Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, has charged staff of her office to exhibit more commitment and dedication to duty.
Senator Eyakenyi stated this on Monday, when she treated staff of the Deputy Governor’s Office to a special End of the Year Get-Together at the Deputy Governor’s Lodge, Government House, Uyo.
While appreciating the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Directors, Heads of Departments and other staff for their support in the year 2023, Senator Eyakenyi called on them to demonstrate more verve in the discharge of their responsibilities in the year 2024.
Flanked by her Spouse, Elder Etim Eyakenyi, the Deputy Governor expressed hope that the event will help relief work-related pressure, as well as strengthen the bond among the staff.
“I want to first thank God for bringing me into your midst and then thank you for accepting me when I came. I’ve been with you for the past seven months now, but the seven months is as if I’ve been with you for years because of the love I have seen and experienced from you people, and the unity I’ve seen amongst you.
“I have not had cause to say that any Director or staff has gone negative. Every staff, from what I see and from the report I get, tries to ensure that the Office of the Deputy Governor has a good image. For that, I had to gather you this evening to say thank you and that I appreciate you”, she said.
she assured her staff of the current administration’s unwavering commitment to providing socio-economic development, to improve the well-being of Akwa Ibom people.
“We were sworn-in on May 2029, 2023, under the leadership of Governor Umo Eno and he came with a policy that everyone will have a touch of the administration. We are all witnesses to what he has tried to do – reaching out to the local governments, to the wards, to the units, through appointments of people from the wards and units. His administration has touched all parts of the State. If it doesn’t get to you directly, it’ll get to your brother or sister through the ARISE Agenda.
“This administration cares about the civil servants. It is paying pension and gratuities and extending other incentives to civil servants, including the 13th month salary christened “Enomber”. That is a gesture of love from the Governor. It will get better. All we need is your cooperation. Do your work as unto God. He will reward you in His own way. I want to urge you, let’s continue with that spirit as a family into the year 2024. Let’s ensure that the Governor is happy when he receives a report of the Office of the Deputy Governor”, she added.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Grace Jim, described Senator Eyakenyi as a Mother par excellence and appreciated her for being transparent and all-inclusive, since she assumed office.
“The Deputy Governor has shown us how to love – the love of God. She doesn’t discriminate and because of that, we are working as a team. We are all focused, because we have a mother that encourages and makes you feel important”, Dr. Jim testified.
Others who spoke at the event, including the Director of Administration, Dr. Victor Umiom, particularly appreciated the Deputy Governor for her motherly disposition and for reviving the staff clinic in the Deputy Governor’s Office.
Earlier, the Guest Minister, Rev. (Mrs) Utibeno John, who drew her brief Exhortation from Matthew 23:12, urged the staff to see their work as service unto God, admonishing them to cultivate good attitudes to work, while shunning eye service.
The event featured choral renditions, praise and worship session and prayers for the new year, while staff were later treated to a mouth-watering dinner by the Deputy Governor.
