Monday October 5, 2026
By thenewsdesk.ng
Akwa Ibom State has honoured 66 Outstanding Public Servants and unveiled two Public Service Toll Lines to enable workers and members of the public to report extortion, delays, complaints and other service-related challenges directly to the Office of the Head of Civil Service.
The toll lines, 09116616060 and 09116616061, were unveiled by the Head of Service, Mrs. Elsie Peters, at the colourful gala and awards night marking the end of the 2026 Public Service in Uyo.
Peters said dedicated personnel would attend to calls during official working hours, Monday to Friday, describing the initiative as part of efforts to make the public service more responsive, efficient and modern.
She urged residents and workers reporting irregularities to provide their names, locations and details of complaints, assuring that service-related concerns would receive attention.
“As we continue to interpret the Governor’s vision, we will take our service to the next level. We will raise the standard of service delivery; we will no longer do things as usual. For the first time since the creation of the state, we are launching the Akwa Ibom Public Service Toll Numbers.”
Chairman of the occasion, Mr Assam Assam, described the celebration as historic and urged the State Government to institutionalise Public Service Week as an annual platform for recognising excellence, sacrifice and commitment.
He called on public servants to take their responsibilities seriously and strengthen networks across the judiciary, legislature, civil service and other MDAs, stressing that public service should be measured by its impact on lives and society rather than monetary rewards.
“This is the first in history: the entire civil service, comprising the entire public service, coming together to celebrate yourselves. I can assure you that Governor Umo Eno is very proud of you.”
“Let this Public Service Week be institutionalised to celebrate those who have paid their dues. Always remember that the service you render, the lives you save, and the policies you make are the most rewarding.”
At the awards, Esio Abagasang of the Civil Service Commission emerged Overall Best Civil Servant in the senior category, while Joanah Ikpe of the Office of the Head of Civil Service won the junior category.
The Ministry of Health received the Institutional Award, while 66 Outstanding Public Servants drawn from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the Unified Local Government Service and Teaching Service were recognised.
The recognition also extended to winners of the various competitive activities, with the Ministry of Information winning the quiz challenge while AKSHIA, SUBEB and Agriculture placed second, third and fourth respectively. The winners of the football tournament and other competitions were also rewarded.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee and Dean of Permanent Secretaries, Barr. Janet Daniel, said the celebration was designed to promote public service excellence, workers’ welfare and nation-building.
She said the programme combined professional engagement, welfare, recreation and recognition, while creating opportunities for public servants to reflect on their responsibilities and strengthen bonds across the service.
Responding to the Institutional Award to the Ministry of Health, Commissioner Dr. Ekem John commended the recognition and praised the leadership and capacity of the public service to transform government business.
He thanked Governor Umo Eno for appointing what he described as a vibrant Head of Civil Service and for entrusting him with leadership of the health sector, stressing that merit, experience and intellectual capacity should complement seniority in leadership appointments.
The event was attended by members of the State Executive Council, past Heads of Service, Permanent Secretaries, Directors, political leaders, clergy, public servants and other dignitaries.
