A’Ibom Gov Urges Youths To Emulate Outgone HOCS’ Humble, Inspiring Disposition

… As He Bows Out Of Service 
By Bassey Nkponam 
UYO
Governor Umo Eno has extolled the head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, for his meritorious service to the State, urging Akwa Ibom youths to learn from the humble and inspiring life of the retired head of Civil Service to accomplish a productive and fulfilled life.
Eno, who bared his mind, recently, during the public presentation of the book, “The Humble Boss” – an official biography in honour of Essien, which took place at CEEDAPEG Hotel and Suites, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, described Essien as a loyal and passionate administrator who was committed to the ideals of probity, innovation, character, love of state, and integrity, saying, his life was worthy of emulation.
The governor acknowledged Essien’s attributes and approach to duty, saying he had led the civil service with candour, integrity, and have helped greatly in interpreting some of the reforms initiated by government to make the service more modern, technical, and digital-serving.
Eno, who saw Essien as an embodiment of what the public service should represent, lauded him for his ingenuity, great sense of prudence, culminating to the attainment of a vibrant and efficient civil service, assuring that he would always count on him for his wise counsel to direct the affairs of the State.
“In the past two years plus, we have worked together, your humility, loyalty, circumspection, introspection, and above all, your emotional intelligence, have been quite impressive.
“You know when to approach issues with me, hold, or withdraw with candour, that made our job easier and more result-oriented. I thank you for your advice, and impactful sense of professionalism, excellence, and hard work.
“Even though you are retiring, we believe we can always count on you to avail us of your counsel any time we may have the need to reach out to you. You may be retiring but I know you are not tired,” he said.
 Chairman on the occasion, Chief Assam Assam, SAN, noted that Essien’s life and career have stood out as standards of excellence in the State public service, saying the event was not just about the launch of a book, but also about unveiling a legacy; the story of discipline, integrity, competence, loyalty, and commitment to the ideals of the civil service as displayed in the life and career of the outgone head of Civil Service.
A University don, Professor Effiong Johnson, who reviewed the book, revealed that Essien is quoted by over 30 people in the book as being modest and humble.
Johnson, who gave a thorough analysis of the content of the book, recommended it to the people of the State, and for distribution to students in various schools in the State for positive impact on their lives.
Essien in his response, said though he greatly appreciates his humble disposition, Governor Eno has remarkably made him so proud by his trust, love and confidence in him to lead the State civil service.
He appreciated the Akwa Ibom government and civil servants for the privilege given him to serve the State and rise to the peak of his career, pledging to continuously contribute his quota for a much more improved civil service.