Barr. Okon, Head of Service, Cross River State
Cross River Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has appointed and sworn in Barr. Orok Bassey Okon as the new Head of Service of Cross River State.
Barr. Okon’s appointment as Head of Service followed the retirement of Dr. Innocent Eteng, the previous Head of Service.
Governor Otu said the civil service is the “superstructure” for implementation of government policies, recalling its golden years between 2010 and 2013, with no fewer than eight states visiting Cross River to understudy its organic structure and operational efficiency.
He lamented the decline that followed but assured that his administration is committed to restoring its lost glory.
“As we reposition the Civil Service, my administration will continue to prioritize workers’ welfare. Monthly salary payment remains sacrosanct, promotions are being implemented as and when due, the yearly incremental step has been restored after eleven years, and, very importantly, we have put plans in place to continue defraying outstanding retirees’ gratuities,” the Governor stated.
He further charged the new Head of Service to entrench professionalism, fairness, and competence across the workforce.
He stressed the importance of proper record-keeping, digitization, and continuous staff training, noting that service delivery must be driven by equity, qualification, and due process rather than nepotism or bias.
In his response, Barr. Orok Okon expressed gratitude to Governor Otu for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to fully implement the Governor’s charge.
“The charge you have given me, both publicly and privately, shall be carried out to the letter with your support, as usual,” he assured.
Okon promised to brief the State Executive Council on details of the reform agenda for the Civil Service and pledged close collaboration with Permanent Secretaries and Directors.
While acknowledging that a few challenges remain, he maintained that the service is still largely filled with diligent and hardworking officers who will be supported and rewarded.
“I thank Your Excellency, I thank everyone, and I say God bless this administration and God bless Cross River State,” the new Head of Service concluded.
Barrister Okon comes from a rich background of public service with his father, the late Hon. (Chief) Bassey Okon, aside from his cherished and celebrated teaching career, became in 1964, the first (and only) NCNC candidate to win election to the Federal Parliament for the Calabar seat, which covered the entire Southern Senatorial District of today.
Hon. (Chief) Bassey Okon’s short stint in the Parliament brought to Calabar its two premier industrial establishments: the Calabar Cement Company (CALCEMCO) and the CalabarVeneer and Plywood Company (CALVENPLY).
Barrister Okon is bringing to bear his vast experience in the public sector spanning 25 years. His entire deployments in the last 24 years have exposed him to much high-level activities on key government initiatives.
He has been involved in projects/programs of the State Government for over 20 years, playing professional roles in diverse areas.
He is married to Anthonia Boco-Okon and they both have two lovely children.
