ASABA, December 29, 2025 – The Delta State Ministry of Information witnessed a seamless and ceremonial leadership transition on Tuesday, as the outgoing Functioning Permanent Secretary, Mr. Harold Ojji, formally handed over duties to his successor, Mrs. Stella Macaulay. The event, held at the ministry's headquarters in Asaba, underscored themes of dedication, continuity, and institutional growth in public service.
Presiding over the ceremony was the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, who currently oversees the ministry following a cabinet realignment earlier in the year. Aniagwu, a veteran communicator and former Chief Press Secretary to previous administrations, shared warm reflections on his long professional relationship with Ojji, dating back to their time at Government House.
He highlighted Ojji's unique blend of private sector experience and profound grasp of public administration, crediting these qualities for facilitating smooth transitions during challenging periods. "Mr. Ojji has been supportive, dependable, and results-oriented," Aniagwu stated, praising the outgoing Functioning Permanent Secretary's unwavering commitment, strong work ethic, and focus on staff capacity building. He described Ojji as an exemplary civil servant whose progressive competence had earned him widespread respect.
Aniagwu used the occasion to advise ministry staff on best practices, urging them to maintain diligence, avoid unnecessary bureaucratic delays in file processing, and recognize that true career advancement stems from dedication and merit. He addressed recent staff redeployments, clarifying that these adjustments were strategic rather than punitive, designed to enhance overall performance and mutual benefits for both the ministry and its employees.
Turning to the incoming Functioning Permanent Secretary, Aniagwu encouraged Mrs. Macaulay to consolidate on existing foundations, elevate standards, and prepare for the rigorous demands of the role. He expressed confidence in her ability to drive further progress in information dissemination and public communication.
In his farewell remarks, Mr. Ojji expressed gratitude to Commissioner Aniagwu for his "unprecedented welfarist approach" to staff welfare. He particularly commended the effective management of over 80 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to the ministry, noting their significant contributions to operations.
However, Ojji highlighted persistent operational challenges, including the lack of official vehicles and utility transport, insufficient equipment for staff, and the pressing need for facility upgrades in affiliated parastatals such as the Pointer Newspaper and Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) stations in Asaba and Warri. He called for urgent interventions to modernize these entities to better serve the public.
Responding with emotion, Mrs. Macaulay described the event as bittersweet, acknowledging that she would miss her close collaboration with Ojji, whom she lauded as a seasoned and highly competent administrator. "I have learned immensely from him," she said. Macaulay also praised Aniagwu's visionary and transformative leadership style.
She committed to prioritizing ongoing training and retraining programs for staff, viewing them as essential for improving efficiency and service delivery in an evolving media landscape.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages from key ministry officials. Mr. Salvation Ogono, Director of New Media, and Comrade Churchill Oyowe, Deputy Director and Chairman of the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), both extolled Ojji's dedicated service while voicing strong optimism in Macaulay's leadership to uphold and expand the ministry's core mandate of transparent information flow and public enlightenment.
The proceedings culminated in the formal signing of handover documents between Ojji and Macaulay, symbolically sealing the transition and ensuring uninterrupted administrative continuity.
This handover occurs amid broader efforts by the Delta State government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to strengthen public institutions and enhance governance communication. The Ministry of Information plays a pivotal role in bridging government and citizens, promoting policies, and countering misinformation.
Mrs. Macaulay, a seasoned information officer with qualifications in foreign languages, public administration, and journalism, brings extensive experience, including previous roles in orientation and new media. Her appointment is seen as a boost for digital innovation and staff development initiatives.
Mr. Ojji's tenure has been marked by stability and support for youth integration through NYSC programs, leaving a legacy of professionalism that incoming leadership aims to build upon.
