain maximum cleanliness in both urban and rural areas.

He also appealed to residents to support the agency by keeping their surroundings clean, avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse, and embracing good hygiene habits. According to him, maintaining a neat environment is not just for comfort but is essential in preventing outbreaks of diseases, improving the quality of life, and preserving the aesthetic appeal of the state.