HON. Chika Ossai on Friday, handed over official documents in his possession as Commissioner for Trade and Investments, Delta State to the functional Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Patrick Isichei.
His handover follows a directive by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State that following the dissolution of the state Executive Council of which Ossai was a member, all the former Commissioners should hand over government property in their possession to the most senior civil servants in their Ministries.
At the handover ceremony which was solemn in a way as the staff wore long faces, apparently sad that they may not have the opportunity of working so closely with Ossai again, the former Commissioner thanked them for their support which made them to introduce new innovations in the ministry.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for finding him fit to serve God and humanity as the Commissioner for Trade and Investment.
“Today, I want all of you to cheer up, join me in thanking God for the good times we had in the ministry.
“I appreciate all of you for the different roles you played for us to achieve desired results; there is no doubt that we must have stepped on some toes in other for us to meet set goals, but, it is gladdening that with time, we all realised that what we have always done was in the best interest of our state and humanity.
“Always remember our Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa in your prayers; he has good intentions for our state and I am grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to serve God and humanity as a Commissioner.
“We should always strive to bring out our best in rendering services.
“Thank you and continue to work in harmony. ”
Mr Isichei, on behalf of staff of the ministry, lauded the transparent approach of Ossai in running the affairs of the Ministry, noting, “your hand over of official documents in your possession today is a clear testimony of your open-door approach to the running of affairs of government.
“We shall miss you but, know that you will always have our friendship and we pray for more opportunities for you to serve the people.”