The newly redeployed Ebonyi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Chidiebere Onyia, on Wednesday officially assumed office following a formal handover ceremony by his predecessor, Prince Richard Idike.
The transition followed the recent cabinet reshuffle by Governor Francis Nwifuru, which redeployed Onyia from the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development to head the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Idike expressed gratitude to God and Governor Nwifuru for the opportunity to serve in the ministry, describing his tenure as both rewarding and fulfilling.
He commended members of staff for their dedication, professionalism and loyalty, saying their commitment to duty distinguished the ministry from many others where he had served.
"I want to introduce you to the staff of the Youth and Sports Ministry. All of them are ready to work with you," Idike said.
"I have worked in many places, but I have never worked with the kind of people I am working with here. They are very loyal and strictly comply with leadership policies, avoiding the administrative bottlenecks often associated with civil servants. I assure you that you will enjoy working with this ministry even more than your former office."
The outgoing commissioner, while acknowledging the emotional nature of leaving the ministry, wished his successor a successful tenure and urged the staff to extend the same cooperation and support they gave him to the new commissioner.
Responding, Onyia paid glowing tribute to Idike, describing him as a mentor whose leadership qualities he had admired since his school days at Science School, Igbeagu, during Idike's service in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
He assured the outgoing commissioner that the achievements recorded under his leadership would not only be sustained but strengthened.
"The legacies you left here will be consolidated," Onyia said.
"We believe in nurturing relationships because you never know who will be your saviour tomorrow. It is never wise to destroy the bridge after you cross it. As my mentor and boss, I will continue to reach out to you for guidance."
Onyia pledged to work closely with the ministry's workforce and other stakeholders to advance the state government's youth empowerment and sports development agenda.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages from staff and stakeholders, who described the transition as smooth and expressed confidence that the new leadership would build on the ministry's achievements in line with the developmental vision of the Nwifuru administration.
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