Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has officially reopened the newly renovated and retrofitted Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat in Umuahia, marking a significant step towards enhancing service delivery within the state’s civil service.
Speaking at the event held at Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, Governor Otti emphasized that the renovation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat is a testament to his administration’s commitment to transforming the state’s civil service. He stated, “This reopening ceremony is part of our ongoing effort to build a state that serves the public efficiently.”
He continued, “The renovation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat demonstrates our determination to modernize the state’s civil service by providing a conducive working environment that not only fosters optimal productivity but also enhances the dignity of nearly 1,000 personnel.”
Governor Otti revealed that, in the coming days, staff from four different Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) would relocate to the newly renovated Secretariat, with plans for another four MDAs to temporarily move in while permanent office spaces are secured for them.
The Governor further noted that office accommodations had already been provided for various civil service establishments. He outlined plans to undertake external works around the Secretariat to improve its surrounding environment, ensuring it reflects the dignity of the workforce.
Governor Otti also urged civil servants to demonstrate greater commitment to their roles. He highlighted the steps taken over the past 18 months to support their welfare, safety, and career progression, adding that specialized training programs for different staff cadres would be rolled out in the New Year.
He said, “It is expected that we will see increased productivity across all public sector establishments in the state. Lateness, truancy, document mismanagement, and other forms of indiscipline will not be tolerated.”
The Governor further emphasized the importance of professionalism, stating, “You must take your job seriously, be punctual, and focus on your professional development. The world is dynamic, and you must avoid stagnation.”
Governor Otti also expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Ikenna Chukwumerije, and his team for overseeing the project through direct labor.
He praised their efforts, which highlighted the untapped potential within the state’s civil service, stating, “The successful completion of this project is a testament to the capabilities of our technical teams in the civil service, from engineers to architects and surveyors, who have successfully executed important public-sector projects.”
He further noted, “The beauty and elegance of this structure validate the decision to entrust such projects to our civil servants instead of outsourcing them at exorbitant costs. We will continue to trust our technical teams with future assignments. As I always say, the reward for good work is more work.”
In his address, Commissioner Chukwumerije outlined the broader vision behind the renovation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat, noting that it was part of the administration’s integrated plan to upgrade public infrastructure. The project aimed to co-locate key public buildings in a conducive environment suitable for civil servants.
He recalled that the Secretariat, originally constructed in 1993 during the Ibrahim Babangida administration, had deteriorated over time and was abandoned by the previous administration due to concerns about its structural integrity. He commended Governor Otti for fulfilling his promise to rebuild and modernize the state’s public service infrastructure.
The newly retrofitted Secretariat now features restored water and electricity supply, modern furnishings for approximately 150 offices, four newly added boardrooms, and a state-of-the-art 240-seater conference hall, designed to accommodate up to 1,000 civil servants.
In her remarks, the Head of Service, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Obioma, expressed her gratitude for the commissioning of the renovated Secretariat, recognizing it as a reflection of the administration’s commitment to reviving the Abia Civil Service, which had been struggling before Dr. Otti assumed office.
She praised the Governor for recognizing the importance of providing civil servants with decent and motivating accommodation, highlighting that this would enhance service delivery and boost morale across the state.
