Obiano Reshuffles Cabinet, Re-designates Ministries

By James Eze

The Governor of Anambra state, Chief Willie Obiano reshuffled his cabinet and re-designated some ministries to give a sharp edge to his administration.

The reorganisation came on the heels of the governor's second year anniversary which took place on March 17, 2016.

The move is a bold strategic masterstroke that would inject a new and vibrant life into his administration as the next round of elections draws closer.

The new re-alignment is also expected to ensure a more focused, results-driven administration that will speed up the pace of development in the state by injecting a greater sense of urgency and efficiency in the business of government.

The change did not involve the removal of any Commissioner, however.

A look at the new structure indicates the following -

(1) Ogbuefi Tony Nnacheta (Commissioner for Information and Communications Strategy)

(2) Dr. Barr. Mrs. Uju Nwogu (Commissioner for Youth Entrepreneurship & Sports Development)

(3) Ifeatu Onejeme (Commissioner for Finance, Industry, Innovations & Development Finance Institutions)

(4) Hon. Chinwe Nwebili (Commissioner for Road, Rail & Water Transportation)

(5) Mrs Amaka Ilobi (Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, Markets & Wealth Creation)

(6) Sir Okey Morka (Commissioner for Lands, Physical Planning & Rural Development)

(7) Mrs Stella Onuora (Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Culture & Tourism)

(8) Dr. Ifeanyi Ejikeme (Commissioner for Environment, Beautification & Ecology)

(9) Mr Mark Okoye (Special Adviser, Ministry of Economic a Planning, Budget & Development Partners). This ministry will in the interim be overseen by the Secretary to the State Government.

The newly re-designated ministries with their Commissioners retained are:

(1) Chief Law Chinwuba (Commissioner for Road Construction, Road Furniture & Maintenance)

(2) Chief Greg Obi (Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy & Community Affairs)

(3) Dr. Victoria Chikwelu (Commissioner for Social Welfare, Children & Women Affairs)

(4) Engineer Frank Ofor (Commissioner for Housing & Urban Renewal)

(5) Mr Obi Nwankwo (Commissioner for Power & Domestic Water Development)

(6) Dr. Chinedu Emeka ( Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Science & Technology)

(7) Mr Afam Mbanefo (Commissioner for Agriculture, Mechanisation, Processing & Export)

The following commissioners were not affected by the re-alignment exercise. They include...

(1) Professor Kate Omenugha (Commissioner for Education)

(2) Barrister Anali Chude (Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice)

(3) Dr. Joe Akabuike (Commissioner for Health)
Chief Obiano also retained the three principal officers as follows:

(1) Professor Solo Chukwulobelu (Secretary to the State government)

(2) Professor Joe Asike (Chief of Staff)
(3) Sir Willie Nwokoye (Principal Secretary)