Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has praised the immediate past Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Kenneth Kalu, describing him as a key pillar of his administration and emphasizing that his strength as governor lies in the quality of people he appoints.
Governor Otti spoke on Friday, February 20, at a send-off dinner organised in honour of Prof. Kalu at the Michael Okpara Auditorium. Prof. Kalu, who also serves as President of the Abia Leadership Academy, had earlier proceeded on a leave of absence before resigning his appointment to reunite with his family overseas.
The governor thanked him for his service as the pioneer SSG under his administration, noting that his appointment was intentional and based strictly on merit and competence.
“The choice of Professor Kenneth Kalu was deliberate so that we could learn. He is a very humble person,” Otti said. “The paraphernalia of office is less important than the office itself. What matters to me is restoring the dignity of our people. Governance is not about us; it is about the people.”
He stressed that his administration does not consider ethnicity, religion, or state of origin in appointments, but rather focuses on talent and the capacity to deliver results.
“We picked him not because of where he comes from. I do not consider ethnicity or religion. Once you have something to offer this government, you are already hired,” the governor stated.
Governor Otti also acknowledged the presence of Dr. (Mrs.) Ezinne Ben Kalu, wife of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, thanking her for identifying with the state during her stay and extending his greetings to her husband.
In his remarks, the new SSG, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole, commended Prof. Kalu for his passionate service to the state, describing his tenure as inspiring and encouraging others to serve with dedication.
Other speakers, including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Emeh Uche; and Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hon. Acho Obioma, praised Prof. Kalu’s humility, excellence, and stabilising role in the administration. They noted that the state would greatly miss his leadership in the SSG capacity.
Also speaking were the ALGON Chairman and Mayor of Isuikwuato LGA, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke; Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Abia State University, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu; and former Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Chief David Ogba Onuoha. They described Prof. Kalu as approachable, intellectually sound, and deeply knowledgeable about governance.
In his response, Prof. Kalu expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for the honour and the opportunity to serve. He described the governor as “an answered prayer” for Abia State.
While acknowledging the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and prompt payment of salaries and pensions, Kalu said the most significant accomplishment, in his view, is the restoration of dignity to the people of Abia.
“The one thing this government has done is restore the dignity of the Abia person, and that is significant,” he said. “I feel honoured and proud of how far we have come. I remain committed to supporting this movement in any capacity possible.”
The colourful event drew top government officials, community leaders, and other dignitaries, including Dr. (Mrs.) Ezinne Ben Kalu and members of the Abam Onyerubi community in Arochukwu Local Government Area.
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