The Acting Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration to ensuring that the local government system operates effectively and in accordance with legal standards.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day induction and training workshop for Principal Officers, Heads of Departments, and newly recruited staff of the Unified Local Government Service on Monday, Odey stated that the state is on track to achieve genuine local government autonomy for the first time.
Reiterating the administration’s support for local government autonomy, Odey said, “His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, is a strong advocate for local government autonomy. While serving in the House of Assembly, I voted in favor of it on two occasions because I believe that empowering local governments as the third tier of government will foster grassroots development.”
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He encouraged participants to fully engage with the training and learn from seasoned facilitators. Additionally, he urged senior personnel to mentor the new staff, emphasizing that the Otu administration remains committed to employee welfare, skill development, and improving public service efficiency.
In his welcome address, Mr. Darlington Eyo, Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, highlighted that the training aims to equip the new workforce with essential skills, knowledge, and values to enhance their effectiveness as civil servants.
Eyo commended Governor Otu and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Odey, for their unwavering commitment to capacity building and career advancement, noting that significant progress has been made in human capital development despite the state’s financial constraints.
He also mentioned that this training in Calabar follows similar sessions previously held in the Northern and Central Senatorial Districts under the theme “Rejuvenating the Local Government System in Cross River State.”
The event was attended by key officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh; Head of Service, Obol Dr. Innocent Eteng; Commissioner for Establishment, Training, and Pension, Mrs. Lawrencia Ita; and Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Ekpenyong Esuabanga, along with various Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and Heads of Departments.
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