ABIA STATE BREAKS NEW GROUND: APPOINTS NON-INDIGENE AS HEAD OF SERVICE, SETTING PRECEDENT FOR MERIT-BASED LEADERSHIP

By Dr John Mukoro mni

In a landmark decision that challenges traditional appointment norms in Nigeria’s civil service, Abia State Governor has appointed Mr. Benson Ojeikere, an indigene of Edo State, as the new Head of Service for the Abia State Civil Service. This unprecedented move marks a significant shift towards merit-based appointments in Nigeria’s public sector.

The appointment of Mr. Ojeikere, who first came to Abia State as a National Youth Service Corps member, represents a departure from the conventional practice of restricting top civil service positions to state indigenes. His journey from being recognized as the best Corps member, which earned him automatic employment, to rising through the ranks to become Head of Service, exemplifies the triumph of competence over ethnic considerations.

“This appointment signals our administration’s commitment to transforming governance through merit-based leadership,” stated the Governor. “We are building a system where excellence takes precedence over ethnic affiliations, setting a new standard for public service appointments across Nigeria.”

Mr. Ojeikere’s credentials speak volumes about his qualification for the role. As a former Permanent Secretary of the Government House, he consistently demonstrated exceptional competence, notably emerging as one of the top performers in the Permanent Secretary examination category.

This groundbreaking appointment could serve as a blueprint for other states in Nigeria, challenging the status quo of indigene-centric appointments that often sideline qualified candidates based on their state of origin. It presents a bold step towards building a more unified and efficient civil service system across the nation.

The outgoing Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs) Ngozi Queen Obioma, was commended for her exemplary leadership and contributions to the state civil service. As Mr. Ojeikere takes the helm, all Permanent Secretaries and Civil Servants have been urged to support this new chapter in Abia State’s administrative history.

This appointment may well mark the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s public service, where merit and competence become the primary criteria for leadership positions, transcending ethnic and state boundaries.