The Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has unveiled plans for the phased rehabilitation of the Rivers State Secretariat, as part of a broader commitment to enhancing public service efficiency and workforce welfare.
The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of a 4-day Transformational Leadership Training Workshop organized by the Rivers State Government in collaboration with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
The workshop, held in Port Harcourt, was designed to equip Permanent Secretaries, Local Government Administrators, Directors, and senior officers with cutting-edge leadership skills to drive governance reforms.
A Vision for a Conducive Work Environment
Vice Admiral Ibas emphasized that while capacity-building initiatives like the workshop are critical, the physical work environment must also support productivity and excellence. “During a recent inspection of the State Secretariat, I took a deliberate walk, floor by floor, to assess working conditions firsthand. The challenges — erratic power supply, non-functional elevators, unsanitary facilities, and inadequate work tools — were sobering. We cannot demand peak performance while neglecting the basics,” he stated.
To address these concerns, the Administrator announced:
•A phased rehabilitation of the State Secretariat to ensure a modern, efficient, and dignified workspace.
•Review of public service welfare policies to better motivate civil servants within available resources.
“God willing, I will ensure that your work environment reflects the respect and dignity your service deserves,” he affirmed.
Strengthening Local Governance & Accountability
The Administrator also charged Local Government Council Administrators to apply the skills acquired during the training to deliver impactful governance.
“I urge you to return to your councils, conduct detailed needs assessments, and submit strategic plans for high-impact projects within two weeks. These plans must align with the specific needs of your communities,” he directed.
To ensure transparency, the Auditor-General for Local Governments will be empowered to strictly monitor resource utilization, ensuring that Rivers State citizens receive maximum value for every kobo spent.
Civil Service Reform & Performance Expectations
In her remarks, the Acting Head of Service, Dr. Iyingi Brown, described the training as historic —the first of its kind for Rivers State civil servants — and expressed confidence that the initiative would yield measurable improvements in service delivery.
“This investment in leadership development will reflect in the quality of governance and public administration across the state,” she said.
Next Steps
•Immediate commencement of Secretariat rehabilitation in phases.
•Submission of Local Government development plans within two weeks.
•Ongoing training and welfare reviews to enhance public service efficiency.
The Rivers State Government remains committed to building a public service that is efficient, motivated, and equipped to meet the needs of its people.
Hector Igbikiowubo
Senior Special Adviser – Media
Rivers State Government
Port Harcourt
