ABIA RETREAT — OTTI TASKS EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS ON EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE

REPORTER: PEACE AGBO

Participants in a two day retreat organized by the Abia State Government for entire State Executive Council members have been advised to execute their duties with utmost priority to realize the vision of the present administration in the state.

Governor Alex Otti gave the advice while declaring the retreat open at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia with the theme, “Sustaining Momentum: Accelerating Execution.”

Governor Otti explained that the first Executive Council Retreat for 2025 was packaged as a leadership exposition, interactive session, and agenda-setting forum aimed at identifying operational challenges and proffering solutions to ensure effective governance in the state.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to raise governance standards far beyond those of past administrations.

According to the Governor, there is high expectation of the people on the government.

He therefore stressed the need for the participants to develop a robust and sustainable execution template that would drive the attainment of Abia State’s strategic governance targets for the current fiscal year.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, said the administration of Governor Alex Otti had gathered momentum in several areas.

These include infrastructural development, health and education, and he called for their sustenance.

In a paper presentation entitled, “Enhancing Public Service through Efficiency, Accountability, Transparency and Impactful Reforms,” a former Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Stephen Oronsaye, enumerated some regrettable challenges in the service.

These include lack of capacity, accountability and transparency.

He recommended capacity building, conducive work environment, and contract appointments to fill the gaps in the service.

In a separate interview, some participants including the Permanent Secretaries, Ministry of Information, Mr. Chris Onwuegbu; Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Ms Ugonma Jimonu; and that of Women Affairs, Mrs. Beckky Oguamah, said that the retreat was to ensure that top government officials in the state were on the same page in the struggle to build a new Abia.

They also noted that the retreat was meant to reduce conflict between political appointees and the bureaucrats in the state political system.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU