By Solomon OKPO
The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Sports has concluded a three-day in-house capacity building training with a firm directive to staff to convert newly acquired knowledge into measurable improvements in service delivery.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Thursday, February 13, 2026, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, described the exercise as a deliberate investment in human capital aimed at repositioning the Ministry for greater efficiency and optimal performance.
He commended the impressive turnout and active participation of staff, noting that their commitment signalled a shared determination to strengthen the Ministry’s operational capacity.
According to the Commissioner, the training was initially conceived as a closed-door, in-house engagement with Directors serving as facilitators. However, following the involvement of the State Head of Service, Mrs. Elsie Peters, the scope was broadened to include external resource persons, enriching the depth and quality of the programme.
“We had planned an internal session, but with the involvement of the Head of Service, we expanded it beyond the Ministry’s budget. The world is evolving, and we must evolve with it. Civil service operations are no longer manual; they are technologically driven. In ICT especially, we must be conversant with it , it has come to stay,” Bassey stated.
He further assured that offices within the Ministry would soon be equipped with computers and other essential tools to boost productivity and modernise administrative processes.
In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rosemary Ubia, explained that the training was designed to address gaps in administrative procedures, ICT application, and workplace conduct. She emphasised that confidentiality, trust, and adherence to established communication channels remain fundamental pillars of an efficient public service system.
Drawing a biblical analogy, Ubia referenced Elijah’s three-day period of strengthening before embarking on his mission, noting that the training was intended to prepare staff for more result-oriented service delivery.
She expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for prioritising staff development despite financial and logistical constraints and urged employees to return to their duty posts with renewed focus and heightened responsibility.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Director of Sports, Mrs. Brigid Otton, commended the Governor, the Head of Service, the Commissioner, the Permanent Secretary, Directors, facilitators and staff for their collective efforts in ensuring the success of the programme.
The training, which commenced on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, was declared open by Mrs. Peters, who underscored the importance of professionalism, discipline and strict adherence to public service procedures.
Participants engaged in practical and interactive sessions covering topics such as public administrative guidelines for efficient document and records management, building performance capacity, confidentiality and trust in the workplace, established communication standards in the public service, work ethics and civil service values, as well as ICT and data management.
Facilitators led discussions aimed at strengthening accountability, improving workplace conduct and promoting structured communication across government establishments, in line with the Ministry’s renewed drive for improved service delivery.
