Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has handed over 28 brand-new official cars to Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service as part of efforts to boost efficiency and restore the prestige of public administration.
The presentation ceremony took place on Tuesday evening at the newly commissioned Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia.
Otti said the vehicles were provided to make the work of the top civil servants easier and more effective.
“Gone are the days of coming to work with keke. Your documents are ready, including all details of amortization, but you don’t have to pay anything. These cars are yours,” he said.
He noted that the gesture underscores his administration’s determination to equip civil servants with the right tools for efficient service delivery.
The governor also stressed that the appointment of the Permanent Secretaries was based purely on merit and competence, with no room for favoritism.
“All of you earned this position on your own merit. Even those I knew personally didn’t make it because the selection process was transparent,” Otti stated.
He commended the Permanent Secretaries for their cooperation and described them as key drivers of his administration’s programmes and policies.
In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, said Otti expressed optimism that the new vehicles would inspire greater motivation and improve overall performance in the civil service.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to transforming the civil service through technology and digital innovation to enhance efficiency and accountability.
“As we move into this next phase of transformation, I’m relying on all of you to drive digitalization. I’ve approved the purchase of internet-ready devices for everyone, and we’re working to make the entire state internet connected,” he added.
In a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, TPL Ukpabi Ukeje, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, expressed deep appreciation to the governor for the gesture and prayed for God’s continued guidance and strength for him.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu, described the donation as a morale booster that would further encourage them to deliver quality service to the people of Abia.
The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Service, the Chief of Staff, Commissioners, and other senior government officials.