From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Edo-born Benson Ojeikere has assumed duties as the new Head of Service (HoS) of Abia State, taking over from the former officeholder, Ngozi Queen Obioma.
This comes as the state government has banned the collection of all forms of fees, including PTA levies, in public primary and secondary schools across the state.
Ojeikere was appointed HoS last month by Governor Alex Otti after rising through the ranks in the state’s civil service.
Upon taking office, Ojeikere vowed to sustain the reforms being implemented by Governor Otti in the Abia State civil service. He also promised to prioritise the welfare of workers to achieve desired results and demanded loyalty from Abia State civil servants.
The immediate past HoS, Mrs Obioma, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for the opportunity to serve at the apex of the state’s civil/public service. She advised those in positions of authority to respect civil servants and see themselves as chief servants.
Meanwhile, the Abia State government has banned the collection of all forms of fees, including PTA levies, from public primary and secondary schools.
Governor Otti announced this during his New Year message to the state, adding that the law mandating all children of school age to attend school daily has come into effect from 1 January.
“We have stopped all forms of payments in the primary and secondary schools. Not even PTA levies should be charged to any parent or guardian in any public school in the state.
“We shall be strict with enforcement, and it will be a grievous mistake to test our will,” Otti warned public school heads.
“As soon as the new school term begins later in the month, it will be unlawful to find any child outside the classroom during school hours,” the Governor further warned.
Governor Otti also disclosed that an imprest account system has been introduced for headteachers and school principals to manage the day-to-day operations of their schools. He warned that no child should be extorted or denied access to education.
Otti reiterated that retired workers in the state would continue to receive their monthly pensions before any serving officeholder is paid their salary for the month.