By Jonathan Ugbal; Government House Correspondent
Cross River Governor, Senator Ben Ayade on Friday swore in a new Permanent Secretary, Bibiana Okpo with a charge to “digitalize” the state.
“Your primary and first assignment is to start the ICT and smart city backbones in Calabar, so you see, you have to be very digital and I know you are digital because your first assignment is to digitalize Cross River,” Ayade told Bibiana after administering the oath of office to her.
He prayed God to bless and direct Mrs. Okpo in her new assignment.
He said: “I am happy that you have reached the pinnacle of your profession, so, the younger ones learning under you should be able to pick from your experience as well as grow and strengthen the Cross River Civil Service.”
Ayade who described the moment as “very special” for Mrs Okpo and her family also deployed her to the Ministry of ICT.
Okpo who hails from Biase local government area becomes the 31st Permanent Secretary sworn in by Governor Ayade and commended him fro appointing her into the position.
“I thank you for appointing me as Permanent Secretary. I have lost hope but the Almighty God used you as an instrument to appoint me. I will continue to give you my best as I have always done,” she said
She was sworn in at the State Executive Council Chambers with her family and several others in attendance and until her appointment and redeployment, was the Director Budget in the State House of Assembly.
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