In what is set to be a landmark recognition of dedication and commitment within the state workforce, the Cross River State Government under Governor Bassey Otu has announced plans to honour 52 exceptional civil servants with the prestigious Award of Excellence. The move, aimed at boosting productivity, accountability, and service delivery, underscores the administration’s resolve to reposition the civil service as a model of efficiency.
Head of Service, Dr. Innocent Eteng, made the disclosure on Monday during a lively question-and-answer session with journalists at the Cross River State Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) Conference Hall in Calabar. The announcement comes ahead of the 2025 Civil/Public Service Day celebration — an event that will spotlight the tireless contributions of state workers across ministries, departments, agencies, and local government councils.
According to Dr. Eteng, the Awards of Excellence are not merely ceremonial but a deliberate policy to reward hard work and set a benchmark for others in the service. Speaking on the theme, “Re-engineering the Cross River State Civil Service for Efficient Service Delivery,” he revealed that the honours will come with certificates, medals, and for many, automatic promotions.
“A good number of them would be given medals and automatic promotion. I can assure you that staff who have worked very hard will be given automatic promotion,” he affirmed.
The Head of Service was emphatic that the selection process will be based on merit, free from any ethnic, tribal, or religious sentiment.
“We have public service and evaluation records to be used to assess civil servants. We are spreading it even to the local government councils. The selection process is going to be watertight,” he stated.
Beyond the awards, the administration is moving swiftly to address outstanding promotion issues. Dr. Eteng confirmed that Governor Otu has already directed the immediate implementation of all pending promotions, with clear instructions to the Permanent Secretary to compile and forward the necessary lists to the Office of the Accountant General.
“I can assure you that all those whose promotions were yet to be implemented will be treated in less than no time,” he assured.
The Civil/Public Service Day will be more than a day of speeches and awards it will be a celebration of service. Festivities will kick off with a city walk by civil servants, symbolising solidarity and the collective spirit of public service. The U.J. Esuene Stadium will host the award ceremony, where the Secretary to the State Government will deliver a keynote address, followed by a public lecture. The day will conclude with a thought-provoking session led by Rev. Fr. Bob Etta.
For the honourees, the day promises more than just recognition; it is a validation of years of silent, steady work often carried out away from the limelight. For the state government, it is an opportunity to send a strong message that excellence will be noticed, valued, and rewarded.
In the words of Dr. Eteng, the ultimate goal is clear:
“We want to inspire our workforce to give their best, knowing that merit will always be recognised in Cross River State.”
