Abia State Governor Alex Otti has reshuffled his cabinet and assigned portfolios to newly appointed commissioners, who were officially sworn in on Wednesday. This cabinet shake-up, which was announced on Thursday, also included the creation of several new ministries and the reorganization of existing ones.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Otti hinted at his intention to make these adjustments, emphasizing the need to strengthen the state’s administrative framework. The reshuffle reflects his commitment to optimizing the performance of his government by placing the right individuals in key positions.
One of the notable changes is the reassignment of Mike Akpara, previously the Commissioner of Finance, to head the newly established Ministry of Industry and SMEs. Additionally, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, formerly the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, has been redeployed to oversee the Ministry of Transport.
The reshuffle also saw some commissioners retaining their positions, including Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and Mr. Uzo Nwachukwu as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Other key appointments include Mr. Uwaoma Ukandu as the new Commissioner for Finance and Mr. Kingsley Anosike as Commissioner for Budget and Planning.
In the education sector, Mr. Goodluck Ubochi has been appointed Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, while Prof. Uche Uche will oversee Tertiary Education. The health sector is now under the leadership of Prof. Enoch Uche, who has been appointed Commissioner for Health.
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The governor also introduced new faces into the cabinet, including Dr. Maureen Aghukwa as Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Blessing Felix as Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, and Mr. Philemon A. Ogbonna as Commissioner for Environment.
Other appointments include Prof. Joel F. Ogbonna as Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Mr. Kingsley Nwokocha as Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, and Mr. Nwaobilor Ananaba as Commissioner for Youths and Sports. The creative sector will now be led by Mr. Mathew Ekwuruibe, the new Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, while Mr. David Kalu has been tasked with overseeing Science, Technology & Innovation.
Rounding out the new cabinet are Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije as Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Engr. Don Otumchere Oti as Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday as Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, and Comrade Sunny A. Onwuma as Commissioner for Labour and Productivity.
