TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR A TRIUMPHANT LANDING!

As I take a final bow out of the State Civil Service after what I would term a most meritorious and fulfilled service years, I return all glory and honour to the One who gave me life, the Lord Almighty for His sustaining grace, wisdom, guidance and direction. To Him alone, I say, be thou exalted, my Lord and my God, forever and ever.

I am deeply indebted to all my mentors and benefactors during my growing years in the service who led me through the path of honour and integrity; inculcating in me at all times, the passion and zeal for Service excellence beyond pecuniary gains.

Particularly, I most sincerely appreciate the immediate past Governor of the State, Senator Godswill Akpabio for giving me the opportunity to serve as the Head of the State's Civil Service. I owe a lot of gratitude to the distinguished Minority leader of the Senate, for the support and goodwill extended to me during my tenure which ensured that I record the modest achievements I did during the more than four years of superintending over the State Public Service as Head. May God richly bless you, Sir.

To our amiable State Governor, His Excellency, Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, I lack words to express my depth of gratitude to you, Sir, but suffice it, Your Excellency to say that, you are a father with a heart of Gold, principled and focused, a man imbued with a divine sense of discernment, and one not easily swayed by the antics of men. With you on the saddle, Sir, I foresee even a bigger picture of a more prosperous and greater Akwa IbomState ahead of us. I shall therefore continue to relish for years, the months I was privileged to serve under your Excellency.

To all my colleagues Permanent Secretaries, Directors in the Service, Labour Leaders, and indeed all my workers, I say a million thanks for your support, advice and goodwill. May I note that, whatever achievements we were able to record were outcomes of your dedication and commitment to duty. You were indeed key members of my glorious team.

May I now use this opportunity to congratulate my sister, friend and reliable Colleague, Mrs Ekereobong Akpan on her appointment as the new Head of Civil Service. She is indeed a worthy Choice by His Excellency. My sister, your work has always spoken for you. As you therefore assume this demanding and very challenging office, I urge you to allow your known virtues of honesty and integrity to answer all criticisms. Welcome on Board. God's grace shall surely see you through, in Jesus name.

To all my workers, I pray you to give your full support to the new Head of Civil Service. You must do well to totally rededicate yourselves to duty. In the Dakkada spirit, I urge you all to, arise to the faith of our Greatness, arise from rumour mongering, gossips and the Pull-him down syndrome.

At this point, may I tender my sincere apologies to all those I might have offended inadvertently, though, in the course of my sojourn in the Service. I humbly crave for your forgiveness. Equally so, I let go of any hate in my heart which could have arisen against anyone while on this more than 35 years journey. As the Holy Book says, to err is human, to forgive is divine.

Finally, since life is all about cherishing the past, facing the present and moving ahead towards new milestones, I take leave of you to say that, it is time for me to move on to conquer new battles and scale new heights, because like Paul said to Timothy, '' I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith'', and I am now bowing out triumphantly. To God be The Glory.

Thank you all and remain blessed!!!
DR. (MRS) CECILIA UDOESSIEN
OUT GOING HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE

Source: AKSG Team New Media