Governor Bassey Otu has named Orok Okon as Cross River’s new Head of Service.
He takes over from Dr. Innocent Eteng and will lead reforms to improve the civil service
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has approved the appointment of Orok Okon as the new Head of the State Civil Service, effective September 19, 2025.
Okon succeeds Dr. Innocent Eteng, who retired after decades of service. In a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Linus Obogo, Otu praised Eteng’s career as “a beacon of excellence and commitment,” commending his contributions to public service.
Governor Otu charged the new appointee to approach the role with vision, integrity, and reform-driven zeal, reiterating his administration’s commitment to strengthening leadership across state institutions.
“The new Head of Service is expected to foster efficiency, professionalism, and accountability across the public service. This appointment underscores our steadfast resolve to strengthen the machinery of governance for optimal service delivery to the people of Cross River State,” the statement read.
Since his appointment in September 2023, Eteng has overseen key reforms, including the regularization of casual workers who had served for years without formal recognition.
He also laid the groundwork for the recruitment of new civil servants to fill gaps left by mass retirements, ensuring merit-based promotions and stronger governance structures.
Before his appointment, Okon served as a Permanent Secretary in the Cross River State Civil Service, notably within the Ministry of Justice. With extensive administrative and legal experience, he is expected to consolidate ongoing reforms and further drive efficiency across the state’s public sector.
