The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Due Process and Public Procurement Bureau, Dr. Oluebube Chukwu, has lauded Governor Alex Otti for his transformative efforts in revitalizing public service infrastructure in Abia State.
Dr. Chukwu stated this while speaking with newsmen today, following the commissioning and reopening of the fully renovated and retrofitted Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat, which had been abandoned for years by previous administrations.
According to the Head of the Due Process Bureau, the secretariat, originally built in 1993 under the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida and commissioned by then-Works and Housing Secretary, Engr. Barnabas A. I. Gemade, had fallen into disrepair over decades. Concerns about its structural integrity eventually led to its abandonment.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Due Process and Public Procurement Bureau, Dr. Oluebube Chukwu
Dr. Chukwu noted that the renovation of the iconic building is a key part of Governor Otti’s agenda to revamp public service infrastructure and create conducive working environments for civil servants. He highlighted that the complex, now capable of accommodating over 700 civil servants, includes 150 fully furnished offices, four boardrooms, and a state-of-the-art 240-seater conference hall.
“The renovations include the restoration of water and electricity, comprehensive furnishing, and functional upgrades to accommodate multiple ministries. The reopened complex will house four ministries permanently while providing temporary accommodation for four additional ministries,” Dr. Chukwu explained.
He further emphasized that the reopening of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat represents a significant milestone in Abia State’s journey to modernize its public service infrastructure.
“This project aligns with Governor Otti’s broader agenda of holistic public building renovations, including the administrative block of the Ministry of Agriculture, the fisheries block, the law reform office, and the Abia Newspapers office,” he added.
Dr. Chukwu also commended the Hon. Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, for his oversight role in ensuring the project’s success.
Hon. Chukwumerije, in his address, disclosed that the project was executed through direct labor by the State Ministry of Lands and Housing.
“To restore the abandoned secretariat, an integrity test was conducted to confirm the building’s structural soundness. Extensive reconstruction, renovation, and retrofitting followed to ensure the complex is now fit for purpose,” he explained.
Dr. Chukwu praised Governor Otti’s commitment to transforming Abia State, noting that such strides will enhance civil servants’ productivity and morale.
“This is a bold step in the right direction. Governor Otti’s dedication to upgrading public infrastructure is a testament to his vision for a progressive and efficient Abia State,” Dr. Chukwu remarked.
The revamped secretariat, equipped with modern amenities, underscores the governor’s pledge to uplift Abia’s workforce and create a productive environment that reflects the state’s development agenda.
