Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has sworn in 10 newly appointed permanent secretaries into the state civil service.
Seven out of the 10 appointees are women, representing 70 per cent of the new permanent secretaries.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, the Governor attributed the 70 per cent female representation among the appointees to his administration’s commitment to equal opportunities.
He charged the newly sworn in permanent secretaries to uphold competence, integrity and commitment to service in the discharge of their duties.
Governor Otti noted that his administration had, since assuming office in 2023, prioritised merit, competence and transparency in appointments to public offices.
The Governor sressed that political considerations, state of origin and local government of origin did not influence appointments under his administration.
He insisted that only qualified candidates who met the required standards would be entrusted with positions of responsibility.
Governor Otti disclosed that about 58,000 applicants initially participated in the selection exercise, but only those who demonstrated the requisite competence and qualifications progressed through the various stages, which included computer-based tests and oral interviews.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to merit as a fundamental principle of public service, noting that appointments must be based on the ability of individuals to deliver results rather than other considerations.
The Governor urged the newly sworn-in permanent secretaries to regard their appointments as an opportunity to serve the people and contribute to the state’s development.
He charged them to justify the confidence reposed in them, adding that their conduct and performance would determine their records in office.
Governor Otti also inaugurated three other appointees including; Mr Godwin Adindu, as General Manager of the Abia State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ABSAA); Ms Sandra Ivonye-Ntofon, as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Abia Innovation and Industrial Park (AIIP), and Mr Emenike Onyembi, as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on National Assembly Matters.
He urged the three appointees to demonstrate dedication, professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility in carrying out their respective assignments.
Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in permanent secretaries, Mrs Uwaoma Ajike thanked the governor for giving them the opportunity to contribute to his administration’s transformation agenda.
She pledged that the appointees would uphold excellence, accountability, transparency and selfless service in the discharge of their duties.
