Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has charged the 4,000 newly recruited public servants to embrace innovation, digital transformation, transparency and professionalism in the discharge of their duties, describing them as a new generation of civil servants expected to redefine public service delivery in the state.
Governor Eno gave the charge during an orientation exercise organised for the newly employed public servants, where he described their recruitment as a strategic effort to fill existing vacancies in the state civil service rather than an attempt to unnecessarily expand its workforce.
The Governor explained that an initial staff audit conducted upon assumption of office revealed about 3,000 ghost workers on the payroll, and with subsequent retirements creating a manpower deficit of more than 10,000 positions, necessitating the recruitment exercise.
He congratulated the successful candidates for emerging among the 4,000 selected from over 12,000 applicants through what he described as a rigorous and transparent recruitment process, expressing confidence in their capacity to bring fresh ideas and renewed energy into the public service.
Governor Eno, who commended the Head of Civil Service, Mrs Elsie Peters, for initiating the orientation programme, described it as an important foundation for preparing the new entrants for the responsibilities ahead, noting that it was, to the best of his knowledge, the first time such a large-scale orientation exercise had been organised for newly recruited public servants in the state.
He urged the recruits to see themselves as agents of transformation, bringing their knowledge, creativity and digital skills to bear on government operations, particularly as the state intensifies efforts to fully digitalise its public service.
The Governor also assured the workers of his administration’s continued commitment to their welfare, promising to sustain the prompt payment of salaries before the end of each preceding month, alongside pensions for retired civil servants.
He stressed that an efficient, energetic and responsive civil service remained indispensable to the machinery of government, urging the new employees to demonstrate dedication, transparency, discipline and commitment to duty.
Governor Eno further disclosed that his administration had employed more than 8,000 persons since assuming office, describing the employment initiative as one with far-reaching benefits for families and communities.
He also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government, particularly the financial resources accruing to states, which he said had helped create the fiscal space for the recruitment of the 4,000 workers.
Earlier, the Head of Civil Service, Mrs Elsie Peters, said the orientation programme was organised through the training units in her office to equip the newly employed personnel with the requisite knowledge and understanding of government operations.
Mrs Peters explained that although most of the recruits had already been posted to various ministries, departments and agencies, the orientation was designed to prepare them for effective service delivery.
She said the participants were exposed to the organisational structures of government, including the executive, legislature, judiciary, local government and teaching service, as well as information and communication technology, financial regulations, security consciousness, work ethics, administrative practices and the application of public service rules.
The Head of Service added that the recruits were also introduced to the structure of the State Executive Council, key government officials and the ARISE Agenda, describing the programme as a deliberate effort to reinvent, redesign and reorient the new employees for the demands of modern public administration.
She expressed appreciation to the Governor for approving and sponsoring the exercise, expressing confidence that its outcomes would significantly improve the competence and productivity of the new workforce.
The State Solicitor General, Mrs Mfon Edemekong, who administered the official oath of office and oath of secrecy to the newly recruited public servants, emphasised that the exercise underscored the seriousness of their responsibilities and their obligation to protect official information while serving the state.
She described the oath-taking as the final stage in the recruitment process, urging the new employees to appreciate the weight of public trust and the responsibilities attached to their appointments.
Speaking on behalf of the 4,000 recruits, Miss Etoroabasi Enobong expressed profound appreciation to Governor Eno for approving the recruitment exercise, the provision of transport allowance to each successful candidate, the announcement of their effective resumption date and the organisation of the orientation programme.
She described the employment opportunity as a demonstration of the Governor’s compassion, noting that it had provided their families with an opportunity not only to improve their livelihoods but also to contribute meaningfully to the development of Akwa Ibom State through the ARISE Agenda.
Miss Enobong pledged the loyalty, dedication and commitment of the new employees to the state government, while also affirming their determination to exercise their civic responsibility in the forthcoming elections.
The event climaxed with a standing ovation by the newly recruited public servants in appreciation of the Governor’s support and presentation of appreciation plaque.
By: Ikechukwu Agbamegbue, Uyo.
