By Amuche Agbo, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Dr. Matthew Nwobashi, has charged staff of the ministry to demonstrate a high level of commitment and dedication to their official duties, warning that truancy, lateness, and absenteeism will no longer be tolerated.
Dr. Nwobashi gave the warning shortly after a Holy Mass organised to mark the official resumption of duty for the year at the ministry’s headquarters Centenary City, Abakaliki.
According to the commissioner, punctuality and diligence are essential for achieving optimal productivity in the ministry.
“Punctuality is the soul of success in every business, including the Ministry of Lands and Survey. You must carry out every assignment given to you diligently, as you have always done, so that our productivity will increase this year. To achieve this, we must improve our punctuality to work,” he said.
He stressed that absenteeism and lateness would no longer be condoned, directing heads of departments to remain at their duty posts during official hours.
“Absenteeism and lateness to work will no longer be tolerated.
There is a need to sustain the cordial relationship that exists between management and staff. Our leniency should not be taken for granted,” he warned.
Dr. Nwobashi also disclosed that the full digitalisation of the ministry has been captured in the 2026 state budget, noting that implementation would commence soon. He called on staff to cooperate fully to ensure the success of the initiative.
“The digitalisation of the ministry has been captured in this year’s budget, and we are set to begin the implementation process. What we need from you is your full cooperation,” he added.
The commissioner further revealed plans to establish town planning authority offices across the three senatorial zones of the state.
“When we were part of Anambra and later Enugu states, there was an Abakaliki Zonal Town Planning Authority.
However, after the creation of Ebonyi State, the office went into extinction. I intend to reactivate it this year,” he said.
Earlier in a sermon titled “Not All Spirits Are Godly,” the ministry’s chaplain, Rev. Fr. Chinedu Matthew Ogbonna, urged Christians to always allow the Spirit of God to guide their actions.
He encouraged staff to be prayerful, embrace humility, and remain steadfast in order to attain success in life.
Our correspondent reports that the Holy Mass also coincided with the celebration of the commissioner’s birthday.
