Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has cautioned political associates and close allies against lobbying for slots in the ongoing civil service recruitment exercise, warning that such efforts would be futile.
Speaking on Saturday at the Monthly Prayer Service held at the Latter House Chapel, Government House, Uyo, Eno explained that the recruitment process would be strictly merit-based and conducted through a computer-based test.
According to him, about 15,000 applicants had already registered for the exercise, but only 3,000 would be engaged after a transparent screening process.
“I am told that about 15,000 Akwa Ibom youths applied for the civil service job. 3000 is what we want to engage. The truth is, it will be a computer-based test. As you finish, the result comes out for you to see whether you passed or not.
“So, don’t bother sending me texts for slots. It is not just possible. For once, we will do this one like that. If you don’t understand computers, you don’t have to bother.
“Let’s give the right people the opportunity to go and do this job. We will take time, engage them to sit on the computer, there will be a test, and as they finish and submit, they will receive an instant result.
“This is so that we can weed out twelve thousand, consider three thousand and begin the oral interview. Please don’t be angry with us; that is the approach we would adopt for this process,” he said.
The Governor urged jobseekers to make use of the online portal, stressing that many had secured employment in the state without personal connections.
Reflecting on his recent two-day inspection of projects across the state, Eno expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded and the number of young people employed on various sites.
“We spent the last two days in a row for inspections, and I want to thank members of the Council, and all of the Delivery Advisors who went around with me physically inspecting the projects in this State. We have about 60 projects, not only roads, but we were able to inspect just 23 key ones.
“So what we have to know is that the State is steadily moving in the right direction, and there is no doubt about it. By the time we come around, maybe next year, to commission those projects, you will know that God is helping us.
“Everywhere I went, my joy was that I saw young people working, and they were happy. It shows that our people are engaged.
“Please help me beg our young people, let’s stop this sense of entitlement. There are projects spread around all the local government areas. We are engaging our young people and providing work for them. I saw young female engineers, and that thrilled me so much. Please go to the portal and apply, and you will be considered.
“There are things that we must do right; we can’t afford to disappoint those who are expecting so much from us, and we must win this race in Jesus’ name,” he added.
Governor Eno also announced that the third phase of food distribution for vulnerable citizens would commence on August 20, 2025.
He explained that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs would release the schedule for various local government areas, while stakeholders were expected to support coordination.
He further urged youths to avoid causing disruptions during the exercise, noting that only those with food vouchers would be attended to.
Earlier, Bishop Nkanang, General Overseer of Word Tabernacle, delivered a sermon on the theme “Run the Race” from Hebrews 12:1-2, encouraging Christians to show patience and remain steadfast in life’s journey.
