Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, and members of his government have celebrated the immediate past Secretary to the Abia State Government (SSG), and the current President of the Abia Leadership Academy, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, who left for a leave of absence last year and subsequently resigned his appointment to rejoin his family overseas.
Speaking during the Send-off Dinner organised by the State Government in honour of Prof. Kalu, on Friday, February 20th, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Governor Otti thanked him for the services he rendered to the State as the pioneer SSG under his administration.
The State Chief Executive explained that the choice of Professor Kenneth Kalu was a deliberate one, saying that as a Governor, his strength is in the people he chooses to work with him, adding that he was chosen based on capacity to deliver and not where he comes from.
According to the Governor, the paraphernalia of office is not as important as the office itself, emphasising that governance is about the people.
“The choice of Professor Kenneth Kalu was deliberate, so that we could learn. And as everybody else has said, he is a very humble person.
“The paraphernalia of office is less important than the office itself. That could be what is important to you. But what is important to me: Restoring the dignity of our people.
“So, governance, as far as we are concerned, is not about us; it’s about you. About our people.
“We picked him not because he is from Abam Onyerubi. And I don’t know ethnicity, I don’t know religion, I don’t know State of origin. It’s just about talent. Once you have something to offer to this government, you are already hired,” Gov. Otti explained.
He thanked the wife of the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Dr. (Mrs) Ezinne Ben Kalu, for finding time to identify with his family and the State during this period that she is around in the State and extended greetings to his husband, on behalf of his family.
In his speech, the new Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribeole, saluted his predecessor, Prof. Kalu and described him as one who worked and served the State with passion.
Dr Meribeole said that the service rendered by the former SSG was an encouragement to others and urged others to serve with passion.
In their emotions – laden goodwill messages, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Emeh Uche and Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Hon. Acho Obioma, said that the State is losing a lot from not having Prof. Kalu in the capacity of SSG.
They described him as humility personified, a perfect gentleman, who exudes excellence and a public servant who helped stabilise the government while he served as the SSG.
Also, the ALGON Chairman of Abia State and the Mayor of Isiukwuato LGA, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke, the Pro -Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of ABSU, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu and the immediate past Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Chief David Ogba Onuoha, noted that Prof. Kalu served with intellect and humility.
They said that he is very approachable, and a man who understood governance and what it represents and thanked the Governor for honouring him.
Responding, the immediate past Secretary to the State Government and the President of Abia Leadership Academy, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the honour done him, saying that he feels
highly honoured being part of the government of Dr Alex Otti, describing the Governor as an answered prayer to Abia State.
Prof. Kalu noted that among all that the Governor has done for the people of the State, including building of schools, hospitals, roads, payment of salaries, pensions, etc, the most significant one for him is that he has restored the dignity of the Abia person, saying that he is very proud of the Governor.
“My view about this administration is well documented. It is well known in the public space. But tonight, I’m going to focus on only one thing.
“The one thing that this government has done. The government of His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, has restored the dignity of the Abia person. And that is significant.
“I am happy. I feel honoured. I am proud of how far we have gone. And I am committed, very committed, to continue to work in any capacity possible to make sure that this movement, which has started, continues,” Prof. Kalu assured.
The colourful event attracted many dignitaries, including top government officials, the wife of the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Dr. (Mrs) Ezinne Ben Kalu, the people of Abam Onyerubi in Arochukwu LGA, among others.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
February 20th, 2026.
Leave feedback about this