The Cross River State Government has initiated a series of projects and policy reforms aimed at improving workers’ welfare and strengthening public service delivery, as part of activities marking a major engagement with civil servants and youth in the state.
Governor Senator Bassey Otu, represented by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, on Thursday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for 1,000 housing units under the People First Housing Scheme at Ikot Efiokon Etim in Akpabuyo Local Government Area. The project is intended to address housing challenges faced by civil servants and enhance their living conditions.
At the New Secretariat Complex in Calabar, the administration also flagged off the construction of a Civil Service Staff Club and Event Centre, a facility expected to provide a space for recreation, networking, and social interaction among public servants.
In addition to the infrastructure projects, the government unveiled the Cross River State Civil Service Manual and Civil Service Song during a ceremony held at the State Library Complex. Officials say the manual is designed to guide conduct and operations within the service, while the song is aimed at fostering unity and institutional identity among workers.
Speaking at the events, Governor Otu reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of civil servants and promoting professionalism and efficiency in governance. He noted that the combination of infrastructure development and policy reforms reflects a broader strategy to reposition the public service for improved performance.
The Governor, urged workers to take advantage of ongoing reforms by enhancing their skills and aligning with the evolving demands of the service.
The programme also featured a symposium on public sector transformation, with contributions from stakeholders including former Head of the Federal Civil Service, Winifred Oyo Ita, who highlighted innovation, integrity, and capacity development as key drivers of a modern civil service. A book review session was delivered by Justice Ofem I. Ofem.
Head of Service, Orok Bassey Okon, described the initiatives as strategic steps toward building a more efficient and motivated workforce, while expressing optimism about their long-term impact on governance in the state.
The day’s activities also included the Cross River Youth Unity and Assessment Programme, themed “Building Tomorrow Today: Youth Unity, Accountability and Representation,” where the governor encouraged young people to actively participate in governance and embrace accountability as a pathway to sustainable development.
The events drew senior government officials, including Secretary to the State Government Anthony Owan Enoh, alongside permanent secretaries, directors, and civil servants.
Ukongikwen Adie and Kera Ogbang
