Ibas Appoints Leaders Across Education, Health, Revenue Boards

The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has taken a major step to strengthen governance across the state by appointing chairmen and members for eight key boards, covering education, health, revenue, social services, and institutional administration.

According to a statement signed by Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, Secretary to the State Government, the appointments are aimed at placing experienced and competent leaders in strategic positions to enhance service delivery, accountability, and policy implementation across the state.

Rivers State University Governing Council
Vice-Admiral Ibas constituted the Rivers State University Governing Council, appointing Okey Wali as Chairman. Other members include Mr. Theophilus Owhor, Mr. Uche Messiah Olowo, Soibiton Ngoji Kio Isokariari, Mr. Gogo Cookey, Sir Micheal L. Vincent, Prof. Joseph Atubokiki Ajienka, Dr. Tamunoibikari G.S. Epelle, among others. The council will oversee policy formulation, strategic direction, and governance of the university.

Rivers State Universal Basic Education Commission (RSUBEC)
Samuel Ogeh was appointed Chairman of RSUBEC. Members include Monday Ledee Yimonah, Ibiene Cotton Amachree, Margaret Ngozi Ikegwuru, among others, with Mr. John T. Pepple serving as Secretary. The commission is expected to improve basic education access, enhance school infrastructure, and ensure effective management of teaching resources.

Rivers State Senior Secondary Education Board
Mr. Tony Egwurugwu was appointed Chairman, with Dr. Austin ThankGod Jonah, Princess Clara Denirari Woke, Mr. Nwisabari Bani Samuel, and Mrs. Baniba Abella Briggs Iti among other members. This board is tasked with strengthening secondary education standards, implementing educational policies, and supervising schools across the state.

Rivers State Internal Revenue Board
To enhance fiscal management, Sir Israel Egbunefu was named Chairman. Members include Prof. Tamunonimim Anipiworima Ngerebo, Osepiribo Ben-Willie, and Mr. Okas Wike, among others. The board will oversee revenue collection, improve compliance, and ensure financial stability for the state.

Rivers State Waste Management Board
Dr. Samuel Nwanosike was appointed Chairman, with Wokoma Amakiri Ibimina as Managing Director. Board members include Dr. Augusta Ayotamuno, Gershon Owajikagop Ogbuluijah, Prof. Iyenemi I. Kakulu, and Dr. Thankgod Bariyaa, among others. The board will promote environmental sanitation and sustainable waste management practices across the state.

Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme
Prof. Princewill Chike was named Chairman, with Dr. Vetty Agala serving as Executive Secretary. Members include Dr. Mangibo Daniel, Mr. Jack Tamuno Tonye, Laleobe Alemami Favour, and Amb. Victor Nwikpo, among others. The board is tasked with expanding healthcare coverage, ensuring efficient management of health resources, and implementing contributory health protection policies.

Rivers State Microfinance Agency
Prof. Adolphus Toby was appointed Chairman, while Mrs. Onene Osila Obele-Oshoko was named Managing Director. Other members include Prof. John Ohaka, Mr. Desire Danagogo Bob-Manuel, and Philip-Brown Tomunobere, among others. The agency is expected to promote financial inclusion, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and drive economic empowerment initiatives.

Dr. Samson Parker was appointed Chairman, with Prof. Chizindu Akubudike Alikor as Chief Medical Director and Dr. Simon Sylvester Uriah as Deputy Chief Medical Director. Board members include Prof. Kenneth Wariso, Prof. Elizabeth Akon Awoyesuku, among others. The board will oversee hospital governance, policy implementation, and the delivery of quality healthcare services.

These strategic appointments by Vice-Admiral Ibas underscore a commitment to strengthening institutional governance, improving service delivery, and fostering sustainable development across Rivers State. By placing experienced professionals in key positions, the Administrator aims to ensure accountability, efficiency, and measurable improvements in the lives of residents.