Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, swore in 27 commissioners in Umuahia on Tuesday with a charge to make meaningful contributions to the growth and development of the state.
He said at the ceremony that the state had been on a very challenging and eventful journey and had remained on track only by the grace of God.
The Governor said that the new commissioners were expected to support the government in its desire to create a better life for the people of Abia.
He said government was determined to complete ongoing projects and initiate new projects that would be completed before the end of his tenure.
The Governor added that the state government had great appetite to transform the state and would not accommodate anyone that would not work in that direction.
Ikpeazu said, “Let me warn that there is nothing juicy anywhere. If your agenda is to come and make money you will be disappointed after the first month.
“If your agenda is to work and bring your experience and knowledge to bear and to make meaningful contributions to our dear state, then you will find enough challenges to make your work exciting.
“This is my way of saying ‘call to duty’ and nothing more than that.
“The office of the commissioner is not a place for one to mark time. If you have no business in the Executive Council, we will show you the back door.”
Ikpeazu said the government would provide an enabling environment for the commissioners to perform their duties effectively.
He urged the commissioners to task their ingenuity to the fullest to encourage even development and galvanise support for government’s programmes and policies.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Commissioner for Information, Eze Chikamnayo, thanked the state government for the privilege given to serve the people of Abia.
“We will not let you down and we will render service to the people of Abia,” he pledged.
Some of the commissioners and their portfolios are Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development, Donatus Okorie; Ministry of Boundary Matters, Ndom Godwin; Ministry of Science and Technology, Okezie Erondu; and Ministry of Agriculture, Kechi Mgbeoji.
Others are Ministry of Sports, Pascal Ojigwe; Ministry of Industry Promotion and Development, Uwaoma Olewengwa; Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Christopher Enweremadu; and Ministry of Youth Development, Charles Esonu.
Some more are Ministry of Housing, Chinagorom Nwankpa; Parastatals, Monday Ehilegbu; Ministry of Women Affairs, Rose Urenta.
Kingsley Imaga is head of Ministry of Public Utilities, while Chidiebere Kalu goes leads Ministry of Establishment and Training.
(NAN)