Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has presented 28 brand new Geely Emgrand cars to Permanent Secretaries in the Abia State Civil Service.
Presenting the cars to the beneficiaries on Tuesday, at the premises of the new commissioned Michael Okpara Auditorium, Governor Otti said that having appointed them Permanent Secretaries, there is a need to make their job a little easier by providing them with mobility.
The Governor said that the gesture was part of his administration’s resolve to restore dignity of the civil service and provide the necessary tools for effective service delivery.
“So, gone are the days of coming to work with keke. Your documents are also ready, so are the details in terms of amortization. And all that, I have discussed with the HOS. That you don’t pay anything. So, here are your cars.
The State Chief Executive reiterated that the appointments of the Permanent Secretaries were done based on merit, transparency, and competence, noting that none of them was selected based on personal connection.
“All of you attained this position on your own merit, even those I knew before the process, did not make it because it was transparently conducted,” Gov. Otti stated.
He commended them for their cooperation, describing them as instrumental to the success of his administration’s policies and programmes
He expressed confidence that the gesture would result in better service delivery, greater motivation, and a more efficient civil service in Abia State.
Governor Otti, who reassured of his administration’s unwavering commitment to transforming the Civil Service, said that his government is embarking on a new phase of civil service transformation driven by technology and digitization to improve efficiency and accountability.
“As we have started this next phase of civil service transformation, I am relying on all of you to drive that transformation. Particularly, the aspect that has to do with digitalization.
“So, you will be seeing a lot of new things. I have signed off on the procurement of devices for everyone. The internet ready devices. And of course, you are aware that we are trying to get the entire State to be internet ready,” Gov. Otti stated.
In a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, TPL Ukpabi Ukeje on behalf of other Permanent Secretaries expressed their heart felt gratitude to the Governor for providing the mobility and for making their work easy for them. He prayed God to continue to guide and protect the Governor and give him the enablement to continue to lead the State to greater heights.
Also speaking in an interview, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu expressed delight over the gesture by the Governor and described it as a morale booster that would further motivate them to deliver better service.
The Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Service, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Commissioners among others were present at the event.
