By Ngozi Ngene

The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Enugu State, has entered a new phase of leadership with the official handover from Engr. Gerald Otiji to the new Commissioner, Engr. Ben Osy Okoh.

At the handover ceremony, Engr. Okoh, in a heartfelt address, paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, describing Engr. Otiji as both a brother and a friend. He credited more than 80% of the developmental strides recorded by the administration of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah, to the Ministry of Works under Otiji’s leadership. “Engr. Gerald Otiji’s leadership has laid a solid foundation,” said the new Commissioner. “If Nigerians regard Dr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah as the best governor in the country today, it is because this Ministry has consistently delivered results that reflect that excellence.”

Commissioner Okoh emphasised that the transition signifies not a change in vision but a continuation of purpose. Using the metaphor of a relay race, he noted that success lies in collective performance rather than individual accolades. “This is not about personalities. It’s about continuity, sacrifice, and teamwork. As I receive the baton, I pledge to run my part of the race with the same integrity and energy. One day, I too will pass it on. What matters is that Ndi Enugu wins.”

Aligning with the Governor’s vision, Commissioner Ben Osy Okoh pledged to support the transformation of Enugu into a modern and sustainable city, drawing inspiration from global urban models such as Dubai, while leveraging lessons from cities like Abuja.

After almost two decades of a successful private sector career in the Federal Capital Territory, Engr. Okoh described his decision to serve Enugu State as a personal sacrifice for public service, inspired by the compelling vision of the Governor which every right-thinking Enugu son or daughter would be proud to support. He called on all ministry staff and stakeholders to demonstrate the same level of dedication to service and collaboration. “True progress is built on teamwork and collective sacrifice,” he stated. “We must support, not compete with, one another. Success is never achieved in isolation. We will rise by lifting each other.”

He assured staff of his open-door leadership approach and shared plans to engage more closely with all departments in the coming days to promote mutual understanding and enhance operational synergy. “This is only the beginning. Let us move forward together and make Enugu proud. Teamwork is not just a strategy; it is the key to our success.”

In his farewell remarks, the outgoing Commissioner, now leading the Ministry of Housing, Engr. Gerald Otiji, reflected on his tenure with humility and gratitude. “Today marks the close of a challenging yet rewarding chapter,” he said. “Despite difficult conditions and unexpected hurdles, we emerged stronger, and I am deeply proud of what we accomplished together.”

He expressed heartfelt appreciation to all staff, from engineers in the field to administrative personnel, for their resilience and contributions. “It is not the height we attain that defines us, but the depth from which we rise,” he remarked.

Otiji pledged to remain accessible to his former team and expressed his full support for the new Commissioner. “I have great confidence in Engr. Okoh’s ability to lead this ministry to greater heights. I encourage you all to give him your full support,” he said.

This smooth leadership transition reflects the Enugu State Government’s commitment to continuity, excellence, and service-driven development. It affirms that when public service is approached with integrity and unity, it can deliver meaningful and lasting impact.