Professor Chukwuma Soludo, the Anambra State governor, swore in Mrs Chiamaka Nnake as Secretary to the State Government and 13 other newly appointed key state officials on Wednesday. The ceremony took place at the state Executive Council Chamber of the Government House, known as “Light House,” in Awka. As reported by ALO360, the new SSG took the oath of office alongside the other appointees at about 12:47 pm on Wednesday.
Governor Soludo’s Charge
Soludo welcomed the appointees into “Team Solution 2.0” and emphasized that each official had undergone thorough vetting before receiving their portfolio. He stated, “I welcome you all to the ‘Team Solution 2.0’. Each of you has been carefully vetted through a thorough process, and we were very intentional in selecting everyone on this team. The plane is on autopilot, and if you don’t get into the plane, you get into the cockpit.”
Additionally, he described the appointments as a “call to serve” rather than an opportunity for personal gain. He said, “The team is unfolding. This is the first batch of appointments that is unfolding today; there will be other batches.”
A Call to Sacrifice
The governor congratulated the appointees but also commiserated with them regarding the challenging tasks ahead. He declared, “I want to sincerely congratulate all of you and also commiserate with you. I say congratulations because it’s always an honour to serve. Out of the estimated over nine million Ndi Anambra, you have been called upon to serve, and I know each of you will carry the responsibility of the Ndi Anambra on your shoulders.”
Moreover, he warned against viewing public service as a means of self-enrichment. He explained, “I commiserate with you because of the task ahead, but you are among the team we are calling upon to pay to serve; there will be sacrifices, and all I see is a call to serve. It is in the collective interest of the people resident in the state, and when you think of the weight you are carrying, you realise that it is beyond you.”
Guidance on Oath and Service
Soludo urged the officials to use their oath of office as a moral compass. He disclosed, “I want you to remember that we swore to the same oath of office and allegiance. I placed my oath of allegiance and oath of office in my bedroom, and every morning before I step out, I take a look at them.”
He also emphasized the importance of understanding their commitment. He stated, “This is not just a ceremony; you have taken an oath, and beyond this moment, just sit down and read every sentence in the oath and reflect on what it means. Provide your compass for the rest of the service.”
Full List of Appointees
The newly sworn-in officials include Mrs Ngozi Iwouno as Head of Service, Mr Joachim Anetoh as Principal Secretary to the Governor, Dr Ben Nwankwo as Chief of Staff to the Governor, and Professor Frank-Collins Okafor as State Chief of Protocol. Others include Mr Uzochukwu Okafor as Commissioner for Finance, Mr Christian Aburime as Chief Press Secretary, Dr Vincent Okechi as Deputy Chief of Staff, and Ms Ngozi Okoye as Deputy State Chief of Protocol.
