Idoma/Igede people who are Federal Permanent Secretaries in Nigeria’s public service are:

• Amb. Barr. Nicholas Agbo Ella (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of
  Petroleum Resources)
• Pastor Raymond Omachi, FNIA (Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office (CSO) in the Office of The Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF)) …. (Igede)
• Dr. Mrs. Mary Ogbe (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid
  Mineral Resources)

Nicholas Agbo Ella (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources)

Ambassador Nicholas Agbo Ella stands as an exemplary figure in Nigerian diplomacy, law, and international relations. Born on April 11, 1965, in Ogene-Amejo, Benue State, Nigeria, he has consistently exhibited exceptional dedication to public service, legal expertise, and international diplomacy. His distinguished career includes an extensive background in both the Nigerian Foreign Service and the legal profession, underscoring his commitment to excellence and national development.

Early Life and Educational Background

Ambassador Ella’s journey began in Benue State, where he laid the foundations for an illustrious career. In 1988, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LL.B) from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. His commitment to furthering his knowledge took him abroad, where he obtained a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Monash University in Australia in 1998. He later added another academic credential to his portfolio with a Master’s Degree in Law from ICFAI University, Hyderabad, India, in 2005.

Following his graduation, Ambassador Ella was called to the Nigerian Bar in December 1989. He honed his legal skills during his National Youth Service in Ilorin, Kwara State, and then practiced law in Lagos. During this formative period, he worked under esteemed legal mentors, including Barr. Titus Ashaolu, Senator Ameh Ebute, and the late Chief Adejo Ogiri. These experiences provided him with a strong foundation in law, which he carried forward into his diplomatic career.

Diplomatic Career and International Postings

Ambassador Ella entered the Nigerian Foreign Service in 1993, marking the beginning of a dynamic career across various international postings. Over the years, he represented Nigeria in multiple countries and played key roles in enhancing Nigeria’s diplomatic influence on the global stage. Some of his significant postings included:

1. Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations Office in Geneva
2. Nigeria High Commission in New Delhi, India
3. Embassy of Nigeria in Beijing, China
4. Consulate General of Nigeria in New York, USA
5. Nigeria High Commission in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Ambassador Ella also held the position of Charge d’Affaires, ad interim, at the Embassy of Nigeria in Dakar, Senegal. His diplomatic expertise culminated in his role as Director in charge of the Consular and Legal Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters in Abuja. This role allowed him to oversee critical legal and consular affairs, further solidifying his reputation as a dedicated public servant and skilled diplomat.

Appointment as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources

On November 27, 2023, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu recognized Ambassador Ella’s exceptional leadership abilities and appointed him as Federal Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. He officially assumed office on January 22, 2024, following his deployment starting from January 9, 2024. As Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Ella brings a wealth of experience in governance, legal affairs, and international diplomacy to one of Nigeria’s most pivotal ministries.

Academic Contributions and Research

Beyond his diplomatic duties, Ambassador Ella has maintained an active commitment to academic pursuits. His research, titled “The Role of Regional Organisations in Peacekeeping Operations: An Appraisal of ECOWAS’ Intervention in Liberia,” underscores his interest in regional security and governance. This work reflects his analytical approach to international relations and regional stability in Africa.

Personal Life and Interests

Ambassador Ella’s personal interests mirror his well-rounded character and balanced approach to life. Fluent in Idoma, Hausa, and English, he possesses excellent language skills that allow him to communicate effectively in various cultural contexts. Outside his professional life, he enjoys reading, playing badminton, and listening to music. Ambassador Ella is happily married with children, finding joy in family life and leisure pursuits alongside his demanding career.

Pastor Raymond Omachi, FNIA (Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office (CSO) in the Office of The Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF))

Mary Ogbe (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid
Mineral Resources)

Dr. Mary A. Ogbe is a seasoned medical professional and dedicated civil servant who has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s healthcare sector and public administration. Born on October 20, 1970, she has led a distinguished career in both clinical practice and governmental roles, combining medical expertise with administrative leadership.

Education and Early Medical Training

Dr. Ogbe graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria in 1994. She pursued postgraduate studies at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, further refining her medical knowledge and skills. Her medical training laid the foundation for an impactful career in obstetrics and gynecology, and she went on to achieve multiple professional certifications and fellowships in this specialized field.

Early Medical Career and Experience

Dr. Ogbe began her medical career as a Medical Officer in the General Outpatient Department of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, where she served from 1996 to 2005. This experience provided her with a solid grounding in patient care and public health administration. Following this, she joined FCT Medical Services from 2006 to 2008, where she continued to build her reputation as a capable and committed healthcare professional.

Leadership Roles at the State House Medical Center

In 2008, Dr. Ogbe joined the State House Medical Center in Asokoro, Abuja, marking a pivotal step in her career. During her tenure at the center, she assumed the role of Administrative Head from 2010 to 2015 and served as the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee. In these leadership positions, she spearheaded numerous reforms to enhance service delivery and improve patient care at the center, solidifying her standing as an influential figure in Nigerian healthcare.

Expertise in Obstetrics and Gynecology

As a Chief Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Ogbe has gained extensive experience over her many years in the field. Her dedication to women’s health and her expertise in obstetrics have earned her memberships and fellowships in several prestigious medical professional bodies and associations. Her work in this specialty has not only benefitted her patients but has also informed her approach to healthcare policy and administration.

Transition to Public Service Leadership

Dr. Ogbe’s contributions to public health and administration led to her appointment as a Federal Permanent Secretary in April 2022. She was first deployed to the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), where she served until May 2023. In this role, she applied her administrative skills to improve service processes and enhance efficiency within the federal civil service.

In June 2023, she assumed her current role as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, following her transfer from the FCSC by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. Her diverse background in healthcare administration and policy enables her to bring a unique perspective to her role in the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, contributing to its goals of industry growth and sustainable development.