Elder Effiong Essien, Head of Civil Service, Akwa Ibom State.
Ifreke Udo
A good leader would always commit himself to the welfare of his workers. The Akwa Ibom State Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien is embodied with indices of such philosophy.
First and third fridays of every month are officially observed as farm days by public servants in Akwa Ibom State. This is sequel to the declaration last year by the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, directing the workers to engage themselves in home and other farm activities to boost food sufficiency.
Elder Effiong Essien as the no. 1 civil servant in the State holds a commitment on the implementation of this expectation in utilizing the days. However, he is not relenting in delivering his official responsibilities. An instant was on Friday, 17th January, 2025, a farm day in the State where he did not just go to his farm, but also took out time to attend to sundry official activities after home gardening.
He said in an interview at Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, “I just came out from my farm and I happened to pass by the State Secretariat, and I noticed, the Secretariat wearing a new look in terms of cleanliness. The flowers on the medians and paths being well trimmed, while the surrounding fields are cleared…”
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“So, I had to pause and turned round the entire complex, and I have seen that the directive of His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno to the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), to engage more hands, and ensure that the State Secretariat is kept clean, has been implemented.”
There is certainly a correlation between workplace serenity, and higher productivity; a clean workplace reduces stress, increases productivity, and improves client’s impressions. This perhaps suffices the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno’s decisions towards workers in Akwa Ibom State would always lead through the line to motivate the State workforce with the expectation for higher productivity.
Getting into the State Secretariat is a beautiful sight of a relaxed and serene work environment that would ensue comfort, promote high level of service delivery and like Elder Effiong Essien, “what I have seen here is lovely, and this at a starts of the new service year. “…this is a good development.”
“A clean environment would give a good mind-set, and will encourage workers to focus and be committed on their line of duties and I commend His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno for always working for the good of workers, especially through his policies”, Elder Essien continued.
There is no doubt that to effectively manage waste, effort must be tailored to curb and avoid littering and illegal dumping; Elder Essien who appreciated the management of the State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) for a job well done, however suggested the need for provision of avenues that would restrain littering.
Such will include “a strategic provision of receptacles and waste bins within the secretariat to aid easy evacuation of refuse and waste, as well as controlling illegal refuse dumping,” Elder Essien noted
Prompting for a secured workplace, he seized the opportunity to inspect a remedial fabrication work he mobilized through his office for the refurbishing of the entrance and the IBB gates of the Secretariat following serious signs of worn out that could if uncheck, breakdown, turning the State Secretariat to a thoroughfare, hampering security and routine checks.
As motivational measures are provided, effective service delivery is likewise expected, the Head of Civil Service therefore charges public servants to put in their best and ensure they contribute effectively in the implementation of the State Governor’s A.R.I.S.E Agenda.
Also, to attain food sufficiency, citizens, and public servants must involve in agriculture by cultivating farms in order to achieve bumper harvest.
Ifreke is an Information and Public Relations Officer, Office of the Head of Civil Service, Akwa Ibom State.
