The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has announced the commencement of a phased rehabilitation of the State Secretariat Complex, underscoring his administration’s commitment to improving public service efficiency and worker welfare.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of a four-day Transformational Leadership Training Workshop in Port Harcourt, Ibas noted that while leadership development remains vital, the physical work environment must also support excellence and productivity.
“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 said.
The workshop, organized in collaboration with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), targeted Permanent Secretaries, Local Government Administrators, Directors, and senior officers, equipping them with strategic governance and leadership skills.
Ibas affirmed that the rehabilitation project will provide a modern, efficient, and dignified workspace, and announced a review of the public service welfare policy 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 pledged.
Addressing Local Government Council Administrators, Ibas directed them to submit development plans within two weeks, urging that the strategies be community-focused and outcome-driven.
“I urge you to return to your councils, conduct detailed needs assessments, and submit strategic plans for high-impact projects within two weeks,” he said.
To ensure accountability, the Auditor-General for Local Governments will be empowered to strictly monitor fund usage and ensure citizens receive value for money.
In her remarks, Acting Head of Service, Dr. Iyingi Brown, hailed the workshop as a historic milestone, being the first of its kind for civil servants in Rivers State in many years.
“This investment in leadership development will reflect in the quality of governance and public administration across the state,” she said.
