The newly inaugurated cabinet of the administration of Chief Willie Obiano in Anambra State rose from a two-day strategic retreat over the weekend in Awka, with what an insider called “a sharper vision and keener focus on meeting and surpassing the expectations of Anambrarians through a committed implementation of the programmes and policies of the state.”

Among those who attended the retreat are Senior Special Assistants, Permanent Secretaries and other key functionaries. The event witnessed high octane sessions of brain-storming and dialogues on the most effective and results-driven approaches that would reposition Anambra State to play a leading role in the on-going economic renaissance of the country.

Organised in partnership with NextzonBusiness Services, the retreat began on upbeat tone when Governor Obiano identified teamwork, innovativeness, dynamism, tenacity and reward for hard work as the core values of his administration.

“It is imperative that everyone understands the vision and mission of this administration early enough in order to effectively harness the ideas in the Economic Blueprint and exploit the opportunities therein to develop Anambra State,” he said.

The retreat, according to Obiano, provided a veritable platform for the Executive Members of his cabinet to re-engage the ideas already articulated in the blueprint and where necessary expand them for greater effectiveness in the service of the people.

He charged each member of the team to shun all forms of corruption and get rich quick tendencies and promote a culture of transparency and accountability by bringing their wealth of experience and expertise to bear on their work to ensure greater innovativeness and dynamism which would in turn lead to increased productivity.

The governor also advised Ndi Anambra in the Diaspora to begin to evaluate the attractive benefits of redirecting their investments homewards in order to take advantage of the emerging windows of investment that his administration is poised to create with a comprehensive implementation of his economic blueprint known as the Four Pillars of Development.

Speaking on the benefits of the retreat, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Willie Nwokoye, observed that it would instantly establish a strong bond among the political appointees through the various discussions and dialogues which would sharpen perspectives and create a unanimity of focus in the team.

“Going forward all functionaries will situate every clause, every paragraph and every line of the economic blueprint within the framework of their daily engagement,” Nwokoye stated.

On her part, Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kate Emenugha, observed that the retreat provided an opportunity for cross-fertilisation of ideas on the government’s vision and mission.

Also speaking, Special Assistant to the Governor on Interparty and Political Matters, Chief Ben Obi, said that the forum had enhanced job definition and prepared the members of the executive and all political appointees for the challenges ahead.

•Photo shows, from right, Governor Obiano, Deputy Governor Nkem Okeke and Chief of Staff, Prof. Joe Asike, at the Strategic Retreat organised by the Anambra State Government in Awka at the weekend.

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