Abakaliki, Ebonyi State: Ebonyi Leadership Excellence Award, on Monday, formally presented the “2025 Best Commissioner of the Year” award to Dr. Ben Uruchi Odoh, the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ebonyi State, following a keenly contested public vote.
Dr. Odoh emerged winner of the 2025 Ebonyi Commissioner of the Year in the Ebonyi Leadership Excellence Award, organized annually by Newsmax NG to celebrate leaders who have made outstanding contributions in their respective sectors.
He secured victory with 15,356 votes, defeating Oguzorkanu Offia-Nwali (Commissioner for Commerce) and Mbam Stanley Lebechi (Commissioner for Works), reflecting strong public confidence in his leadership and performance in office.
A seasoned legal scholar, public administrator, and reform-driven leader, Dr. Odoh currently oversees the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice, where he plays a central role in shaping legal policy, strengthening governance, and deepening access to justice across the state.
With a solid academic foundation in law having studied at Ebonyi State University, the Nigerian Law School, and other Nigerian and international institutions, Dr. Odoh combines intellectual depth with practical experience.
Beyond Ebonyi State, he serves as Chairman of the Body of States Attorneys-General, a national body that coordinates legal policy direction and justice reform across Nigeria.
Since assuming office, the Ministry of Justice under Dr. Odoh’s leadership has recorded notable progress in justice delivery. The ministry has handled 590 criminal cases and 897 civil matters within two years, with many cases successfully concluded and significant improvements recorded in case disposal, efficiency, and public access to justice.
One of his most remarkable achievements is the ongoing development of about 26 new laws aimed at strengthening peace, legal order, and good governance in Ebonyi State. These reforms reflect a deliberate effort to modernize the legal framework and respond to the evolving needs of the people.
Dr. Odoh has also championed people-centered justice initiatives, including expanded legal education, mediation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, prison decongestion efforts, and enhanced collaboration with professional legal bodies. His administration continues to emphasize fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness in the justice system.
Speaking during the award presentation, Dr. Odoh expressed deep gratitude to Newsmax NG, the organizers of the award, and to the people of Ebonyi State who voted for him. He also thanked His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, Governor of Ebonyi State, for the opportunity to serve.
He described the award as a collective achievement, dedicated to the hardworking staff of the Ministry of Justice and the entire justice sector in the state.
According to him, the recognition is not an end in itself but a renewed motivation to do more in building an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable justice system.
“This award is not just a personal achievement, but a testament to the tireless efforts of the state Ministry of Justice and the entire justice sector in our state. It is a win for the people we serve, and I am proud to say that it is a reflection of our collective commitment to advancing justice and promoting a society where everyone can thrive.
“As we gather here today, I want to assure you that this award is not a culmination of our efforts, but a motivation to do more. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our justice system is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. We will strive to build a society where every citizen feels protected, heard, and valued.,” the commissioner stated.
Dr. Odoh disclosed that shortly after the announcement of the award, his official Facebook account was hacked, temporarily disrupting his communication with citizens. He assured the public that efforts were ongoing to recover the account and encouraged residents to follow the official social media platforms of the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice for updates.
Reaffirming his commitment to service, the Attorney General pledged to continue working towards a future where justice is accessible, timely, and protective of the rights and dignity of every Ebonyi citizen.
“Once again, I thank Newsmax Nigeria for this recognition and everyone who voted for me. I pledge to continue working towards a brighter future for our state, where justice is served, and every citizen can live with dignity,” he said.
The honour bestowed on Dr. Ben Uruchi Odoh stands as a recognition of excellence, leadership, and a transformative approach to justice, not only in Ebonyi State but across Nigeria’s legal landscape.
