Yuletide: ACTDA Boss Warns Against Burning Tyres on Newly Constructed Roads

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, Dr. Ossy Onuko

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Dr. Ossy Onuko, has warned residents against burning tyres on newly constructed roads, describing the practice as destructive and unacceptable.
According to him, burning tyres on asphalt damages the road surface and accelerates its deterioration.
Dr. Onuko issued the warning in Awka while receiving ward chairmen from Awka South Local Government Area, who paid him a courtesy visit to celebrate the victory of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo in the recent gubernatorial election.
Governor Soludo emerged victorious in all 21 local government areas of Anambra State during the election.
Dr. Onuko described tyre burning on roads as “terrible and unacceptable,” stressing that ACTDA has banned the practice and that offenders will face the full weight of the law.
He explained that once tyres are burnt on asphalt, the damage is permanent.
Speaking on the Yuletide season, the ACTDA boss said Christmas signifies the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and noted that, as a predominantly Christian state, Anambra is deliberately creating an enabling and festive environment for residents and visitors. He said the ongoing infrastructural transformation of Awka—including road construction, the Fun City project, the stadium, and improved aesthetic appeal—is aimed at giving visitors reasons to relax, enjoy their stay, and return to the state.
Dr. Onuko further explained that the Onwa Dezemba programme, initiated by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, was designed to ensure that people visiting Anambra during the festive season have access to structured activities, making the Christmas and New Year celebrations a complete experience rather than confining themselves to their homes and villages.
Reviewing ACTDA’s performance so far, he said the agency has recorded remarkable achievements despite prevailing economic challenges nationwide.
He noted that ACTDA has evolved from being merely a development control and enforcement agency into a full-fledged development and infrastructure agency.
According to him, the authority now undertakes road construction, drainage desilting, and urban renewal initiatives. He added that designs for the proposed Awka City Park have been completed and will soon be executed as another major attraction in the capital city.
Dr. Onuko urged Awka residents to relax and enjoy the festive season, describing Governor Soludo as a visionary leader who has demonstrated clear direction for the development of the state.
In his remarks, the Special Squad Commander of the Anambra Internal Revenue Service and Chairman of Ward 8, Agwu-Awka, Mr. Obikweku Nathan, said all 20 ward chairmen appreciate Dr. Onuko’s support and generosity, pledging him 100 percent loyalty.
He said several projects requested during the campaign—such as the rehabilitation of Aquinas Road, Nya Ranch Road, Book Foundation Road, and the provision of pipe-borne water—have been executed in his ward.
He added that more wards would benefit from ACTDA’s interventions in January 2026.
Mr. Nathan assured visitors coming into the state for the Yuletide season of their safety, noting that security outfits such as Operation Udogachi and Agunechemba are fully on ground.
He warned that anyone caught engaging in touting or disturbing residents and visitors would be prosecuted.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Awka Ward 5, Comrade Obinna Udeorah, said he was not surprised by the Christmas donations made by the ACTDA Managing Director, describing them as consistent with his past gestures.

He commended Governor Soludo’s administration for transforming Awka into a true capital city and the leading city in the South East through road projects, the Fun City initiative, youth empowerment, and skills acquisition programmes.

The highlight of the event was the distribution of bags of rice to the ward chairmen.