Soludo Urges 14 New Appointees to Prioritize Service over Office

By Praise Chinecherem

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state on Wednesday charged the new 14 key appointees to prioritize service over office.

He emphasized that the appointments were not ceremonial rewards but a “call to serve” a higher collective interest.

Soludo gave the advice while inaugurating them into the Anambra State Executive Council and administration, signaling the commencement of what he termed “Team Solution 2.0.”

Addressing the new cabinet members, Soludo offered a sobering perspective on their roles. Rather than just congratulating them on “attaining” power, he commiserated with them on the heavy burden of responsibility they now carry on behalf of the people of the state.

“I commiserate with you because you are the team called upon to pay to serve. There will be sacrifices and risks, but all I see is the work. I don’t see the dining table, but the farm and the field. It should be so for everyone who has been called to serve,” he noted.

The Governor stressed that every appointee underwent a rigorous vetting process to ensure they align with the administration’s vision of value-driven governance.

He reminded the officials that the Oaths of Office and Allegiance they took must serve as their daily “compass.”

Underscoring the importance of synergy within the government, Soludo noted that personal ambition must be secondary to the state’s progress.

“It is a team, and we have only one ball to score. Collaboration and coordination are the pillars of his administration,” he stressed.

The governor appreciated the State House of Assembly for their swift screening and confirmation of the two commissioners, reaffirming that the administration is “running” to meet the expectations of the people.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Council Chambers, Light House, Awka, saw a mix of seasoned professionals and technocrats take their oaths of office.

The newly sworn-in officials include: Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, Secretary to the State Government, Barr (Mrs) Ngozi Iwouno, Head Of Service, Dr. Ben Nwankwo, Chief Of Staff To The Governor, Dr. Vincent Egbuna Okechi, Deputy Chief Of Staff, Barr Joachin Peters Anetoh, Principal Secretary To The Governor, Barr. Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Mr. Izuchukwu Okafor, Commissioner for Finance.

Others are Mr. Ken Emekakayi, Special Adviser on Community Security, Prof. Ebuka Nwankwo, Special Adviser on Special Projects and Director, Project Evaluation And Monitoring, Ms Chinwe Okoli, Special Adviser- and Business Incubation and CEO, Solution Innovation District, Dr. Godwin Nnadozie, Special Adviser-Medical And Pharmaceuticals, Prof. Frank-Colins Okafor, State Chief Of Protocol, Mr. Christian Aburime, Chief Press Secretary and Ms Ngozi Lucy Okoye, Deputy State Chief Of Protocol.