Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Less than one month after his appointment as the Acting Head of Service, HoS, Abia State, Governor Alex Otti, has sworn-in, Edo State-born Mr Benson Ojeikere, as the substantive HoS of Abia State.
Ikengaonline investigation revealed that Ojeikere was a Youth Corps Member from Edo State posted to Abia State in the late 90s.
He, however, distinguished himself in service as he emerged the Best Corps member of the service year and was offered automatic employment in the State Civil Service.
He rose through the ranks and was appointed a Permanent Secretary in 2023 under the current administration of Gov.Otti.
Ojeikere later emerged as the best in the selection process for the Head of Service of the State and was appointed to the position on merit and competence.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Otti congratulated Mr Ojeikere for emerging the best in the selection process and challenged him to transform the State Civil Service into an effective and efficient workforce.
Gov. Otti said his administration would continue to place value on merit and competence above other considerations.
Speaking earlier, Ojeikere thanked the Governor “for the rare and unusual opportunity given to him to serve as the State’s No. 1 Civil Servant.”
He promised to work with the Government to reposition the State Civil Service and make it a model that other states within and outside Nigeria will come to learn from.
Commenting on the development, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, said “Ojeikere confirmed to those still doubting if it is true that a non-Igbo is the Abia State Head of Service.”
He further said it reaffirmed Gov. Otti’s commitment to meritocracy, and the application of his policy of ‘If you live in Abia, You are Abian,’ and demonstrates the true meaning of One Nigeria as captured in the letters of the National Anthem – Though Tribe and Tongue, May Differ, In Brotherhood We Stand.”
