The Association of Heads of Federal Establishments (AHFE) in Ebonyi State on Wednesday elected a new set of executives to steer its affairs for the next two years in a move aimed at revitalizing the body’s operations.
Mr. Marcel Akamabe, the Ebonyi State Coordinator of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, emerged as Chairman after a keenly contested election held in Abakaliki.
In his inaugural address, Akamabe made a passionate case for the immediate construction of a standard Federal Secretariat in Ebonyi to serve as a central hub for all federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the state.
“Ebonyi is long overdue for a standard federal secretariat. Currently, federal establishments are scattered—some in Ochudo Centenary City, others in obsolete former state government buildings. This fragmentation hampers coordination, service delivery, and accessibility for citizens," he said.
He argued that Ebonyi, a state in the federation for nearly 30 years, deserves the same infrastructural footprint enjoyed by other states.
“Federal presence must be visible and accessible. Most states have well-structured federal secretariats. Why should Ebonyi be the exception?” he asked.
While responding to concerns about the absence of key federal agencies in the state, Akamabe clarified that AHFE lacks direct authority to relocate MDAs but can mobilize strategic engagement and lobbying to influence decisions.
“We operate within the confines of federal law, but we will engage relevant authorities to push for greater federal presence in Ebonyi. What we won’t do is make promises beyond our mandate," he said.
Beyond infrastructure advocacy, Akamabe pledged to prioritize member welfare and community support. He announced plans for an end-of-year outreach programme targeting orphans, the less privileged, and other vulnerable groups.
“We are not just here to represent federal institutions—we have a social responsibility to the people. Our December outreach will span a week and provide hope to indigent citizens,” he noted.
He also promised to improve synergy among federal establishments in Ebonyi to enhance efficiency, visibility, and public service delivery.
Other elected officers for the 2025–2027 tenure included Vice Chairman: Mrs. Ifeoma Ejike (Bank of Agriculture), Secretary: Mr. Sunday Eze (Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria), Treasurer: Mr. Samuel Nshii (Nigeria Customs Service), Financial Secretary: Mrs. Ifeoma Obi (National Library), Assistant Secretary: Mrs. Lauretta Bakare (Federal Ministry of Information), Public Relations Officer: Mr. Chukwuemeka Opara (News Agency of Nigeria), Provost: Mr. Solomon Nwabueze (Nigerian Institute of Animal Science), Internal Auditor: Chief Unya Efor (Radio Nigeria Unity FM) and Ex–Officio: Prof. Ama Udu (National Open University of Nigeria).
The new leadership was tasked with fostering strong collaboration with the Ebonyi State Government to improve federal presence and service delivery across the state.
