By Ekaette Okon Joseph
Akwa Ibom’s Head of the Civil Service, Elsie Peters, on 16 October directed staff of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to end delays in processing files, as a two-day training opened in Uyo.
The programme, themed “Excellence in Humanitarian Service, Leadership, Data, Communication and Best Practices in Public Service in the 21st Century,” ran through 17 October at the Ibom-LED Centre, off IBB Way. The ministry marked its second anniversary during the event.
Peters reiterated the state government’s Zero File Backlog policy, which requires civil servants to process official files promptly and avoid unnecessary administrative delays.
“The way you respond to issues minuted to you on file must change. The way we execute humanitarian services requires all hands on deck. You can no longer do things the way you used to, because things have changed,” she said.
She said the civil service was working toward improved service delivery and urged workers to embrace the discipline, competence and positive attitude required to achieve it.
Peters reminded participants that the ministry’s mandate includes protecting vulnerable residents, coordinating emergency assistance, supporting people affected by disasters and other crises, and promoting human dignity, social inclusion and community welfare.
She commended Gov. Umo Eno for supporting civil servants and providing opportunities for professional development, and urged participants to turn the lessons into improved performance.
Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Emem Ibanga said the training gave staff an opportunity to examine their responsibilities and find more effective ways of meeting the needs of vulnerable people across the state.
She said humanitarian service goes beyond distributing relief materials. It also requires empathy, accurate data, inclusiveness and transparent processes that ensure assistance reaches the right people at the right time.
“Compassion gives humanitarian service its purpose, competence gives it direction, reliable data gives it precision, and accountability gives it credibility,” Ibanga said.
Ibanga said the emphasis on leadership, data management, communication and public service best practices was meant to strengthen the ministry’s capacity to deliver effective and accountable interventions.
Ibanga thanked the governor for approving the training and described staff development as essential to improving the quality of public service. She told participants their presence reflected a shared commitment to strengthening the public sector.
Other attendees included the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, Nsibiet John, and the governor’s senior special assistant on local media, Amos Etuk.
Resource persons on the first day were the chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service Commission, Ekereobong Umoh; the state statistician-general and permanent secretary for human capital development, Uduak Isaac; and Eunice Egharevba, a director in the Ministry of Information. Their presentations covered public service practices, institutional development and the effective use of information in governance.
The second day featured sessions on professional ethics, communication, workplace safety, humanitarian field operations and citizen care. Rose Stephen spoke on ethics, discipline and accountability, while Meflyn Anwana addressed government communication and customer service. Dr. Utibe Ofon presented on safety, risk management and humanitarian field operations, and Sir Raphael Edem spoke on public service etiquette and personal presentation.
Dr. Kingsley Udoh concluded with a presentation titled “Compassion, Humanitarian Services and Citizen Care,” which stressed empathy and people-centred approaches in assisting individuals and communities in need.
Permanent Secretary Eno Ime Akpan, who represented the commissioner at the closing ceremony, commended participants for their involvement and urged them to apply what they learned to their daily duties. She said she expected the training to improve professional conduct, strengthen staff competence and enhance productivity.
In her vote of thanks, Akpan said a well-informed workforce makes productivity easier to achieve. She thanked Ibanga for giving staff the opportunity to take part and acknowledged the contributions of the facilitators, dignitaries and other personnel.
The programme ended with Akpan presenting certificates to participants, the cutting of the anniversary cake and a group photograph of Akpan, Isaac and other participants.
Ekaette Okon Joseph is Special Assistant on Media to Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State.
