Otti swears in Edo-born Benson Ojeikere as Abia head of service
By Jeffrey Agbo
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has sworn in Benson Ojeikere, an indigene of Edo State, as the new Head of Service for Abia State.
Mr. Ojeikere emerged as the most qualified candidate for the position of head of service following a transparent and competitive selection process.
He makes history as the first non-Igbo to hold this position in the state.
The appointment underscores Otti’s commitment to merit-based leadership and his philosophy of inclusivity, encapsulated in his policy, “If you live in Abia, you are Abian.”
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During the swearing-in ceremony, Otti congratulated Ojeikere on his well-deserved appointment and urged him to lead the civil service with excellence and innovation. The governor emphasised the importance of transforming Abia State Civil Service into an efficient and model institution that other states can emulate.
In his acceptance speech, Ojeikere expressed profound gratitude to Otti for the opportunity, describing it as a testament to the governor’s commitment to fairness and meritocracy. He pledged to reposition the civil service and work collaboratively with the administration to achieve its vision for a more productive and efficient workforce.
The ceremony, held during the first State Executive Council meeting of the year, was attended by top government officials, appointees and dignitaries.
Ojeikere’s journey in Abia State began during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in the late 1990s. Recognised for his outstanding performance, he was honoured as the Best Corps Member of his batch and awarded automatic employment in the Abia State Civil Service. Over the years, his dedication and professionalism earned him various promotions, culminating in his appointment as a Permanent Secretary in 2023 under Otti’s administration.
