Akwa Ibom State Civil Service employees have been assured of the commitment of state government to make life comfortable for them during and after their active service. This was stated by the acting Governor, Obong Nsima Ekere, during the 2011 Public Service week celebration thanksgiving service held at the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Udoumana Street Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The acting Gov mentioned facilities like the national housing scheme, car loans and implementation of the 18,000 Naira minimum wage as some of Government efforts to achieve this.

The acting governor, who read the first Bible lesson during the thanksgiving service, called on the workers to show more dedication and commitment to duty, as well as continued loyalty and support for the Akpabio administration while reiterating the readiness of government to continually seek ways of improving the welfare of Akwa Ibom workers through adequate policies and programmes.

Obong Ekere condemned the activities of some politicians in the state, who portray the state in bad light and asked everybody to give support to the Government so as to actualize the aspiration of the people of the State. He therefore appealed to the people of the state to put the just concluded elections behind them, close ranks and work together for the overall development of the state. The acting governor thanked the people for voting Gov. Godswill Akpabio and himself, regarding the victory as victory for Akwa Ibom people.

In a homily, the Right Rev Emmanuel Udofia, the bishop of Methodist church Udoumana Street, Uyo, urged civil and public service employees to always respect constituted authorities and be diligent and selfless in the discharge of their duties. He called on workers to regard their duties as service to God and improve the lot of those under them. The Bishop appealed to superior officers to show love and concern for their subordinates and seek to enhance service delivery in the state public service.

In a remark, the Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Grace Anwana, appreciated God for his mercies and guidance during the week long activity. She also expressed sincere thanks to the Governor and other members of the Government, labour unions, organizations and all other indigenes of the state for their participation to the board and solidarity.

The service was attended by the speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elder Sam Ikon and some state legislators; Chairman of the state civil service commission, Obong J. J. Obot and his predecessor Obong Edem Akpainyang; serving and retired permanent secretaries, heads of extra-ministerial departments, heads of local government service, labour leaders and workers from the state civil service and unified local government.