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…as Akwa Ibom Workers join 2024 Public Service Week Celebration
Augustine Akpan, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Head of Civil Service (HOCS), Elder Effiong Essien, has commended Pastor Umo Eno’s sincere efforts in motivating Akwa Ibom workers for optimal productivity, adding that “Akwa Ibom Public Servants really have cause to thank God for the gift of a compassionate Governor who within his one year in office has done so much for the State and the workers”.
Elder Effiong made the commendation, Wednesday at a press briefing held in his office as part of activities marking the ongoing 2024 Public Service Week Celebration in the State which has as its theme “Stay Forward Looking…Make a Difference”.
The Public Service encompasses all Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as Parastals and Government owned Companies, hence the day is set aside to celebrate people working in these institutions for their contributions to the development of the society in line with the United Nations declaration of June 23 as Public Service Day.
According to Elder Essien, the 2024 Public Service Week Celebration in Akwa Ibom State commenced last Tuesday, (June 18th) with a novelty football match, Public Lecture to dissect the theme is scheduled for Thursday, June 20th at 9.00 at the Civil Service Auditorium, Idongesit Nkanga while roadwork (fitness walk) is billed to hold on Saturday 22nd June from 7:00am at Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat while the Thanksgiving which will have Governor Umo Eno as Special Guest of Honour is Scheduled to hold on Sunday, 23rd June at the International Worship Centre, Uyo.
The HOCS who noted that the Public Service Week has not been marked in the State in the last 10years, also seized the opportunity to express gratitude to the Governor for giving workers in Akwa Ibom, the opportunity to join their counterpart around the world in the celebration this year.
“June 23 of every year is observed globally as the United Nations Public Service Day. The day is is set aside to celebrate people working in the public service for their contributions to the development of the society.
“It was in recognition of this important role by the public service that our workers’-friendly Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno as part of his efforts at motivating the Akwa Ibom Workforce for optimal productivity, graciously approved the celebration of the 2024 Public Service Week…10years it was last observed in the State”, the HOCS submitted while urging workers to keep track of all events lined up for the weeklong celebration.
He also used the opportunity to reel out some areas that Governor Umo Eno has impacted workers and retirees in the State to include:
“The release of over N18billion for the settlement of outstanding pensions, gratuities and leave grants.
“Regular settlement of workers entitlements and packages the three months wage award, the 13th Months pay tagged ‘Enomber’.
“Release of promotions, conduct of all service examinations.
“Increment of pension to cushion the hardship on pensioners.
“Procurement of 150 housing units at the Grace Estate – Ikono/Ibiono for free distribution to workers from grade level 01 – 08”.
Responding to the question on what the state government plans for workers in the state in respect to the new national minimum wage agitation, Elder Essien stated that
Akwa Ibom State has never joked with the welfare of workers and assured that once a decision is reached at the national level, the state government will declare what they are ready to pay.
“When the issue of minimum wage came up last time, we were among the first states to pay in 2019 and even above what was agreed at the national. We’ll declare what we’ll pay once the new minimum wage is announced”, the HOCS assured.
Making remarks at the briefing, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk, commended the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno and the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien for the reforms championed in the state civil service as well as maintaining cordial working relationship with the Union.
“We feel delighted sharing in the history and glory of the public service week Celebration in Akwa Ibom State coming ten years after.
“I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for giving the media community so much in just one year in office.
“We have four members of the media community serving as permanent secretaries and that’s historic.
“We have Comrade Margaret Edem, Comrade Grace Akpan, Akparawa James Edet, Comrade Edet Nsuwara – this has never happened in this state and I’m not sure there’s any state in Nigeria that the media community has four permanent secretaries and this is awesome for us. We sincere appreciate the governor for this gesture.
“Under your stewardship of steering the vision of the public service in Akwa Ibom State, there’s been so much reforms transformation in the public sector in Akwa Ibom State. That’s why there’s so much peace and synergy between the public sector and the executive – even with the media community.
“We are also grateful for the overwhelming support you’ve been giving to the Union.
“We’ll continue consolidating on the existing working relationship between your office, the public sector and the union. We wish you success in your event”, Comrade Amos Etuk posited.
