With theme: “Repositioning the Public Service for a Productive 21st Century: Driving Service Excellence under the ARISE Agenda.”
By Imaobong Ekarika
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Published on September 24, 2026
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4 min read
The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced a week-long programme of activities to mark the 2026 Public Service Week, scheduled to run from Saturday, September 26 to Friday, October 2, 2026.
The programme, approved by the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for workers across all arms of the State Public Service, is themed: “Repositioning the Public Service for a Productive 21st Century: Driving Service Excellence under the ARISE Agenda.”
According to a release jointly signed by the Chairman, Central Planning Committee and Dean, College of Permanent Secretaries, Mrs. Janet Nsemeke Daniel, and the Chairman, Media/Publicity Sub-Committee, Akparawa James Edet, the celebration is aimed at promoting professionalism, productivity, service excellence and team spirit, while recognising outstanding contributions to the Public Service.
The activities, which combine sporting, intellectual, health, spiritual and social engagements, have already commenced with competitions scheduled from September 21 to 30. These include football, scrabble, chess and other indoor and outdoor sporting activities, with prizes for outstanding participants.
The main events begin on Saturday, September 26, with a Carnival Float and Fitness Walk tagged “A Walk of Gratitude.” The exercise will commence at 10:30 a.m., immediately after the State’s monthly sanitation exercise, with participants proceeding to the Globe Roundabout, the designated destination.
On Sunday, September 27, public servants will gather at the International Christian Worship Centre, Uyo, for an Inter-Denominational Thanksgiving Service themed “Gratitude.” The service, scheduled for 12:00 noon, will provide an opportunity for workers to give thanks and reflect on the privilege of service.
The celebration continues on Monday, September 28, with the flag-off of a Free Health Check at the Ministry of Health Car Park at 10:00 a.m. Indoor and outdoor sporting activities will also take place at the Civil Service Commission Reception.
A major highlight will be the Public Service Week Symposium on Tuesday, September 29, at 10:00 a.m. at the Civil Service Auditorium, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Chris Ekong, will deliver the keynote address, while the session will be chaired by the immediate past Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien.
The panel of discussants comprises the Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Elsie Peters; Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh; and Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Civil Service Commission and former Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Ekereobong Akpan.
The programme continues on Wednesday, September 30, with the Quiz Final at the Civil Service Auditorium, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, at 9:00 a.m., while the Football Final kicks off at the Uyo Township Stadium at 4:00 p.m.
The week-long celebration will climax on Friday, October 2, with a Gala and Awards Night at the Tropicana Event Centre, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo. The Red Carpet begins at 3:00 p.m., while the Main Event starts at 4:00 p.m.
A major attraction of the evening will be the presentation of the prestigious Best Civil Servant of the Year Award, alongside other recognitions for outstanding performance and contributions to the Public Service.
Expected at the major events are former Heads of Civil Service, including Elder Sunny Akpadiaha and Dr. Cecilia Udoessien, as well as other top serving and retired government functionaries and distinguished personalities from various walks of life.
The organisers have called on workers across all arms of the Akwa Ibom State Public Service, as well as friends and stakeholders, to participate actively in the activities.
All public servants are encouraged to turn out and take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the celebration to connect, compete, learn and celebrate the values of service and excellence.
The week will also provide an opportunity for workers to express their gratitude to the workers-friendly Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his administration’s continued attention to the welfare, development and wellbeing of the State’s workforce.
The 2026 Public Service Week is hosted by the Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Elsie Peters, and coordinated by the Central Planning Committee, with membership drawn from all arms of the Public Service and the organised labour.
