Gov Otti Inaugurates Boards, Demands Smooth Working Relations

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, on Thursday inaugurated the chairmen and members of various boards of parastatals and agencies in the state.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Governor Otti charged the board members to bring their wealth of experience to bear in advancing the development of the state.
The statement noted that the boards inaugurated include the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) Management Board, the Governing Council of the Public-Private Partnership and Investment Promotion Office, the Abia State Rural Access Roads Agency, the Abia State Road Funds, the Abia State Lottery Board, and the Abia State Library Board.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia.
Governor Otti said the inauguration of the leadership and members of the boards was aimed at strengthening institutional leadership across the various parastatals and agencies.
He described the event as part of efforts to deepen accountability and improve efficiency across key sectors of governance.
“This event is also about strengthening the capacity for the implementation of government policies and programmes with a view to improving the social and economic outlook of the state,” Governor Otti stated.
The governor advised the appointees to avoid rivalry and unhealthy conflicts between board members and the management teams of the agencies.
He said the appointees were selected based on merit and described them as accomplished professionals.
“They are all excellent professionals who have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields.
“While I am convinced about the mature disposition of those who will lead and serve through these boards and parastatals, it is important to advise against any form of needless rivalry with the management of the agencies.
“The management of the institutions is encouraged to give every necessary support to the boards,” Governor Otti stated.
The governor further assured the appointees that adequate provisions had been made for their welfare and operational needs.
“You can take it for granted that whatever you need to perform effectively and meet the expectations set for you shall be provided,” he said.
Governor Otti also reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustaining its developmental agenda.
“We have the same commitment, enthusiasm, and energy to continue pursuing the developmental objectives we set from the very first day of this administration.
“If anything has changed, it is that we are now even more determined and more eager to do greater things for our people.
“We have only accomplished a fraction of what we intend to achieve, but the indisputable truth is that significant and irreversible progress has been made. The old era of mediocrity and non-performance has been broken permanently, never to rise again,” Otti declared.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated board chairmen and members, the Chairman of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) Management Board and wife of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Mrs Ezinne Chinyere Benjamin-Kalu, thanked Governor Otti for the appointment and the opportunity to serve.
She pledged the commitment of the board members to support the governor in achieving excellence across the parastatals and agencies under their supervision.
“Today is a day of profound honour, responsibility, and gratitude for me personally and for every member of the newly inaugurated boards.
“We are especially grateful to the governor for reposing such trust and responsibility in us, as well as for his continued commitment to transforming the state’s parastatals and agencies.
“I clearly understand that public service at this level is not merely ceremonial. It is a call to duty, sacrifice, accountability, and results. Your Excellency’s decision to entrust us with responsibilities of this magnitude is not something we take lightly,” Mrs Benjamin-Kalu stated.
She also urged her colleagues to live up to expectations, noting that the appointments carried enormous responsibilities and the trust of the state government.
The governor was joined at the event by the Deputy Governor, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE; the Secretary to the State Government; the Chief of Staff to the Governor; commissioners; and other senior government appointees.