NEWS
Abia SSG, Kenneth Kalu Thanks Workforce, Proceeds on Approved Leave as Emmanuel Meribole Takes Charge to Sustain Government Vision
The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, has commended staff of the Office of the SSG for their unwavering commitment and support in advancing the Governor’s vision and driving the state’s development agenda since he assumed office.
Professor Kalu made the remarks during a meeting with the workforce, where he announced that he would be proceeding on a leave of absence following the Governor’s approval. He described the staff as indispensable partners in governance, stressing that their daily input and professionalism are central to reshaping the state’s narrative and delivering effective public service.
He urged officers to continue to see themselves as critical stakeholders entrusted with the responsibility of building a functional, responsive, and progressive government. Emphasizing values such as honesty, sincerity, dedication, and professionalism, the SSG noted that sustainable success in public service is achieved through deliberate effort, hard work, and unwavering integrity rather than chance.
During the interaction, Professor Kalu formally presented Dr Emmanuel Meribole as the Acting Secretary to the State Government and appealed to all staff to extend maximum cooperation and institutional support to ensure a seamless transition and continuity of operations.
Responding, Dr Emmanuel Meribole expressed appreciation to the substantive SSG for establishing a solid leadership framework within the office. He assured staff that the standards and work culture already in place would be sustained, pledging to work collaboratively with the entire workforce to deliver measurable outcomes. He further called for renewed commitment to supporting the Governor’s development-driven agenda for the state.
In a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the SSG, Dr Godwin Okezuo, praised Professor Kalu’s leadership impact, highlighting his role in providing a befitting and improved office complex for staff. He pledged to preserve the legacies of the outgoing SSG and assured the Acting SSG of the full cooperation of the workforce.
Also speaking on behalf of staff, the Chairman of the Staff Welfare Association, Mr Wachuku Onyekachi, applauded Professor Kalu for the positive reforms and progress recorded under his tenure. He reaffirmed the readiness of staff to extend the same level of dedication and support to the Acting SSG.
The meeting concluded with special prayers offered for Professor Kenneth Kalu and Dr Emmanuel Meribole. It was attended by heads of all bureaus within the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, underscoring a collective commitment to continuity, stability, and effective 
governance.