The Akwa Ibom State Government has directed the redeployment of all medical personnel working in other ministries to the Ministry of Health by January 2026.
Governor Umo Eno gave the directive during the opening of the State Government Exhibition Pavilion at the ongoing Christmas Unplugged Festival in Uyo, where he said the move is aimed at harnessing the expertise of medical professionals to strengthen the state’s health sector.
The declaration of a state of emergency in the state health sector ushered in a wave of reforms, including the recruitment of over two thousand medical personnel, the renovation and equipping of health facilities across the state, and now, the redeployment of medical personnel serving in other ministries.
According to the Governor, as government is revamping the health sector, there is a pressing need for more doctors, but despite the shortage of medical personnel, some are currently assigned administrative roles in other ministries, a situation that would now be rectified by his administration.
“This directive is aimed at strengthening the healthcare emergency. I have directed the Head of the Civil Service and the Commissioner for Health to redeploy all medical doctors currently serving as Permanent Secretaries in unrelated MDAs back to the health sector as heads in government-owned general hospitals, while retaining their administrative responsibilities, their medical expertise must not be underutilised.” Governor Eno said
Speaking on the essence of setting up the State Government Exhibition Pavilion, Governor Eno said it was designed to showcase the achievements of the state government across various ministries under the ARISE Agenda.
Governor Eno therefore urged ministries to be creative and develop innovative ways of interpreting and presenting his administration’s vision.
The exhibition pavilion brings together Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in a single interactive space, offering residents and visitors direct access to government agencies to understand State programmes, innovations, service delivery initiatives, and investment opportunities, all anchored on the ARISE Agenda, the development blueprint of the Umo Eno administration.
“The pavilion stands as a onestop centre for public enquiries about the states ARISE Agenda and other government activities and programmes, hosts all Ministries, Departments and Agencies affording visitors tourists opportunity to get first hand information about the state.” He explained.
Taking a tour round the pavilion, Governor Enoe expressed satisfaction at the display of the states potential as it serves as a window to the state during the festival, noting that the presentations clearly reflected the people-centred focus and policy direction of his administration.
The Governor also encouraged the public to rise above societal challenges, as he directed the employment of Miss Abigail Edet, a graduate of Public Administration and Political Science, who was rescued by the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare after being abandoned as a baby.
Making the announcement, the Governor said: “I approve the immediate employment of this young girl into the State Civil Service and direct the Head of the Civil Service and the Civil Service Commission to implement this directive and deploy her to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service for mentorship . I am proud of her for rising above difficult circumstances, with government support, to become a graduate. No one should allow the circumstances of birth or life’s challenges to limit their success. Everyone is born with a purpose.”
Governor Eno urged young people not to be defined or limited by their background, place of origin, or life challenges, encouraging them never to give up on life.
Miss Abigail, while sharing her emotional life story, recounted surviving abandonment, rejection, and multiple attempts on her life before being rescued in 2010 by the Akwa Ibom State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare and admitted into the Special Children’s Home, Uyo. She went on to study Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Uyo, graduated in 2023, and completed her NYSC on 7th August 2025.
“I would have been long gone and forgotten. My grave would have been filled with grass by now if not for the intervention of the Government of Akwa Ibom State through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.”
She added:
“God bless Governor Umo Eno and the Government of Akwa Ibom State. God bless the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare. God bless my fellow siblings in the five government homes. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to child protection and inclusive governance, describing Abigail’s journey as a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of compassionate leadership.
The gesture stood out as one of the most defining moments of Christmas Unplugged 2025, reinforcing the message that in Akwa Ibom State, leadership is measured not only by projects delivered, but by lives restored and hope rekindled.
As the state unwinds to celebrate Yuletide, Governor Eno admonishes citizens to embrace joy, love, and community, reflecting the season’s values.
