The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, says that appointments into his government are based on track records, saying that Government is not a place for apprenticeship or where you come and learn on the job.

The Governor stated this yesterday, Friday, October 10th, during the 60th birthday celebration of Sir Nwaobilor Nwadimma Ananaba, the Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, held at the New Eastern Comfort Hotel, Umauhia.

“This is a Government that relies on track record. There are those who feel that Government is a place for apprenticeship or where you learn work. You don’t learn work with our own Government. If you don’t know the job, you can’t be here. We will tell you to go and learn the work, and then you come. So, there must be a track record,” Dr. Otti stated.

Governor Otti, who described the appointees of his government as accomplished people, said that appointments should not be seen as a favour.

“So, it is not a favour. When we make appointments, we don’t make appointments as a favour. We give people positions that they can deliver on.

“So, when people come and say, Oh, thank you for appointing me, I say you don’t need to thank me because we expect a whole lot. And, if you didn’t merit it, we will never give you the position, and we don’t care whose Ox is gored. And, if you merit it, no matter what, you will get the position,” the Governor asserted.

The State Chief Executive reiterated that the new Abia Standard is anchored on merit and competence. He commended Sir Ananaba for the good job he is doing at the Ministry of Youth and Sports and reminded him that the “Reward for good work is more work.”

“Thank you for the great job you have done prior to this time, which gave you the opportunity to even be considered in the first place.”

He wished the commissioner well, praying that God grant him many more healthy years. “I want to congratulate our Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development for getting to the 6th floor. We want to say happy birthday to you, and we pray that God will continue to keep you. You have seen 60, you will see 70, and you will see 80, and see 90, and if you so wish and if the lord tarries, you will also see 100,” the Governor wished Sir Ananaba as the audience chorused amen!

Earlier in his appreciation speech, the Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, thanked the Governor for honouring him with his presence and giving him the opportunity to serve in the new Abia that has changed the ugly narratives in Abia and brought so much joy to the people of the State. He thanked everyone who came to celebrate with him and prayed God to bless them.

Other highlights of the birthday celebration include testimonies about the celebrant from colleagues and friends, and the cutting of the cake, etc.

The event was attended by the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Nmeregini, and some other members of the State House Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, the Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojeikere, Commissioners, Local Government Mayors led by the ALGON Chairman, and the Mayor of Isiukwuato LGA, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke, and many other top Government functionaries, too many to be mentioned one after the other.

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
11-10-2025