The Ministry of Petroleum Resources at the Permanent Secretary’s Board Room, NNPC Towers, Abuja, held a formal takeover ceremony to mark the transition of leadership to the incoming Permanent Secretary Mrs. Oyekunle Patience Nwakuso from the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi.
The ceremony was a sequel to the redeployment of both Permanent Secretaries, conveyed in the Head of Service Circular No. HCSF/3065/V.I/224, dated 19th November 2025.
In his valedictory remarks, Dr. Obi expressed profound appreciation to the management and staff of the Ministry for the unwavering cooperation, professionalism, and support extended to him throughout his stewardship.
According to a statement by the Head, Press and Public Relations Unit, Chris Ugwuegbulam, he urged them to sustain the same level of commitment and institutional loyalty in supporting his successor as she assumes office.
He described his period of service as fulfilling and thanked the Federal Government for the privilege to contribute to the strategic petroleum sector.
Responding, the new Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Oyekunle Patience Nwakuso, commended Dr. Obi for his leadership and dedication to public service. She stated that she will consolidate on the foundation laid by her predecessor, while bringing renewed energy and administrative depth to the Ministry.
Mrs. Nwakuso assured staff of an open-door policy, collaborative engagement, and a strong focus on efficiency, transparency, and service delivery in advancing the Ministry’s mandates.
Until her redeployment to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Oyekunle, a seasoned administrator and distinguished career civil servant, served as the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. On the other hand, Dr. Obi has been deployed to the Federal Civil Service Commission to serve as the Permanent Secretary.
The highlight of the ceremony was the formal presentation of the handover documents by Dr. Obi to Mrs. Nwakuso, symbolizing a smooth and seamless transition of administrative responsibilities within the Ministry.