Ministry Of Local Govt &Chieftaincy Affairs Receives New Perm Sect

It was a roller coaster of emotions as Management and Staff of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, witnessed a leadership transition, following assumption of duty of the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Barr Bassey Ekanem and the handover of responsibilities by the immediate past Permanent Secretary, Elder Ini Ikie who bowed out of service.

Presenting the new Permanent Secretary to the staff at the end of the weekly morning fellowship which took place on Monday at the Ministry’s headquarters, Uyo, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Frank Archibong expressed confidence in the capacity and pedigree of Barr Bassey Ekanem to perform his administrative duties creditably, describing him as “a very thorough professional, well bred, amiable, cultured and a fair-minded but firm person who would do justice to all”

The Commissioner urged everyone to accord Barr. Ekanem the requisite support and cooperation for him to succeed and more to be achieved. Hon Archibong while thanking God for sustaining the outgone Perm Secretary, Elder Ini Ikie to complete his course in the Civil Service of Akwa Ibom State, hale and hearty, appreciated him for his humane disposition, humble mien, diligence and meritorious service throughout his time in the Ministry, adding that Elder Ikie deserves to be celebrated while announcing that a day would be set aside to honour him.

In his remarks, the new Permanent Secretary, Barr Bassey Ekanem, expressed delight to be a part of the Ministry, and for the warm reception accorded him, describing it as “a new era in his career”.

Barr Ekanem, who noted that success is a collective responsibility, sued for partnership and team spirit among the staff, expressing his readiness to work with everyone. “I can tell you that it is good for us to work as a team as we deliver service. I cannot succeed without you and you cannot also succeed without me. So let us succeed together “.

On his part, the outgone Permanent Secretary, Elder Ikie, was full of gratitude to God for his life and attainments in service. He appreciated the Directors and Staff of the Ministry for the support, commitment and dedication to work with remarkable strides, and enjoined them to remain focused and diligent which he noted comes with reward from God. Elder Ikie particularly thanked the Commissioner, Frank Archibong for being an instrument of blessings to him and his family, praying for God’s blessings upon him and his family.

Meanwhile, a brief handover of notes between the outgone Permanent Secretary, Elder Ini Ikie and his successor, Barr Bassey Ekanem took place shortly after in the office.