By Solomon OKPO
The Head of the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service, Mrs. Elsie Peter, has charged civil servants to embrace innovation, continuous learning and adaptability to remain relevant in an evolving public service landscape.
Mrs. Peter gave the charge on Wednesday while declaring open a three-day in-house capacity building programme organised by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Sports. The training, which began February 11, 2026, is holding at the Conference Hall of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Describing the initiative as timely and forward-looking, the Head of Service commended the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, for prioritising staff development. She noted that Governor Umo Eno, during her swearing-in, underscored the importance of continuous training and capacity retention within the civil service.
According to her, the public service is entering a new era that demands flexibility, innovation and alignment with global best practices, particularly in the fast-changing world of technology and Artificial Intelligence. She stressed that the integration of Information and Communication Technology into administrative processes is no longer optional, as civil service examinations and other official procedures are increasingly ICT-driven.
Mrs. Peter urged participants to actively engage in the sessions, ask relevant questions and adopt the mindset shift required for modern governance. She also emphasised punctuality, commitment and dedication to duty as essential values for effective service delivery.
The Head of Service applauded the Ministry’s plan to introduce reward mechanisms for punctual and outstanding staff, describing it as a strong motivational strategy capable of boosting morale across all cadres. She further encouraged civil servants to align fully with the Governor’s ARISE Agenda and demonstrate genuine commitment to their responsibilities, noting that many Nigerians aspire to serve in the public sector.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, said the training aligns with the ARISE Agenda’s vision of building a competent, motivated and results-driven workforce. He explained that the workshop is designed to equip staff with practical skills and the right orientation to meet the evolving demands of sports administration.
Elder Bassey expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for establishing a standalone Ministry of Sports and for entrusting him with the responsibility of advancing the state’s sports development agenda. He described sports as a strategic tool for youth empowerment, economic growth, social cohesion and international recognition, stressing the need for innovation, accountability and teamwork.
In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Rosemary Ubia, thanked the Governor for prioritising capacity building across the civil service and commended the Head of Service for her presence and support. She also lauded the Commissioner, the planning committee and resource persons for delivering a comprehensive programme.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Vice President of the Nigerian Weightlifting Federation, Olympian Coach Lawrence Iquaibom, and the Media Officer of Akwa United Football Club, Mr. Mfon Patrick, who both praised the Ministry’s commitment to professionalism and staff development.
The training programme, which covers data management, basic Microsoft applications and public service work ethics, is expected to enhance efficiency and strengthen overall capacity within the Ministry.
