Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has sworn in Nine new Permanent Secretaries and Four Special Advisers as part of his administration’s commitment to reforming and restoring the State’s Civil Service.
The Ceremony, held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Umuahia, also included the inauguration of the Chairman and Members of the Abia State Drug Control Committee, headed by the First Lady, Mrs Priscilla Otti as well as the Chairman and Members of the Local Government Service Commission.
Speaking during the event, Governor Otti congratulated the appointees and emphasized that their selection followed a rigorous process.
He highlighted that the appointment of yet another non-South Easterner as a Permanent Secretary underscores his administration’s commitment to competence over ethnic considerations, adding that the New Abia prioritizes merit.
Governor Otti who titled his speech, “Service, Duty, and Privilege”, reaffirmed his administration’s goal to build a state that truly works for its people.
He urged members of the newly inaugurated Local Government Service Commission to uphold excellence and deliver greater services to Ndi-Abia, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s pronouncement on Local Government Autonomy and the recent Local Government election of Chairmen and Councilors.
Governor Otti also underscored the significance of the Abia State Drug Control Committee and described the committee as pivotal to his administration’s social restoration agenda and its fight against drug abuse.
He reiterated his administration’s dedication to collaborating with stakeholders to combat drug abuse and other social vices.
In their responses on behalf of others, Mr. Ndubuisi Ike and Elder James Nwokocha, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the opportunity to serve and pledged their commitment to advancing the Governor’s vision of a better and reformed Abia State.
The newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries are: Ehiemere Chibuzo
Jane Ngarasi
Ihemanma Okechukwu
Ekeoma Chigozie Akidi
Ekaete Eyo Oham
Ekwueme Emmanuel
Jane Olanma
Juliet Outcome
Ukandu Obinma.
The Abia State Drug Control Committee chaired by the First lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, includes notable members such as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Kenneth Kalu; Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; and Rev. Kenneth Nwaubani, Director of the Amaudo Integrated Mental Health Foundation, among 34 others.
