The Ebonyi State Civil Service Commission has marked the first anniversary of the appointment of its Chairman, Lady Virginia Okemini Oketa, with a review of key personnel, administrative and infrastructural interventions recorded under her leadership.
Oketa, who assumed office on August 15, 2025, following her appointment by the Ebonyi State Governor, His Excellency Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, was saddled with the responsibility of piloting the affairs of the statutory body responsible for personnel administration and career progression within the state civil service.
The commission said her first year in office has been characterised by renewed attention to staff welfare, career progression, administrative efficiency and strict adherence to established civil service rules.
Described as passionate, industrious, dependable and humble, Oketa has maintained a close working relationship with members and staff of the commission, which the institution said has contributed to a productive working environment.
The Civil Service Commission is responsible for overseeing personnel matters involving Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including appointments, promotions, career progression, retirement and other issues affecting officers in the state civil service.
Working with members of the commission—Hon. Chris Uchaji, Member 1; Hon. Udeaja Donatus, Member 2; Hon. Pastor Vincent Awoke, Member 3; Hon. Mrs. Lucy Ofefe, Member 4; and the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ikechukwu Henrietta Oru—the Chairman has overseen several personnel and administrative interventions.
One of the notable achievements recorded during the period was the consistent conduct of the commission’s statutory weekly meetings, which it said have continued without interruption since Oketa assumed office.
The commission also reinstated two officers who had been suspended under the previous administration after investigations and due process.
In another significant personnel exercise, the commission interviewed and confirmed 452 aviation staff for integration into the state civil service.
On cadre-related matters, the commission received 172 requests for correction of cadres, of which 141 have been concluded, while 31 remain under review.
Similarly, out of 97 requests relating to promotion re-charting and conversions, 91 have been concluded, with six cases still under review.
The commission also released the 2024/2025 promotions and conversions exercise, while appeals relating to the career progression of more than 93 officers across various Ministries, Departments and Agencies were considered and resolved.
On the harmonisation of promotions, 91 officers submitted applications, with 82 cases concluded and nine awaiting final determination.
The commission further stated that the 2026/2027 promotions and conversions exercise had been concluded, with the results expected to be released shortly. It added that there were currently no outstanding promotion arrears.
Beyond personnel administration, the commission has also undertaken measures to improve its working environment and operational capacity. These include the procurement of tables and chairs to enhance efficiency and service delivery, as well as the construction of a motorised borehole to improve water supply at its premises.
Another major intervention was the absorption of health workers into the state civil service following approval by Governor Nwifuru. The exercise included 328 skilled birth attendants.
The commission also highlighted the procurement of a new office at Silicon Valley, Block 1, Centenary City, Abakaliki, as part of efforts to strengthen its operational capacity and provide a more conducive working environment.
While the interventions highlighted during the first year focus largely on personnel and administrative matters, the commission’s responsibilities also encompass retirement processing, personnel management and other statutory assignments essential to the smooth functioning of the state civil service.
The commission attributed the progress recorded during the period in part to the support and approvals of Governor Nwifuru, whose administration, it said, has provided the necessary enabling environment for the commission to discharge its responsibilities without discrimination or marginalisation.
According to the commission, the Governor’s People’s Charter of Needs has provided a policy direction that has positively impacted its operations, while his timely approvals have enhanced the commission’s speed and efficiency in service delivery.
As Lady Oketa marks one year at the helm, the record presented by the commission reflects a period of regular statutory engagement, personnel interventions, improved working facilities and continued efforts to uphold the rules governing the Ebonyi State Civil Service.
The anniversary therefore provides an opportunity to acknowledge the role of the commission’s leadership and the Nwifuru administration’s support in strengthening personnel administration and improving service delivery across the state.
