Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR, Governor of Anambra State, has authorised the appointment of new permanent secretaries to the state’s civil service ministries.
Following his reform programme to ensure transparency, accountability, and optimal delivery of good government to Ndi Anambra, the new appointments were subject to strict due process and merit, with no regard for extraneous reasons such as state of origin or any other association.
Specifically, a careful and transparent process was used to choose prospective candidates for the prestigious offices of Permanent Secretaries.
Recognising the paramount importance of fairness and meritocracy, a comprehensive search technique was painstakingly developed and applied.
The uncompromising procedure consists of the following:
Computer-Based Examination:
Candidates took rigorous aptitude examinations, which served as the foundation for meritocracy. Professional diversity, Local Government Area (LGA) representation, and remaining years of service were all carefully evaluated. This enabled the identification of high-performing individuals from various professions and senatorial zones who are primed to flourish in the Civil Service.
Search Process:
A performance-centric strategy was implemented to recognise candidates’ dedication and services to their respective ministries. Those who demonstrated outstanding devotion and hard effort were appropriately recognised, by the philosophy of rewarding merit and cultivating an excellent culture.
One-on-One Interaction with the Governor:
As a final layer of inspection, each shortlisted candidate was interviewed one-on-one by Mr Governor. This personalised contact provided a better knowledge of the candidates’ goals, vision, and compatibility with the government’s objectives, resulting in a more comprehensive review.
It is important to highlight that, historically, the nomination of Permanent Secretaries was exclusively at the discretion of Mr Governor. However, this time, a conscious change towards a more transparent search process was started.
This adjustment was intended to respect ideals of justice, equal opportunity, and the selection of the best candidates.
The following is a list of the newly appointed permanent secretaries.
LIST OF THE NEW PERMANENT SECRETARIES
1. Mr. Joachin ACHOR, ABIA
2. Mr. Adebayo OJEYINKA, OSUN
3. Engr. Michael OBIEKWE, ANAMBRA
4. Engr. Obi Augustine OKONKWO, ANAMBRA
5. Barr. Ndirika ONYEKWELU, ANAMBRA
6. Dr. Obiageli UCHEBO, ANAMBRA
7. Mr. Victor C. EZEKWO, ANAMBRA
8. Mrs. Chinwe ACHUGBU, ANAMBRA
9. Mrs. Ifeoma AGBAIZU, ANAMBRA
10. Barr. Nkiru NWANKWO, ANAMBRA
11. Dr (Engr.) Martin AGBILI, ANAMBRA
12. Mr. Tochukwu OBODOGHA, ANAMBRA
13. Mr. Ifeatu EMODI, ANAMBRA
14. Dr. Nwabufo NWANKWO, ANAMBRA
15. Engr (Dr) Florence IDIGO-IBENTA, ANAMBRA
16. Barr. Jacinta Nkeiruka MOKWE, ANAMBRA
17. Mr. Jerome ILOKWU, ANAMBRA
18. Mrs Chinyere NWABACHILI, ANAMBRA
