The newly redeployed Cross River State Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, has unveiled a repositioning agenda for the Ministry, charging management staff to recommit themselves to professionalism, institutional discipline and the effective discharge of their statutory responsibilities.
Ekpang gave the charge during his maiden management meeting with Heads of Departments and senior officials of the Ministry, where he outlined his vision of rebuilding the institution and restoring it to the standard expected of a strategic government establishment.
The Commissioner expressed appreciation to Governor Bassey Edet Otu for the opportunity to serve in the Ministry, noting that his background in environmental sciences had equipped him with relevant knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the development of the sector.
Following presentations by the various professionals on their mandates, Ekpang acknowledged the wealth of experience and expertise among the Directors and senior officers, describing the quality of personnel in the Ministry as a strong foundation for its rebuilding.
He urged the management team to take ownership of the repositioning process, stressing that every staff member had a responsibility to strengthen the institution and restore public confidence in its operations.
Reflecting on his previous experiences in public service, administration, politics and other government assignments, Ekpang said his exposure to security, political administration, environmental matters, public communication and grassroots engagement had broadened his understanding of government operations.
He said the experiences had taught him the importance of integrity, transparency, loyalty, effective communication and responsible leadership in public service.
“Public office should be approached as an opportunity to serve rather than as a platform for personal interests,” Ekpang said.
On his vision for the Ministry, the Commissioner said there was a need to rebuild and reposition it to function effectively as a modern and respected government institution.
“The Ministry of Lands must return to its core mandate and operate in accordance with established laws, policies, procedures and professional standards,” he said.
Ekpang cautioned against viewing the Ministry merely as a revenue-generating institution, stressing that its responsibilities extend to land administration, planning, development control, documentation, allocation, surveying and other associated functions.
He also emphasised the importance of strict adherence to professional procedures and institutional processes, expressing concern over situations where individuals or persons outside appropriate professional structures interfere in technical assignments or decisions that should ordinarily be handled by qualified officers.
The Commissioner charged Directors and other professional staff to remain committed to their respective mandates and ensure that decisions were properly documented and professionally defensible.
He urged staff to bring issues they did not understand to management for proper consideration rather than act on assumptions or informal information.
Ekpang also assured the staff of an open-door administration and encouraged them to communicate openly and honestly with him.
“Constructive criticism and professional advice are necessary for effective leadership,” he said, urging the management team to contribute ideas that would advance the Ministry’s repositioning agenda.
In a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Esv. Gold Ita, appreciated the Commissioner for taking time to listen to the concerns and challenges of staff.
Ita pledged the total support of the Ministry’s management to the repositioning initiative, expressing confidence that the collective commitment of staff would help rebuild the institution and restore it to its former glory.
The meeting marked the beginning of a renewed effort to strengthen the Ministry’s institutional capacity, improve professionalism and enhance land administration and management across Cross River State.
By Affiong Ndem
