Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, replacing Dr. Mary A. Ogbe. The handover ceremony took place at the Ministers’ Conference Hall, Ministry of Solid Minerals/Steel Development Headquarters, Abuja.
During the ceremony, Dr. Isokpunwu expressed his commitment to strengthening and stimulating the development of the steel sector to achieve its full potential in the country. He thanked President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his appointment and called on the ministry’s management and staff to work diligently towards using the steel sector for the nation’s industrialisation and to address some of Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
Dr. Isokpunwu praised Dr. Ogbe for her leadership since the ministry’s creation in August 2023 and assured his readiness to build on her achievements. He emphasised the importance of continuity and the need to maintain the momentum set by his predecessor.
In her farewell address, Dr. Ogbe highlighted the critical role of the steel industry in national industrialisation. She expressed confidence in Dr. Isokpunwu’s capabilities, describing him as a seasoned administrator with an impressive track record. She urged the ministry’s staff to support the new Permanent Secretary for the growth of the steel and metal sector, the ministry, and the country.
The Director of Metallurgical Raw Materials Development and Investment Promotion, Mr. Imeh Ikrikpo, in his vote of thanks, welcomed Dr. Isokpunwu and assured him of the full support of the ministry’s management and staff.
The transition marks a new chapter for the Ministry of Steel Development, with high expectations for continued progress and innovation under Dr. Isokpunwu’s leadership.
