Background
Elder Effiong Essien, FNMGS, serves as the Head of Civil Service in Akwa Ibom State. A distinguished civil servant and professional geologist, he has risen through the ranks to attain the pinnacle of his career. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Lutheran High School, Obot Idim Ibesikpo, and the University of Calabar.
Career Progression
Early Career
- 1986 – 1987: Geologist, UNICEF Assisted CRS Project, Calabar (NDE Attachee)
- 1988 – 1994: Geologist – Senior Geologist, Ministry of Works & Transport on posting to Directorate for Food, Roads, and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI), Akwa Ibom State
Mid-Career
- 1994 – 1995: Principal Geologist, Ministry of Works & Transport on posting to Task Force on U.S. Exim Bank Financed Water Project, Akwa Ibom State
- 1995 – 1999: Chief – Assistant Director, Geology, Ministry of Works & Transport on posting to Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (AK-RUWATSAN)
- 1999 – 2007: Deputy Director Geology, Head of Water Resource Department, and Head of Operations AK-RUWATSAN, Water Supply Officer for FGN/UNICEF WES Programme and Desk Officer for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Akwa Ibom State
Leadership Roles
- 2007 – 2017: Director Geology, Ministry of Works; Programme Manager for EU/UNICEF Assisted Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH); General Manager of Akwa Ibom State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (AK-RUWATSAN)
- 2017 – 2019: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Akwa Ibom State
- 2019 – Present: Head of Civil Service, Akwa Ibom State
Professional Associations and Recognitions
Elder Effiong Essien is actively involved in various professional associations and has received several awards and recognitions:
- Fellow, Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (FNMGS)
- Past Council Member, Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society
- Fellow, Nigerian Association of Hydrogeologists (FNAH)
- Registered and Chartered Geologist by Council for Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG)
- Luther Ambassador International by the Lutheran Church of Nigeria
- Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Ambassador
Personal Life
Elder Effiong Essien hails from Afaha Atai Ibesikpo in Ibesikpo-Asutan LGA, Akwa Ibom State. He is happily married, blessed with children and a grandchild. His career reflects a deep commitment to civil service and geosciences, significantly contributing to the development of Akwa Ibom State.
Summary
Elder Effiong Essien’s extensive career in civil service and geology, combined with his leadership roles and recognitions, demonstrate his dedication and contributions to Akwa Ibom State. His professional journey showcases a blend of technical expertise and administrative excellence, positioning him as a key figure in the state’s development efforts.