Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has inaugurated 18 newly confirmed commissioners and four heads of government agencies, describing public appointment as a burden of service rather than a platform for luxury.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Light House in Awka, marks a significant step in the constitution of the governor’s second-term cabinet, christened “Team Solution 2.0.”
The appointments followed the successful screening and confirmation of the nominees by the Anambra State House of Assembly.
With the earlier inauguration of Barrister Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and Mr. Izuchukwu M. Okafor as Commissioner for Finance, the state executive council now stands at 21 commissioners.
Addressing the newly inaugurated officials, Governor Soludo warned against viewing public office as an avenue for comfort or personal enrichment.
“In Nigeria, public appointment is too often viewed as a call to ‘come and chop.’ But under this administration, I do not see luxury. What I see is hard work, sacrifice and service to the people,” the governor said.
He stated that the selection process was deliberate and merit-based, aimed at assembling a team capable of driving the administration’s development agenda with speed and efficiency.
Using an aviation metaphor to underscore the urgency of governance, Soludo remarked: “The plane is already on autopilot. If you are not entering the passenger cabin, then move straight into the cockpit. We are in a race against time to build a liveable and prosperous homeland for Ndi Anambra.”
The governor noted that the decisions of the commissioners would directly affect millions of Anambra citizens both at home and in the diaspora.
“Your celebration ends with this ceremony; work begins immediately,” he added.
Soludo also urged the appointees to uphold the oath of office as a moral compass in the discharge of their duties, disclosing that he personally keeps his own copy in his bedroom as a daily reminder of accountability and responsibility.
He further appealed to relatives and associates of the commissioners to moderate their expectations, stressing that public service demands discipline, dedication and continuous commitment.
The newly inaugurated commissioners and their portfolios are: Ben Odoemena (Agriculture); Chukwukadibia Okoye (Budget and Economic Planning); Udoji Amedu (Culture, Entertainment and Tourism); Dr. Ekene Ogugua (Education); Dr. Clem Aguiyi (Environment); Dr. Afam Obidike (Health); Dr. Law Mefor (Information and Value Reformation); Prof. Offornze Amucheazi, SAN (Lands); Vin Ezeaka (Local Government and Community Affairs); Prof. Charles Ofoegbu (Petroleum and Mineral Resources); Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu (Physical Planning and Urban Development); Engr. Casmir Agummadu (Power); Engr. Okey Ezeobi (Works and Infrastructure); Eddy Ibuzo (Transport); Esther Onyekesi (Women Affairs and Social Development); Patrick Agha (Youth Development and Sports); Arc. Henry Arinze (Housing); and Nonso Chukwuma Ebonwu (Commerce).
The four agency heads inaugurated into the State Executive Council are Mr. Emeka Okonkwo, Managing Director of the Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA); Dr. Ossy Onuko, Managing Director of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA); Mr. Fred Agbata, Managing Director of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Agency; and Engr. Obi Okonkwo, Managing Director of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated officials, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, thanked the governor and the state legislature for the confidence reposed in them and pledged their commitment to effective service delivery.
Among dignitaries present at the event were Deputy Governor Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Secretary to the State Government Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, Principal Secretary Barr. Joachin Peters Anetoh, Chief of Staff Dr. Ben Nwankwo and other senior government officials.