Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has sworn in Benson Ojeikere, an indigene of Edo State, as the new Head of Service for the state.

Ojeikere, who was initially posted to Abia as a youth corps member in the late 90s, stood out as the best corps member, which led to his automatic employment in the state’s civil service.

He was appointed Permanent Secretary in 2023 under Governor Otti’s administration.

Having excelled in the selection process for the Head of Service position, Ojeikere’s appointment was based on merit and competence.

The state government emphasized that this decision underscores Governor Otti’s commitment to meritocracy and his policy of “If you live in Abia, you are Abian,” reflecting the true spirit of “One Nigeria,” as encapsulated in the National Anthem’s words: “Though Tribe and Tongue May Differ, In Brotherhood We Stand.”

During the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Otti congratulated Ojeikere for his success in the selection process and urged him to work towards transforming the State Civil Service into a more efficient and effective workforce.

In his remarks, the newly sworn-in Head of Service, Benson Ojeikere, expressed his gratitude to the Governor for the rare opportunity to serve as the state’s top 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.

Meanwhile the appointment of Ojeikere has received commendations from all quartets as many called on other governors to emulate the action of governor Otti, which they maintained was a more proactive way of promoting unity and integration among Nigerians.

President Bola Tinubu has declined to give assent to the bill establishing the Federal University of Education located in Numan, Adamawa State.

The President gave reasons for his decision in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to media reports, the President in the letter which was read during plenary said his decision stems from unresolved land discrepancies and constitutional issues regarding disposal rights.

Speaking, the Senate President, Sen Godswill Akpabio however assured his colleagues that other minor concerns raised in the course of the Bill would be addressed in due course.

The Chadian Government has honoured the Force Commander (FC) Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali, with the national prestigious award of “Officer of the National Order of Chad” in recognition of his outstanding contribution to peace and security in the Lake Chad region, National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.

The award which is one of the highest honours bestowed by the Republic of Chad, was presented by the Honorable Minister of the Armed Forces, Veterans and War Victims, Issaka Malloua Djamouss, on behalf of the President of Chad Field Marshal Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno.

The Honourable Minister stated that the award is typically reserved for a personality who have made exceptional contributions to the region’s stability. He specifically highlighted the success of Operation Lake Sanity 2, led by General Ali, which resulted in the repatriation of refugees and internally displaced persons, the dismantling of key terrorist logistics bases, and the significant disruption of terrorist operations.

In his acceptance remarks , General Ali expressed his deep gratitude to the President of Chad and the Minister of Defense Chad for the esteemed recognition and honour. He said that the award will be dedicated to troops of the MNJTF for their act of valor and bravery during Operation Lake Sanity 2 .

The occasion was graced by the Head of Mission MNJTF and Executive Secretary LCBC HE Amb Mamman Nuhu, Chief of Staff of the President of Chad Lt Gen Ramadan Erdibou and the Commander Sector 2 MNJTF Lt Gen Djouma Youssouf Mahamat Itno. Others include Chief of Staff of the Minister of Defence and the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff amongst other key military commanders from Chad.