Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas spearheads the Rivers State Secretariat revamp and approves 106 housing units to boost civil servants’ welfare.

The Rivers State Government has formally approved the comprehensive rehabilitation and upgrade of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex, a landmark initiative to transform the state’s administrative hub into a modern, efficient, and technology-driven workspace.

The project is designed to enhance operational efficiency, streamline service delivery, and provide civil servants—the backbone of governance—with facilities that match their vital role in the state’s development.

The announcement was made by the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), during the 2025 Civil Service Week Gala and Awards Ceremony, held at Government House, Port Harcourt.

In addition to the Secretariat overhaul, Vice-Admiral Ibas approved the construction of 106 housing units for civil servants, reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving their welfare, comfort, and overall living standards.

While the official financial cost of these projects was not disclosed, they were described as transformative interventions with the potential to significantly modernise the civil service landscape in Rivers State.

In his address, Vice-Admiral Ibas paid glowing tribute to retired heads of service and permanent secretaries, whom he described as the bedrock of the state’s administration.

He noted that the awards ceremony symbolized profound appreciation for decades of dedication, sacrifice, and resilience in public service.

“These initiatives are designed not only to honor your service, but also to improve your welfare in meaningful and lasting ways.

“Our goal is to build an administration that is efficient, effective, and truly citizen-centric,” he emphasized.

The Administrator urged serving officers to draw inspiration from the legacy of their predecessors.

He highlighted the importance of embracing innovation, leveraging modern technology, and engaging in continuous professional development to ensure the civil service is fully equipped to meet contemporary challenges while delivering high-quality services to citizens.

Delivering the welcome address, the Acting Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown described the civil service as the “engine room of government” and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Administrator for his steadfast support and commitment to its modernisation.

She lauded retirees as torchbearers of discipline, loyalty, and integrity, asserting, “A society that does not honour its heroes is not worthy of emulation.”

Dr. Brown pledged to build on their legacy through innovative reforms and projected that by 2030, the Rivers State Civil Service would emerge as a benchmark for efficiency, transparency, and professionalism across Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Sir Promise Njowhor, President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, conveyed sincere appreciation for the historic recognition.

“For the first time since the creation of the state, we are being honoured. Our morale has been lifted,” he said.

Sir Njowhor also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting government initiatives, noting that retired civil servants’ collective experience and expertise remain vital for advancing state development.

The event’s highlight was the Forum of Permanent Secretaries’ presentation of the Most Civil Service Friendly Award to Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.

The award recognised his sustained efforts to enhance the welfare, professional growth, and development of the Rivers State Civil Service and reinforced his commitment to fostering a citizen-focused, efficient, and accountable administration.

With the Secretariat modernisation and civil servants’ housing initiatives, the Rivers State Government is setting a new benchmark for public service reform.

By prioritising human capital, embracing innovative technologies, and valuing civil servants’ contributions, the government is laying the foundation for a civil service that is responsive, efficient, and capable of driving the state’s growth and prosperity in the years to come.