By Marvelous Ezenwa, Awka
In a bid to enhance transparency, streamline official communication, and bridge the gap between governance and grassroots stakeholders, the Executive Chairman/Mayor of Awka South Local Government Area, Prince Chinedu Okafor, has appointed veteran broadcast journalist and media practitioner, Mr. Cyril Okonkwo, as his Chief Press Secretary (CPS).
Okonkwo, widely known across the Southeast airwaves by his broadcast moniker “Itoro,” brings to the administration nearly 15 years of active experience in broadcast journalism, public affairs, media management, and strategic communications.
Over the course of his media career, Okonkwo has built a reputational track record across major regional stations, having served at Silverbird/Rhythm FM Awka, Love FM Enugu, and Ogene FM Awka. During this period, he distinguished himself in news reportage, audience engagement, and programming focused on public-interest advocacy.
Observers view Okonkwo’s transition from the broadcast studio into public sector communications as a timely reinforcement for the local government secretariat, coming at an era where proactive information dissemination is critical to grassroots governance and accountability.
Speaking on the strategic importance of the appointment, council sources noted that the administration seeks to establish an open-door policy grounded in factual and prompt reportage of council activities. In his capacity as Chief Press Secretary, Okonkwo is tasked with steering media relations, articulating executive policies, and projecting the administration’s development programmes to residents of Awka South and the broader Anambra public.
His responsibilities will also entail coordinating official press releases, managing media logistics, facilitating stakeholder dialogue, and ensuring that council decisions, community development initiatives, and civic interventions are effectively documented and broadcast.
With this appointment, the administration of Mayor Prince Chinedu Okafor positions an experienced media hand at the forefront of its public engagements, signalling a renewed drive toward clear, structured, and consistent public communication in Awka South.
