The Cross River State Head of Service, Mr. Orok Bassey Okon, has paid a courtesy visit to the Cross River State Liaison Office in Abuja, where he was warmly received by the Special Adviser, Mrs. Sarah Archibong.
During the visit, Mr. Okon outlined several reform initiatives aimed at boosting productivity and strengthening the morale of civil servants across the state. He reiterated that promotion in the state civil service will henceforth be strictly performance-based, stressing that the era of advancement by mere years of service is over.
“Promotion shall be based on performance,” he said. “The service cannot continue to carry excess baggage. Any staff who is not productive becomes excess baggage. Performance will determine promotion, not length of time in service.”
He further emphasized the need for ICT proficiency within the service, noting that future promotional examinations will be computer-based. Mr. Okon clarified that employment should not be mistaken for empowerment, adding that civil servants are engaged based on demonstrable skills and are remunerated accordingly.
The Head of Service also announced that all civil servants employed from 2021 will be migrated to the contributory pension scheme beginning in 2026. Additionally, he unveiled new wellness initiatives designed to promote health consciousness among workers, including a monthly “Work and Jog” exercise to be held on the last Friday of every month, featuring free medical checks, aerobics, and environmental sanitation.
Mr. Okon disclosed that approval has been secured for the establishment of a Public Service Staff Club, in line with Governor Bassey Otu’s “Season of Sweetness” agenda. The club will feature recreational facilities such as badminton, table tennis, and squash courts, as well as an event centre for social activities. He also highlighted the ongoing upgrade of the Management Development Institute (MDI), Calabar, to enhance training opportunities for civil servants.
Among those present during the visit were the Special Adviser, Cross River State Liaison Office Abuja, Mrs. Sarah Archibong, and the Accountant, Mrs. Ekora Usani, among others.
Queendaline Beshel
