… presents official vehicles to Permanent Secretaries

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has presented brand new cars to all Permanent Secretaries at an event where he said his administration will continue to prioritize the welfare of civil servants.

Presenting the cars during the valedictory State Executive Council meeting held at Government House, Uyo, Friday, December 10, 2024, the Governor said he was not comfortable seeing Permanent Secretaries using public means of transportation to work, stressing that such could hinder their productivity.

He said rising through the ranks in the service to the position of a Permanent Secretary was an enviable achievement worthy of prestige and deserving of some comfort, and assured everyone that his administration will continue to ensure that Akwa Ibom workers are given their pride of place.

Governor Eno has been very committed to the welfare of workers through consistent release and payment of gratuities, bonuses and entitlements, as well as training and retraining of workers

The Governor appreciated the Permanent Secretaries for their dedicated service, and encouraged them to do more to deliver on the ARISE Agenda.

He further stated that as a Nigerian, he will not hesitate to identify and support excellence especially among the youths, irrespective of location, creed or political leanings, adding that his spirit of encouraging excellence would be magnified, rather than suppressed as long as he is Governor.

Earlier in his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, said the gesture was a pointer to the Governor’s priority on the welfare of workers, urging them to remain committed to their service for a better Akwa Ibom.

On his part, the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien appreciated the Governor for the car gift, saying, “I thank the Governor for taking away shame from the faces of the Permanent Secretaries. When I was a Permanent Secretary in 2017, I was never given one. This is the first time Permanent Secretaries will be cruising in SUVs. What we waited for has come to pass. The Permanent Secretaries are charged up to deliver on the ARISE Agenda.”

Similarly, the Dean of the College of Permanent Secretaries, Mrs. Stella Etukakpan, also appreciated the Governor for the car gifts, saying they were delighted to serve under his administration.

She assured that the senior civil servants will continue to put in their best and contribute their quota to the development of the State.