Concerned youths, professionals and stakeholders from Abakaliki North and South Senatorial areas of Ebonyi State have appealed to Governor Francis Nwifuru to consider the appointment of Arc./Engr. Joseph Ogbaga as the state’s Commissioner for Works.
The appeal came shortly after the removal of the former Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, by Governor Nwifuru. The governor directed the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works to take over the responsibilities of the office, pending the appointment of a replacement.
In a letter of recommendation and appeal addressed to the governor, the group described Ogbaga as a professionally qualified architect and engineer with the technical competence required to oversee the state’s road and infrastructure development.
The letter, signed by the President of the group, Akpatu Michael, identified as the Abakaliki Local Government Area Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, alongside Barrister Nweyor, Secretary, and Engr. Chukwunonso Emmanuel Chukwuma, Publicity Secretary, said the recommendation was made in the interest of infrastructural development and effective service delivery.
According to the stakeholders, Ogbaga possesses a combination of architectural and engineering expertise which, they argued, would be valuable in the planning, costing, supervision and quality control of public works.
They stated, “Engr. Joseph Ogbaga is not just an architect and engineer by profession; he is the secret brain behind major iconic designs and structural masterpieces that have shaped the modern Ebonyi we see today.”
The group further described the proposed appointee as a youthful and innovative professional capable of contributing to the implementation of Governor Nwifuru’s People’s Charter of Needs.
The stakeholders claimed that Ogbaga had designed and supervised several residential, commercial and public structures in the state, adding that his professional experience had exposed him to different aspects of construction and project delivery.
They said, “As both an Architect and Engineer, he understands design, costing, supervision and quality control, a rare combination needed for the Ministry of Works.”
The group also appealed to the governor to give consideration to professionals from Abakaliki North and South in the distribution of political appointments, stressing that the recommendation was being made by youths, professionals and other stakeholders who believed Ogbaga could contribute meaningfully to the administration’s infrastructure agenda.
The Ministry of Works is responsible for the planning, construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of roads and public facilities in Ebonyi, as well as supervision of construction projects and compliance with quality and safety standards.
The stakeholders expressed confidence that, if appointed, Ogbaga would bring his professional experience to bear on the ministry’s responsibilities.
They said his proposed appointment would provide an opportunity for the administration to deploy additional technical expertise to the management and supervision of ongoing and future infrastructure projects across the state.
The group therefore urged Governor Nwifuru to “in his wisdom and fatherly disposition” consider Ogbaga for the strategic position.
They added that the recommendation was made with “utmost respect and loyalty” to the administration and in recognition of what they described as the importance of competent professional leadership in the Works Ministry.
