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.