The Commissioner for Special Duties & Aviation Development, Mr Akan Okon, has been conferred with the award of grand patron of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service, Technical & Recreational Services Employees alongside his lieutenant, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Richard Ekpe conferred with the Patronship of the group.
The event took place in the office of the Commissioner at the Idongest Nkanga Secretariat, uyo.
Speaking, the Commissioner attributed all his achievement in both private and public sector to God’s grace.
He thanked God for the grace given him to affect lives positively, a feat that has earned him several recognitions and awards.
Mr Akan Okon, who emphasized the need for human capital development, encouraged the workers to put in their best at work while endeavouring to develop themselves to be able to do more.
The Commissioner also stressed the need to foster a cordial working environment in their work places so that service delivery can be efficient and effective.
He Commended Akwa Ibom State workers for supporting Governor Udom Emmanuel since 2015 saying the Emmanuel administration has proven to be one of most workers friendly in the Country.
Mr Akan Okon said that because of the care and love the Governor has for workers, he ensures that salaries are accorded great priority.
The Commissioners said it is on records that the Emmanuel led government has paid salaries and gratuities promptly, established nine industries in less than four years offering employment to youths when other states are retrenching workers.
The Udom administration has further proceeded to advertise for employment into the Akwa Ibom State civil service despite the obvious challenges of the Nigerian economy which is testament to the fact that the administration is planning based and proactive.
Mr Akan Okon further emphasized that Akwa Ibom State is immensely blessed to have a Governor who is a financial expert to properly manage what is available to make sure that critical government business is not neglected while still driving the industrialization agenda.
He poured encomiums on the Union for their support urging them to give Governor Udom Emmanuel 100% support in the 2019 general elections so that the state can make more progress and promising to continue supporting them.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr Richard Ekpe thanked God for the opportunity given him to work with Mr Okon, a man he noted has the fear of God.
He reminisced the warm reception he received on his resumption of duties saying that such a conducive working environment with high level cordiality among the staff could only have resulted from a positive influence and inspiration from a focused and exemplary leader.
The Permanent Secretary expressed gratitude to the union for the Patronship award given him and sued for more support for the Emmanuel administration whose vision he said were in the best interest of the State.
Earlier, the branch chairman of the association, Comrade Engr. Ime Isip, said their visit to the Commissioner and his ministry was symbolic because Mr Okon is the first Commissioner in the Ministry to be recognized and honoured by the union with the Grand Patronship award.
Comrade Isip noted that although people see unionism as a struggled without end and that member must always fight with management before getting their rights, the trend has been different under Mr Okon’s administration.
The branch Union Chairman described the Commissioner as a man with uncommon attributes including that of making sure he attends to everyone who comes to see him in office no matter their class.
He said that the Union having monitored Mr Okon’s performance since assumption of office had decided to salute his leadership qualities and accord him the honour as an encouragement.
The branch chairman also glowing tributes to Governor Emmanuel for his good deeds and love for workers in the state and for posting Mr Okon to the Ministry describing him as a right peg in a right hole.
He also pledged the Union’s unflinching support to the Governor in 2019 general elections while praying God to bless Governor Udom Emmanuel and his cabinet.
The event was witnessed by the head of administration directorate, Mr Michael Uko.
