In a bold and strategic move to deepen Abia State’s presence within the corridors of federal power, the Abia State Government, through the office of its National Assembly Liaison Officer, Hon. Iheanyi Frank Chinasa and Mr. Eric Odinakachi, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Multilateral and Donor Agencies, convened a historic gathering of Abians in the Director Cadre of the Federal Civil Service. The one-day meeting, held at the Twins Restaurant in Wuse 2, Abuja, was more than a formal event—it was a rallying call to national duty, identity, and purposeful alignment with the developmental vision of Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
Themed “Leveraging Federal Insights for Local Development,” the meeting brought together a powerful league of Abia-born technocrats who have risen through the ranks of the civil service, now wielding influence across key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the Federal Government.
In his rousing address, Hon. Chinasa urged the directors to remain unwavering in their role as proud ambassadors of Abia State within the federal establishment. He emphasized the urgent need for them to “think Abia first” in policy formulation, program implementation, and influence-building within their respective MDAs. “Your positions are not just personal achievements; they are platforms for legacy and service. Abia must feature in the policies you shape and the systems you guide,” Chinasa stated with passion.
He cited the exemplary career of Dr. Nmeribole, the immediate past Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, as a shining testament to the state’s rich pool of civil service talent. According to Hon. Chinasa, Governor Alex Otti is committed to recognizing and leveraging such excellence in rebuilding a greater Abia. “The Governor believes in the power of merit and vision. And when both come from sons and daughters of Abia, he stands ready to align,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr. Eric Odinakachi underscored the necessity of synergy between state initiatives and federal expertise. “We are building a new Abia, and the blocks must come from every corner—including the Federal Civil Service. You are critical stakeholders,” he affirmed.
The response from the attendees was nothing short of inspiring. Many described the gathering as unprecedented in the history of Abia State governance. They applauded the Liaison Office for the initiative and pledged renewed commitment to spotlight Abia in their federal roles. “This is the first time we are being brought together like this. It feels empowering, unifying, and long overdue,” one of the directors noted.
The room sparkled with brilliance as a host of high-ranking officials, including Dr. Obasi David Ukoha, Permanent Secretary, Budget and Planning, National Assembly; Mr. Eke Michael J, Director at the National Lottery Regulatory Commission; and senior directors from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum and other MDAs, shared perspectives, built connections, and forged a common resolve—to ensure Abia’s visibility and relevance in national development.
