…Urges new workers to embrace digital skills, professionalism
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has said the recruitment of 4,000 new public servants was aimed at filling identified vacancies and strengthening the State Civil Service, rather than increasing its workforce unnecessarily.
The governor explained that a staff verification exercise conducted shortly after he assumed the office uncovered more than 2,000 ghost workers and several retired personnel still on the payroll, creating the need to block financial leakages and fill the resulting vacancies.
He made this known on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, during the orientation exercise for the newly recruited workers at the Ibom Tropicana Event Centre, Uyo.
Mr Eno said the recruitment was based on the manpower needs of the Civil Service and was intended to improve efficiency and service delivery across government institutions.
“There was a huge vacancy gap in the service, so we are not recruiting to bloat the service but to strengthen and make the public service more efficient for excellent work output”, he said.
Describing governance as a serious responsibility, the governor urged the new employees to demonstrate commitment, transparency and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
He challenged them to introduce innovative ideas and apply the knowledge acquired during their education to improve government operations.
“We expect this crop of civil servants to be the brightest and the best that we have ever had. We expect you to be committed to your work, be passionate and be transparent in the execution of your responsibilities”.
The governor also emphasised the need for digital competence, noting that his administration was working towards the full digitalisation of government services to improve efficiency and accelerate service delivery.
He urged the recruits to acquire the necessary digital skills, respect their superiors and remain dedicated to the responsibilities attached to their appointments.
Mr Eno further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the prompt payment of salaries and gratuities, while commending President Bola Tinubu for making funds available to state governments to support project execution and the payment of workers’ entitlements.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Elsie Peters, commended the governor for what she described as improvements in the State Public Service.
She expressed confidence in the quality of the newly recruited workforce and said the orientation and training would prepare them for effective service delivery.
Presenting a message of appreciation and a gift to the governor on behalf of the 4,000 recruits, Etoroabasi Enobong described him as a father and leader of great value, while promising to be efficient at his duties towards the development of the Service and the State.
