By 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 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 farm activities to boost food sufficiency.
Essien, as the number one civil servant in the state, is committed to this exercise. However, he is not relenting in delivering his official responsibilities. An instance was on Friday, January 17, 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…
“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.
Getting into the state secretariat is a beautiful sight of a relaxed and serene work environment that would ensue comfort and promote a high level of service delivery. Like Essien said, “What I have seen here is lovely and this is a good development.”
He stated further: “A clean environment would give a good mindset and will encourage workers to focus and be committed to their line of duties and I commend His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, for always working for the good of workers, especially through his policies.”
Essien, while appreciating the management of AKSEPWMA for a job well done, however, suggested the need for provision of receptacles and waste bins within the secretariat to aid easy evacuation of refuse and waste as well as controlling illegal refuse dumping.
Essien seized the opportunity to inspect a remedial fabrication work he mobilized through his office for the refurbishing of the entrance and the exit gates of the secretariat.
As motivational measures are provided, the Head of Civil Service expects public servants to put in their best and ensure they contribute effectively in the implementation of the 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.
Udo, an information and public relations officer, writes from the Office of the Head of Civil Service, Akwa Ibom State
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