The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON,MNI, has commended the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for fulfilling his development promises, describing the state’s visible infrastructure and reforms as evidence of purposeful leadership.
Speaking Friday night at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, Mrs. Walson-Jack told Governor Eno that the permanent secretaries were in the State for the 2026 Federal Permanent Secretaries’ Procurement Retreat in Uyo.
She said she was delighted to return to Akwa Ibom, where she served as a member of the National Youth Service Corps , NYSC, noting that the remarkable transformation of the state had rekindled fond memories and her deep affection for the Land of Promise.
She explained that the retreat, organised by the Bureau of Public Procurement, is aimed at strengthening procurement processes and promoting accountability for effective budget implementation across the public service.
The Head of Service thanked Governor Umo Eno and the people of Akwa Ibom for hosting the retreat, expressing confidence that the deliberations would produce positive outcomes for public procurement and service delivery in Nigeria.
Mrs. Walson-Jack applauded the Governor’s ARISE Agenda, describing it as a practical development blueprint that has translated into visible achievements, including the procurement of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, recruitment of qualified Akwa Ibom indigenes into the state civil service, and investments in critical infrastructure.
According to her, policies and projects do not deliver results on their own, but through committed leadership and deliberate action.
She also commended the State Head of the Civil Service, Mrs Elsie Peters, for her commitment to strengthening the state’s public service, assuring her of continued collaboration and support from the Federal Civil Service.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Procurement, Mr. Unyime Idem appreciated Governor Umo Eno for the warm reception accorded participants upon their arrival at the Victor Attah International Airport and for the State’s excellent hospitality.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, who represented the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said he had heard numerous positive reports about Akwa Ibom and was pleased to witness the State’s development firsthand.
He commended Governor Eno for introducing innovative programmes that align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Welcoming them on a courtesy visit, Governor Umo Eno expressed appreciation to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for choosing Akwa Ibom to host the retreat, describing the event as significant in promoting transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources.
The Governor said his administration remains committed to building on the developmental foundation laid by past leaders by completing inherited projects for the benefit of the people and embarking on new initiatives.
He cited the Victor Attah International Airport, the 5,000-capacity International Convention Centre, and the 250-room Ibom International Hotel as strategic projects being completed to drive economic growth and tourism.
Governor Eno stated that prudent financial management, transparent procurement processes, and digital governance have enabled his administration to execute projects, pay workers’ salaries promptly, and implement people-oriented programmes without borrowing for recurrent expenditure.
He added that his Government is leveraging technology to improve procurement, financial management, and service delivery in line with the ARISE Agenda.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accountability, fiscal discipline, and collaboration with the federal government in advancing reforms that will strengthen Nigeria’s public service.
