UYO-The management and staff of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health have celebrated the meritorious retirement of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Patrick Essiet; former Director of Medical Services, Dr. Celestine Akpan; and Director of Accounts, Mr. Ime Udoma.
The send-forth ceremony was held recently , at the Ministry of Health Conference Room, Uyo, in recognition of the retirees’ years of dedicated service, professionalism and contributions to the development of the state’s health sector.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, described the Ministry’s Best Institutional Award, presented by the Head of Civil Service during the 2026 Public Service Week Award and Gala Night, as well as the recognition received by the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA), as evidence of the collective hard work and commitment of staff who had embraced the ongoing reforms and contributed to the achievements recorded in the health sector.
He added that the recognition went beyond the physical transformation of the Ministry’s complex to reflect a positive change in the work attitude and professionalism of staff, who, he said, had become examples of how civil servants should conduct themselves.
Highlighting the achievements recorded within his first year and a few months in office, John revealed that the state had procured a plasmapheresis machine, which separates blood into its components for therapeutic purposes, including the treatment of certain conditions requiring the removal or exchange of specific blood components.
He also revealed that two CT scanners and an MRI machine had been installed and were fully functional, improving access to advanced diagnostic services in the state.
The commissioner attributed these achievements to the collective efforts and commitment of staff, appreciating them for their contributions to the progress recorded in the health sector.
He also commended the retirees for their productive years of service, noting that their contributions had played a significant role in the Ministry’s progress and the achievements that earned it recognition.
John commended the permanent secretary for his years of sacrifice, commitment and patience in working with him, noting that Essiet’s administrative expertise had made their work together seamless and effective.
He also praised the two retired directors for their humility and professionalism, praying for good health and a fulfilling life for the retirees as they began a new chapter of their lives.
Earlier, in his handover speech, the Permanent Secretary, Essiet, expressed gratitude to God for granting him the grace to serve since assuming office in 2019.
He also thanked the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno,for the confidence reposed in him through the extension of his service.
The Commissioner for Health,Dr Ekem John (left), presenting gift to the retired Permanent Secretary, Public Health Services, Dr Patrick Essiet(right).
Essiet appreciated the Commissioner for Health , Dr John,the immediate past Commissioner for Health, Professor Augustine Umo; and the former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dominic Ukpong, for the opportunity to serve under their respective leaderships.
He also acknowledged the Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Elsie Peters, for her contributions to his successful years in service.
He specifically commended Dr. John for his purposeful leadership, which he said had significantly transformed the state’s health sector and earned the Ministry of Health recognition for its performance.
On behalf of the retirees, Essiet appreciated the Directors from the Ministry of Health and the Hospitals Management Board, as well as the management and staff, for their love, support and prayers. He urged them to remain committed to their respective responsibilities and sustain their contributions to the development of the state’s health sector.
Setting the tone for the event, the Director of Administration and Supplies, Dr. Sunday Umana, appreciated the retirees for their contributions to the Ministry during their years of service. He particularly commended Dr. Essiet for his exceptional administrative skills and the positive impact of his leadership.
In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Internal Security, Dr. John Orok, described Dr. Essiet as an astute leader whose creativity and administrative contributions had supported the achievements recorded in the state’s health sector. He also commended the retirees for their years of dedicated service.
Similarly, Comfort Ibiok, speaking on behalf of the Office of the Permanent Secretary, conveyed goodwill messages, prayers and appreciation to the retirees. The Directorate of Medical Services, represented by Dr. Edidiong James, and the Directorate of Accounts, represented by The Cashier, Mrs Itoro Orok also expressed gratitude to the retirees and wished them well in their future endeavours.
The highlight of the ceremony was the formal handover of the Permanent Secretary’s duties by Dr. Essiet to the Director of Administration and Supplies, Dr. Sunday Umana, alongside the presentation of gifts to the retirees by the commissioner for health.
Additional presentations were made by the Chief Medical Director of Ibom Specialty Hospitals, Dr. Ini Etukudo, and the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Edikan Ekwere, in recognition of the retirees’ years of service and contributions to the health sector.
In attendance were Chairman ,Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (AKISEMSAS), Dr Otobong Asukwo, Executive Secretary, Akwa Ibom State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Eno Attah, Permanent Secretary/Executive Secretary,Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency, Dr Igbemi Igbemi, Programme Manager ,Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of AIDS , Dr Enobong Akpan, State Coordinator, AKISEMSAS Dr Etiemana Jacob, Managing Director ,Mother and Child Hospital Okoita, Professor Joan Ikobah, Provost College of Nursing Science, Ikot Ekpene, Mrs Ekaete Akan, Director of Administration , Hospital Management Board covering duties for Permanent Secretary, Mr Solomon Japhet and others.