The Abia State governor, Alex Otti on Monday, 13th January, 2025 swore in Edo-born Mr. Benson Ojeikere from the South South Region of Nigeria as the State’s Head of Service.
This is as a result of the Governor’s commitment to meritocracy and policy of ‘If you live in Abia, You are Abian’, which he demonstrated by the appointment of Mr Ojeikere.
According to credible reports, Mr. Ojeikere was a Youth Corps Member from Edo State posted to Abia State in the late 90s, and from sheer hard work, he emerged as the best Corps member and was given automatic employment in the State Civil Service.
Mr. Ojeikere was appointed a permanent secretary in 2023 under the administration of Governor Otti. He 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.
In his short speech 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.
Earlier in his address, the newly appointed Head of Service, Mr. Benson 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.
Mr. Ojeikere confirmed to those still doubting if it is true that a non-Igbo is the Abia State Head of Service.
The ceremony was witnessed by all Government appointees present during the first enlarged State Executive Council Meeting of the year.
