Oyo-Ita Celebrates 31 Years of Public Service, Credits God
By Ekanem Asuquo
Former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, has attributed her meritorious 31-year public service career and personal achievements to God’s grace, describing her appointment to the nation’s highest civil service position as a rare privilege.
She spoke during her retirement thanksgiving service on Saturday at Living Faith Church, Calabar, where family members, associates and well-wishers gathered to celebrate her contributions to Cross River and Nigeria.
Reflecting on her career, Oyo-Ita said her emergence as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation was a rare privilege, considering Nigeria’s population.
“For 31 years, I have served this nation, and I take it as a very big privilege because there are 200 million Nigerians, but only one has become Head of the Civil Service of the Federation at any point in time,” she said.
She credited God for sustaining her through life’s challenges, including raising her three sons after becoming a widow, and urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith.
“Trust in the Lord at all times. Trust in the Lord. No matter what, keep trusting in the Lord, and He will come through for you,” she said.
In a goodwill message, Cross River Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, described Oyo-Ita as an illustrious daughter of the state whose career exemplified excellence, resilience, humility and dedication to duty.
Otu said her rise from the Cross River Civil Service to the position of Head of the Civil Service of the Federation had brought honour to the state and country. He added that her integrity and professionalism remained an inspiration to younger public servants, particularly women.
The governor also congratulated her on the unveiling of the Uwamabasi Foundation in memory of her late husband, Chief Dr Orok Oyo-Ita, expressing hope that her experience would continue to contribute to national development.
The Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, and the Mbono Iban Isong Efik women’s group also praised Oyo-Ita’s achievements, describing her as a role model for women.
The group’s leader, Distinguished Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, sent a goodwill message acknowledging Oyo-Ita’s Christian faith and commitment to national development.
Similarly, Justice Walter Onnoghen commended her professionalism and wished her a fulfilling retirement.
In an exhortation titled “The Essence of Thanksgiving,” Living Faith Church State Pastor Sidney Omorogbe, drawing from Psalm 92:1, described thanksgiving as a Christian responsibility to appreciate God’s goodness, mercy and compassion.
He said every progress in life was a gift from God, urging believers to remain humble and grateful. Citing Numbers 33:9, he encouraged Christians to remember God’s faithfulness, deliverance and provision.
The event attracted dignitaries from various walks of life, including serving and retired state and federal public servants.
