By Joy Salami
The Director-General, Government House Administration, Kogi State, Adm. (Dr.) Umaru Oricha Shuaibu, has been formally inducted as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Administration (CIA), Nigeria.
The colourful ceremony, held at the Government House, Lokoja, brought together top government functionaries, professional administrators, and dignitaries from across the country.
Delivering the keynote address, the President and Chairman of Council of the Institute, Adm. Ugochukwu Azubuko, described the occasion as “a momentous and historic one” in recognition of Dr. Shuaibu’s exceptional career in public administration.
He noted that the CIA, established by Act No. 103 of 1992 (now CAP C-7, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004), is empowered to regulate the training and practice of administration within a professional framework across Nigeria.
He stated that the Institute prides itself on excellence and professionalism, adding that those admitted into its membership must possess the requisite knowledge and skills to function as competent administrators.
“Today, Dr. Umaru Oricha Shuaibu, has added a major feather to his cap. Administration, as we often say, is the mother of all professions. Whether in public service or private enterprise, without administration, no organization can function effectively”, Adm. Azubuko remarked.
He further explained that the CIA runs mandatory continuous education and training programmes, including workshops, conferences, seminars, and symposia, to keep members abreast of best practices.
He urged Dr. Shuaibu to participate in the Institute’s forthcoming All Administrators National Conference, scheduled for October 23–24, 2025, in Lagos, themed “National Development: The Administrator as a Catalyst.”
Adm. Azubuko expressed confidence that Dr. Shuaibu’s induction marks the beginning of a new dawn for Kogi State. He praised his rich and vast administrative experience, deep passion for knowledge, and commitment to excellence. He also encouraged the new Fellow to join the College of Fellows to share his wealth of experience and network with other top administrators.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, who represented Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo at the event, congratulated Dr. Oricha, describing the recognition as well-deserved.
She commended his contributions to the effective running of the Government House and his unwavering dedication to service, assuring the Institute of the State Government’s support for professional administrative development.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Oricha expressed profound gratitude to the Institute for the honour, dedicating the achievement to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, his family, mentors, and colleagues.
“This recognition is not mine alone but a testament to the unwavering support of those who have walked this journey with me. I pledge to uphold the Institute’s values of professionalism, integrity, and excellence. I am committed to contributing my expertise towards advancing the field of administration and public service, collaborating with fellow members to drive innovation, best practices, and impactful leadership”, he said.
He described his induction as a call to even greater service and expressed excitement at becoming part of the CIA’s distinguished community of professional administrators.
