It was a torrent of praises for the newly appointed Minister of Education (State), Rt. Hon. Goodluck Nanah Opiah, as friends and associates celebrated his swearing-in as member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Opiah, a former Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly was on Wednesday sworn-in by President Muhamadu Buhari during the FEC meeting at the Exco Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The new Minister received unprecedented applause and goodwill messages from those present at a mini reception event in honour of the appointment after the swearing-in programme.
The reception which held at Ibeto Hotels in Abuja witnessed de creme de la creme in the country, especially those from the political class in Imo State.
Speakers who addressed the event confessed that President Buhari made a right choice in appointing Opiah a Minister.
Leading the pack, former Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, said that President Buhari would not be disappointed as the new Minister for Education has the capacity to deliver.
Okiro opined that considering the rich pedigree of the new Minister in service delivery, there was no gainsaying the fact that President Buhari made the right choice from Imo State. The former police chief said that the appointment of Opiah was a big plus for the Egbema nation and indeed people of Ohaji/Egbema LGA as well of the entire Imo people and the Niger Delta region.
Serving members of the House of Reps who were Opiah’s colleagues when he was a member of the House of Reps (2015-2019), Honourables Chike Okafor, Segun Adelaja and Johnbul Shekarau extolled him for possessing the required virtues to cue into the desire of President Buhari to deliver democracy dividends to Nigerians.
Okafor who represents Ihitte/Uboma, Obowo and Ehime Mbano Federal Constituency (Okigwe South) in the lower Chamber of the National Assembly while eulogizing the new Minister noted that he has the ability to be a servant leader, considering the milestone he had covered so far as an apostle of quality service delivery.
Adelaja, Shekarau and Hon Ralph Nnanna Igbokwe, a former House of Reps Member who represented Ahiazu/Ezinihite Fed Constituency said they are confident about Opiah’s rich pedigree in service to humanity.
Other speakers at the event joined the chorus and spoke eloquently about Opiah’s competence, noting that the new Minister has the required credentials to succeed in office.
A Senator who represented Imo West Senatorial District and APC candidate for the forthcoming election for the Zone, Senator Osita Izuanso, said that President Buhari by the appointment has put a round peg in a round hole. He said he was not surprised that the former House of Reps Member was appointed Minister.
“I am not surprised he was appointed because I know he is eminently qualified to do the job. My years of association with him speaks well of his goodwill and capacity to deliver”, Izunaso added.
Addressing the gathering, the new Minister said that he wouldn’t disappoint on the mandate as all chances for excellence shall be employed in the course of discharging his duties. Opiah who noted that he was overwhelmed by the galaxy of men and women from far and wide who came to honour him on the appointment.
The Ohaji/Egbema born politician assured that he has not disappointed in the past and wont do so this time. Opiah said that the opportunity is another pedestal to continue in his contribution to the growth of the society under a democratic set up.
A large number of persons drawn across the country and the three Senatorial Zones of Imo State graced the event which includes former Chief of Staff to Imo State Governor, Chief Emma Ohakim, Hon Mirian Onuoha, Member Representing Okigwe North Fed Constituency, serving members of the Imo State House of Assembly; Hon Ekene Nnodumele and Blyden Amajirionwu former Commissioners from Imo like Chief Longers Anyanwu, Prof Nnamdi Obiaraeri and political leaders of Ohaji/Egbema LGA drawn from different political divides.
