Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra, has Inugrauated 18 new permanent secretaries in the state civil service on Monday in Awka.
Mr Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to Soludo disclosed the information in a press release he made avaliable to journalists.
Among the new Permanent Secretaries are Mr Joachin Acho, and Mr Adebayo Ojeyinka from Abia and Osun states respectively and eight women to give confirmation to his promise to give room for women to reach their potentials.
The release listed names of the new appointees as follows Dr Nwabufo Nwankwo, a former Chairman of National Youth Council, Anambra Chapter, Mr Martins Agbili, the present Chief Fire Officer of State, Mr Michael Obiekwe, Mr Augustine Okonkwo.
Also appointed are Mr Ndirika Onyekwelu, Dr Obiageli Uchebo, Mr Victor Ezekwo, Mrs. Chinwe Achugbu, Mrs. Ifeoma Agbaizu, Mrs Nkiru Nwankwo, Mr Tochukwu Obodogha, Mr. Ifeatu Emodi, Dr Florence Idigo-Ibenta, Mrs Nkeiruka Mokwe, Mr. Jerome Ilokwu and Mrs Chinyere Nwabachili.
He said the appointments followed due process and merit involving computer based examination and one-on-one interviews with the governor.
“This ensured the identification of high-performing individuals in different professions and senatorial zones who are ready to excel within the Civil Service.
“This personalised interaction allowed for a deeper understanding of the candidates’ aspirations, vision, and alignment with the government’s objectives, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation,” he said.
Soludo charged the new Permanent Secretaries on quality service delivery that will promote the ideals and aspiration of the present government to Anambra people.
Soludo while performing the Inugrauation ceremony congratulated the appointees and described the process as a unique appointment process.
“For the first time in the state history, Permanent Secretaries were chosen through rigorous examinations and interviews, ensuring that the most qualified candidates were selected.”
Soludo highlighted the diversity of the new appointees, including representation from other states and a focus on gender equality, having appointed eight women among the eighteen chosen.
He enjoined the new Permanent Secretaries to be mindful of their oath of allegiance and stressed the importance of reading and meditating on it, working conscientiously, combating corruption, and upholding justice.
He acknowledged the challenging economic times and his own decision to forego his salary, emphasising the team’s commitment to serving the people.
“There may be limitations,” the Governor said, “but we must persevere to deliver excellent service to the citizens of Anambra.”
” I urged the new Permanent Secretaries to take ownership of their roles and work collaboratively with Commissioners and other levels of government to propel Anambra State forward.
Earlier in her introductory remarks, the Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe, recalled that an examination was conducted for the appointment of permanent secretaries, among many stringent processes.
Igwegbe applauded the governor for taking the time to personally interview and appoint the 18 Permanent Secretaries in the State.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Sylvia Ifemeje, quoted the Nigerian Constitution of 1999, which stipulates the Governor’s power to appoint Permanent Secretaries into the Anambra State civil service.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of several high-ranking officials, including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, Principal Secretary, Barr JPC Anetoh, Chief Of Protocol, Hon Chinedu Nwoye among other members of Anambra State Executive Council.
