Governor Alex Otti appoints Edo-born Benson Ojeikere as Abia state head of service

DDM News

The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his commitment to meritocracy and inclusivity by appointing Mr. Benson Ojeikere, an Edo State indigene, as the Head of Service.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports that this historic appointment highlights Governor Alex Otti’s policy of “If you live in Abia, you are Abian” and reflects the spirit of national unity in the Nigerian National Anthem’s line: “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.”

Mr. Ojeikere’s remarkable journey began in the late 1990s when he was posted to Abia State as a Youth Corps member.

His outstanding performance during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year earned him recognition as the best Corps member, leading to his automatic appointment in the Abia State Civil Service.

Over the years, his dedication and hard work propelled him to the position of permanent secretary in 2023 under Governor Alex Otti’s administration.

The decision to appoint Mr. Ojeikere as Head of Service came after a rigorous selection process, where he emerged as the most qualified candidate.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Alex Otti praised Mr. Ojeikere’s competence and emphasized the importance of the appointment in driving civil service reforms.

He tasked the new Head of Service with transforming Abia State’s civil service into an efficient and effective institution that can support the administration’s development agenda.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Ojeikere expressed deep gratitude to Governor Alex Otti for the opportunity and promised to justify the trust placed in him.

He vowed to work collaboratively with the administration to reposition the civil service, making it a model for other states to emulate.

Addressing those who questioned the decision to appoint a non-Igbo as Head of Service, Mr. Ojeikere affirmed that his appointment was based on merit and Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to inclusivity.

The swearing-in ceremony, which took place during the first enlarged State Executive Council meeting of the year, was attended by top government officials and appointees.

This significant appointment underscores Governor Alex Otti’s vision of fostering unity, breaking regional barriers, and celebrating diversity within the framework of competence and integrity.

Chief Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, described the appointment as a milestone in governance and a demonstration of the administration’s belief in merit-based decisions.

He noted that Mr. Ojeikere’s appointment reflects a commitment to fairness and national integration.

By appointing an Edo-born professional as Abia’s Head of Service, Governor Alex Otti has reinforced his administration’s dedication to inclusiveness and efficiency.

This landmark decision is expected to inspire confidence in the state’s governance, showing that excellence and integrity transcend ethnic and regional considerations.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook