… As Ministry Holds End of Year Get together
The Head of Civil Service in Akwa Ibom State, Elder Effiong Essien has scored the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno high for reinvigorating the Ministry of Lands and Water Resources as well as it affiliate agencies.
The HCS made the commendation at the 2021 Christmas and end of year get together of the Ministry held in Uyo, yesterday December 28, 2021.
In his remarks, the Head of Service who was the chairman on the occasion also commended the Commissioner for interpreting the vision of Governor Udom Emmanuel especially in the area of workers welfare adding that the workers friendly disposition of the Governor is further advanced by the Commissioner.
He noted that by putting together the end of year event with the recognition of outstanding staff members, he had introduced a new and commendable way of relating with staff members.
In his words, “thank you for motivating the work force that you have. I can assure you that you will have their maximum cooperation. Thank you for the good things you are doing like reinvigorating the agencies affiliated to the Ministry of Lands and Water Resources such as the Akwa Ibom State Rural Water & Sanitation Agency (AKRUWATSAN), and the Akwa Ibom Water Company Limited.
“You have done alot, even in the AKWAGIS. I pray that every other Ministries will work as hard as you are doing. You are a commissioner that appreciates civil servant and God will continue to bless you,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno expressed gratitude to God for taking the ministry through the year with all its ups and downs as well as successes and challenges.
Pastor Umo Eno noted that the event was an avenue for deep reflection, and to appraise the Ministry’s contributions to the growth and development of society and humanity; and to appreciate all those who have helped to drive the processes that led to the modest achievements recorded, particularly those that helped the growth and development of Akwa Ibom State, and the Completion Agenda of Governor Udom Emmanuel.
According to him, “since January 2021, when I assumed duty as the Commissioner, we have been focused on creating synergy with all the affiliate agencies and organisations including the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), Akwa Ibom Water Company Limited, Akwa Ibom State Rural Water & Sanitation Agency (AKRUWATSAN), and the Land Use and Allocation Committee, among others.
“To achieve the objectives of the ministry and in line with the completion agenda of His Excellency, Deacon Udom Emmanuel, I inaugurated a Monitoring and Development Control Team within my first month in office, and later, the Land Allocation, Verification & Recovery Committee, both of which have since commenced work with great successes, including recovery of some government lands.
“We have accelerated the approval and release of Certificates of Occupancy to private sector operators/investors in line with the focus of the Deacon Udom Emmanuel’s administration in the state. The Ministry is currently midwifing the process of switching from the present analogue information system to a digital coding system for land management known as Akwa Ibom Geographic Information System (AKWAGIS). We have also completed a draft Water Bill for a water law in the state,” he added.
The Commissioner enumerated other achievements over the year to include the successful management of the conflicts and agitations that followed land acquisition for the Dakkada Luxury Estate which has led to the commencement of work at the site, as well as the diligent facilitation of payment of compensation to the Lagos Fishing Settlement in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area for the area designated for the establishment of Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Limited, among others.
Speaking on the spirit of the season he said, “as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us remember the main essence of the season and continue in boundless love, faith and hope. We should remain hopeful for better days ahead as we collectively contribute our little quota to the growth and development of our state and country.”
The event featured the presentation gift items to outstanding staff members in all the departments as well as the three outstanding Area Planing Authorities (APAs).
High point of the event was the American auction anchored by the Commissioner himself while the lucky winners smiled home with Sound Box, Plasma TV, and refrigerator.
