New HOS Winifred Oyo-Ita, Resumes Duty Today

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Wednesday, October 21st, 2015

By Ganiyu Nasirudeen

The immediate past Head of Service (HOS) of the Federation Mr. Danladi Kifasi who was relieved of his former position Tuesday had been replaced with Mrs Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita.

The 51 years old Oyo-Ita, until her appointment was the Permanent Secretary (PS), Federal Ministry of Science and Technology. Sources from the Presidency indicated to AFRICAN EXAMINER that the new HOS is expected to resume today (Wednesday) in acting capacity.

Despite the fact that Mr. Kifasi was due for retirement on January, 1, 2016, as he will then clock the statutory 60 years of age (highest in the service), a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Engr. Babachir David Lawal, directed Kifasi to proceed on a compulsory terminal leave.

Oyo-Ita, a native of Adiabo community of Odukpani Local Council of Cross Rivers State, South South Nigeria, is a graduate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where she bagged B.Sc in Accounting in 1984, as well as holds a Master’s degree from the Nasarawa State University.

A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Oyo-Ita was once a Director, Finance and Accounts in the Head of Civil Service of the Federation office.

Before she was appointed the PS in the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology in April 2014, Oyo-Ita, was saddled with the similar responsibility in the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.