Cosmas Ndukwe Uzodinma has just retired from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) as Chief Press Secretary (CPS), to the FCT minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello. Uzodinma will be seriously missed by the entire administration because of his sterling contributions that put the image of the minister and FCT on the world map.
The name Uzodinma rings so many bells. The frequency is as high in the media as it is among the drivers of innovations. He was also not a rookie in rehabilitating image of the administration; neither is he alien to the popular culture world nor is he an ignoramus in developmental ideas. In Umuoma, Ihitte/Uboma local government area of Imo State where he was born, Uzodinma is a factor. So he was during his reign in the Federal Capital Territory Administration, where he practiced his profession as a media relations’ manager till February 7th, 2019 when he ceremoniously bowed out at the age of 60 years. The 1980 Political Science graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in Enugu State, brought his wealth of experience, outstanding commitment, achievements and leadership to support FCTA in all spheres. Cosmas Uzodinma started his romance with media relations as an image maker for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) as Information Officer, in January 1988, but due to his exceptional style of performance he was quickly promoted to head, Information Unit of the council in January 1992 till 2003, when he was moved to Gwagwalada Area Council as head, Information Unit, where he brought a lot of reforms that stand him out many of his colleagues.
Uzodinma was again promoted to acting head of Department, Planning, Research and Statistics at Area Councils Service Commission, from July 2005 to August, 2008. From 2008 to 2012, the Umuoma-born Political Scientist was appointed the head, Public Relations Division of Area Council Service Secretariat (ACCS). In the same 2012 he became the head, ministerial speech writing team in the office of the Honourable Minister of FCT.
In 2013 Uzodinma’s competency earned him another position as deputy director/head Information/ Customer Service at Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) and in 2014 he was appointed deputy managing editor, Abuja Digest, while in 2015 he became a member of FCT InternalRevenue Service Board (FCT-IRS).
Through tenacity, hard work, diligence, excellence and grit, Uzodinma was in January 2017 singled out by the highest decision-making body of FCTA, to manage the image of the present FCT minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello in the capacity of Chief Press Secretary (CPS), till February 7th, 2019 when he completed his 35 years in civil service, which coincided with his 60th birthday.
Indeed, it was a double celebration for his family, FCTA management and staff. On his professional development, Cosmas Uzodinma is a member of the International Cities/Country Managers Association (ICMA), Washington DC, United States; Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Nigeria; and also a fellow, African Centre for Resource Studies (ACRS), South Africa.
In appreciation of Uzodinma’s unflinching commitment to putting FCT’s image in a vintage position, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) organized a send forth ceremony for him.  At the ceremony, the FCT permanent secretary, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa spoke on the outstanding qualities of the outgoing CPS and described him as a humble and detribalised Nigerian.
Uzodinma is a seasoned and an accomplished intellectual giant that had assiduously worked for and served the people of the FCT, Nigeria and humanity in various official capacities. His days as CPS will not be forgotten considering the new vista, he had opened in media relations of the administration.
Cosmas Uzodinma may have retired, but he is certainly not tired. His wealth of experience should further be tapped by government and the private sector for the development of the country.
– Annie wrote in from Abuja
