It is written scripturally that ‘when the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoice’. The recent appointment of Mrs Elsie Anietie Peters as the 7th head of the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service reflects this timeless truth. Her emergence gladdens the heart, as many believe that her remarkable track record of competence and credibility in the State Civil Service will inspire progress and restore confidence in public administration.
Her rare blend of academic depth, particularly her expertise in security intelligence, distinguishes her among her peers, making her exceptionally fit to be entrusted with this sensitive position. She is poised to pilot the affairs of the state’s civil service while advancing the welfare of public servants.
Born on May 2, 1971, in Ebute-Metta, Lagos State, and a native of Ikot Akpandem in Eket Local Government Area, Mrs Peters’ academic profile paints the portrait of a multidisciplinary professional. She holds a master’s degree in Public Administration and Public Order as well as Information Management, alongside other qualifications such as a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts, a Postgraduate Diploma in Sociology and Anthropology, and a Certificate in Data Processing and Computer Application.
Head of Civil Service, AKS
Beyond the classroom, she expanded her expertise through specialised international certifications, including training from ISO-SEC Switzerland and high-level crime prevention and intelligence programmes in China.
In addition to her academic credentials, Mrs Peters’ distinguished career of impact spans over two decades.
Through her resilient commitment to discipline, excellence, and service, she rose through the ranks from administrative officer to chief administrative officer.
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From 2020 to 2023, she served as deputy director of the Special Services Department and was later promoted to director of administration, Special Services Department, in 2023.
By 2024, she was appointed permanent secretary, Special Services Department, Governor’s Office, a position she held until her recent emergence as the head of civil service.
Mrs Peters’ achievements in the public service have strengthened the operational backbone of governance in Akwa Ibom State. She is widely respected as an administrative technocrat, a security intelligence strategist and a policy expert.
Another aspect that makes the new boss lady deserving of this sensitive role is her exceptional expertise in security intelligence and surveillance. This positions her as one of the most security-informed administrators ever to assume the role of head of service.
Her contributions in this area of speciality include her participation in Federal and State Security Administrators’ Meetings (FSSAM), compilation of monthly security situation reports for the Presidency, investigation of security incidents involving public servants and communities, and intelligence analysis on political, border, riverine, crime and inter-community conflicts. She has also lectured for over a decade at the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service Training Centre.
Her broadened knowledge and experience can be linked to her global training portfolio in Crime Prevention Training, Hangzhou, China (2014); Professional Diploma in Intelligence, ISO-SEC Switzerland (2021); National Counter-Terrorism Strategy Workshops; and her leadership courses with the Defence Intelligence Agency.
Beyond her administrative duties, Mrs Peters is a committed teacher and mentor who has invested heavily in developing the next generation of civil servants. She has trained officers of the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service, Civil Service Commission, Local Government Service Commission, and National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons and even facilitated reform and leadership workshops across Nigeria.
Due to her unique contributions towards strengthening governance capacity across multiple institutions, she has earned her roles in high-level committees such as the Committee on Evaluation of Illegal Immigrants, Inventory/Stock-taking for Ibom Specialist Hospital, flood and disaster coordination platforms, supported arms proliferation interventions in UNDP, civilian disarmament and border security engagements, among others.
Peters has also earned several prestigious awards and recognitions, including the Most Hard-working Civil Servant (Senior Category, 2010), Overall Most Punctual Staff in the Special Services Department (2012/2013), and the NYSC Most Outstanding Corps Member in Adamawa State (1998).
Interestingly, her personal attributes and professional skills further distinguish her as a well-rounded leader. She is known for her excellent organisational and communication abilities, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and her capacity to work effectively under pressure with minimal supervision.
Passionate about coaching, mentoring and guiding young people, she also excels in event management and protocol coordination.
However, as she assumes office, expectations are high for a more disciplined and accountable civil service; improved staff welfare, motivation and professional development; heightened security consciousness within government operations; strengthened administrative structures; digital-driven reforms; and a people-centred service culture grounded in integrity and excellence.
In response to these expectations, the appointment of Mrs Elsie Anietie Peters signals the dawn of a new era of excellence, one in which she will harness her wealth of experience and professional expertise to strengthen the state’s civil service. Workers are poised to experience a system where merit is rewarded, capacity-building is prioritised, and productivity reaches new heights.
Her leadership promises a civil service that not only aligns with the vision of Akwa Ibom State but also advances the ARISE Agenda of the Governor Umo Eno-led administration.
