Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has sworn in Mr. Benson Ojeikere, an Edo State-born civil servant, as the Head of Service for Abia State.
The swearing-in ceremony, held during the first enlarged State Executive Council meeting of the year, highlighted Governor Otti’s policy of embracing all residents of Abia as Abians and promoting the spirit of national unity as enshrined in the Nigerian National Anthem.
Mr. Ojeikere, originally from Edo State in the South-South region, began his journey in Abia during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posting in the late 1990s. His exemplary performance as a corps member earned him the award for the best corps member and an automatic employment offer in the Abia State Civil Service.
Rising through the ranks over the years, Ojeikere was appointed as a Permanent Secretary in 2023 under Governor Otti’s administration. His appointment as Head of Service was based on merit, emerging as the best candidate in a rigorous selection process.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Otti praised Ojeikere’s competence and dedication, urging him to transform the state’s civil service into a model of efficiency and excellence.
“Congratulations, Mr. Ojeikere, for emerging the best in the selection process. I challenge you to lead the transformation of our civil service into an effective and efficient workforce,” the governor said.
In his acceptance speech, Ojeikere expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to work tirelessly to reposition the Abia State Civil Service as a model for others across Nigeria.
“I thank His Excellency for this rare and extraordinary opportunity to serve as the Head of Service. I promise to work with the government to make our civil service a benchmark for excellence,” he stated.
Ojeikere also addressed doubts about his appointment, affirming the reality of his historic role as a non-Igbo heading Abia State’s civil service.
The ceremony was attended by government appointees and marked as a significant moment in promoting unity and competence in public service.