How Ojeikere from Edo State became Head of Service in Abia under Governor Otti

Governor Otti appointed Mr. Benson Ojeikere from Edo State as the Head of Service, Abia State in December, 2024 in an awesome story of meritorious service from the civil servant.

Ojeikere arrived in Abia in 1999 as a Youth Corps member where he served and emerged as the best Corps member at the end of his service. He was subsequently given an automatic employment in the state Civil Service.

In 2023, according to the narrative, Governor Alex  Otti appointed him a Permanent Secretary, following his emergence as one of the best in the selection process, and was posted to Government House. He served as Permanent Secretary in the Government House until his appointment as Head of Service. Dr. Otti, is said to have reassured the people of Abia State of his avowed “commitment to upholding the principles of excellence and meritocracy over mediocrity in the governance of the state.”

Ojeikere who said that he was still in shock over his appointment, narrated that, even though he set a standard of excellence for himself while joining the Abia Civil Service in 1999 and worked very hard every day, he never believed it was possible to go beyond the rank of a Senior Director in the Civil Service of the state. He is therefore awed getting to the position of a Permanent Secretary, and now, the Head of Service. Ojeikere thanked Governor Otti for allowing himself to be used by God to do what no person would have imagined was possible in most states civil service in Nigeria.