Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle, reassigning several commissioners to new ministries as part of efforts to improve governance, boost efficiency, and advance his administration’s development agenda.
The changes were announced on Monday by Ikeuwa Omebeh following the State Executive Council meeting held at the Old Cabinet Office in Abakaliki.
According to Omebeh, the reshuffle comes shortly after the swearing-in of two new commissioners, Omari Omaka and Sylvester Nwenu Nwite, as well as the appointment of Felix Onyekachi Njoku.
The governor urged the newly appointed officials to view their appointments as an opportunity for dedicated service and to contribute toward the implementation of the administration’s People’s Charter of Needs programme.
As part of the changes, Chidiebere Onya was moved from the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, while Dr. Ngozi Obichukwu was reassigned from the Ministry of Aviation to the Ministry of Special Projects. Newly sworn-in commissioner Sylvester Nwenu Nwite was posted to the Ministry of Environment, while Professor Omari Omaka was appointed Commissioner for Tertiary Education.
The reshuffle also saw Professor Ajuka Obasi Nwogo transferred from the Ministry of Market Development to the Ministry of Skill Acquisition, with Okwu Oko Udu taking over responsibilities in the Ministry of Market Development. Magnus Chinedu Nka was moved from the Ministry of Water Resources to the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development, while Victor Uzoma Chukwu was reassigned from the Ministry of Environment to the Ministry of Water Resources.
Similarly, Prince Richard Idike was transferred from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to the Ministry of Capital City and Urban Development, while Sunday Elechi Inyima moved to the Ministry of Project Monitoring from the Ministry of Capital City and Urban Development.
Governor Nwifuru directed all affected commissioners to complete their handover and takeover processes immediately, with the exercise expected to be concluded by the close of work on June 30, 2026.
Despite the changes, several commissioners retained their existing portfolios, including those overseeing the ministries of Justice, Culture and Tourism, Primary and Secondary Education, Trade and Investment, Rural Development, Information and State Orientation, Commerce and Industry, Grants and Donor Agencies, Transportation, and Budget and Planning.
Speaking on the rationale behind the reshuffle, Omebeh dismissed suggestions that the redeployments were linked to poor performance. He explained that the governor’s decision was based on the professional backgrounds, experience, and comparative advantages of members of the Executive Council, with the aim of placing them in positions where they can make the greatest impact.
He further clarified concerns surrounding the Ministry of Aviation, noting that the ministry has not been scrapped despite the transfer of its commissioner. According to him, the ministry will continue to operate under its existing administrative framework, led by the Permanent Secretary, pending further directives from the state government.
The Ebonyi State Government said the cabinet reshuffle is intended to inject fresh energy into governance, improve efficiency across ministries, and accelerate the implementation of policies and programmes designed to drive development throughout the state.
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