…Warns Staff Against Absenteeism
The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Dr Matthew Nwobashi, has announced the full digitalisation of the Ministry of Lands and Survey, describing it as a landmark legacy project of the present administration, while warning staff to shun absenteeism, truancy and lateness to work.
Dr Nwobashi gave the warning during the Ministry’s annual mass service to mark the resumption of work for the 2026 service year, stressing that indiscipline, lack of diligence and abandonment of official responsibilities would no longer be tolerated.
According to the commissioner, punctuality and dedication remain the backbone of effective public service delivery, particularly in a sensitive ministry such as Lands and Survey.
“My expectation from my workers is total dedication to duty. Punctuality is the soul of success in any business, including government business. Every staff member must be committed to their responsibilities in all ramifications,” he said.
Speaking on reforms, Dr Nwobashi disclosed that the Ebonyi State Government has approved the full digitalisation of the Ministry of Lands and Survey at a cost of over ₦1.7 billion, following its inclusion in the 2026 budget by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and subsequent passage by the State House of Assembly.
He described the project as a transformative intervention that will modernise land administration in the state and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks.
“This is a legacy project for me and for this administration. When fully implemented, land administration processes will be carried out online. People will no longer need to physically come to the ministry before accessing services,” Nwobashi said.
He added that the digital platform would enhance transparency, efficiency and public confidence in land administration across the state.
The commissioner also announced plans to establish Town Planning Authority offices in the three senatorial zones of the state, Ebonyi North, Ebonyi Central and Ebonyi South, explaining that zonal offices existed during the old Anambra and Enugu State eras but went extinct after the creation of Ebonyi State.
“I want to reactivate the zonal Town Planning Authorities this year. We are going to establish offices in the three zones of the state to bring services closer to the people,” he stated.
Earlier in his homily, the Chaplain of the Ministry, Reverend Father Chinedu Matthew Ogbonna, reflected on the theme “Not all spirits are godly,” urging Christians to remain discerning, prayerful and steadfast in their faith.
He cautioned against being misled by ungodly influences, emphasising humility, patience and obedience to God as pathways to divine guidance and success in life.
The annual mass service also featured the cutting of a birthday cake in honour of Dr Matthew Nwobashi, marking his birthday celebration amid prayers for wisdom and continued service to the state.