President Bola Tinubu has sworn in eight new permanent secretaries to address current and upcoming vacancies across various states and geopolitical zones within the Civil Service of the Federation. The ceremony took place on Wednesday, with Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s spokesman, presenting the appointees’ credentials before they took their oaths of office.
The selection process for these appointments involved a comprehensive evaluation, including a written examination, ICT proficiency test, and an interactive session with stakeholders. This rigorous process, led by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, resulted in the appointment of eight directors as permanent secretaries.
Among the newly appointed is Dr. Emanso Umobong from Akwa Ibom State, a Fellow of the Medical College of Pathology (FMCpath). Before joining the Federal Civil Service in 2008, Umobong lectured at the University of Uyo and the University of Abuja. She started as an Assistant Director at the State House and rose to the position of Director.
Dr. Emeka Obi from Anambra State, who joined the Federal Civil Service in 2001 as a Dental Officer, was also sworn in. Obi advanced to become a Director in the State House Medical Centre by 2018.
Fatima Mahmood from Bauchi State, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Ahmadu Bello University and a Fellow of the Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA), was another appointee. Mahmood brought valuable experience from the finance sector, where she specialized in agriculture.
Other permanent secretaries sworn in include:
– Mohammed Danjuma from Jigawa State, who started as an Accountant II in 1993 and became a Director in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in 2021.
– Olubunmi Olusanya from Ondo State, a Fellow of the Waste Management Society of Nigeria and a microbiologist who transitioned to the Federal Ministry of Environment in 1999.
– Maryam Ismaila Keshinro from Zamfara State, who joined the service as an Assistant Director/Consultant Paediatrician in 2011 and became a Director in 2019.
– Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi from Imo State, previously the Director of Epidemiology at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security and a key figure in animal health regulation.
– Christopher Isokpunwu from Edo State, who held several roles in the Federal Ministry of Health, including Director of Health Planning Research and Statistics.
Dr. Folasade Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, reminded the newly appointed permanent secretaries of the significant responsibilities they bear, emphasizing the need for diligence and commitment to national service.
Reflecting on his appointment, Dr. Obi expressed gratitude and acknowledged the critical role of permanent secretaries in supporting government reforms and achieving the president’s mandate. “This is a call to service to support the government and help the president achieve his mandate. It is a great privilege for us to serve our Motherland,” Obi stated.
