(DDM) – The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has approved the full rehabilitation and modernisation of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the decision was announced just days before the end of his six-month emergency tenure in the state.
Ibas made the declaration on Wednesday during the 2025 Civil Service Week Gala and Awards Ceremony at Government House, Port Harcourt.
His Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, said the project aims to transform the state secretariat into a modern, efficient, and conducive workplace.
The overhaul is designed to strengthen productivity among civil servants, described by Ibas as the backbone of governance in Rivers State.
In addition, the Sole Administrator approved the construction of 106 housing units for civil servants as part of ongoing welfare reforms.
“These interventions are meant to recognise your service and improve your welfare in tangible and lasting ways,” Ibas declared.
He added that the administration must remain efficient, effective, and citizen-focused in carrying out its responsibilities.
Ibas also paid glowing tributes to retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, whom he described as the bedrock of the state’s administration.
He encouraged serving officers to emulate the resilience and sacrifice demonstrated by their predecessors.
The Sole Administrator stressed the importance of innovation and continuous training in the civil service.
He urged civil servants to embrace technology and adapt to modern systems that can prepare Rivers State for the future.
In her remarks, Acting Head of Service, Dr Inyingi Brown, welcomed participants and described the civil service as the “engine room of government.”
She thanked Ibas for his support and praised his efforts to improve the welfare of serving and retired officers.
According to her, “A society that does not honour its heroes is not worthy of emulation.”
Dr Brown pledged to sustain the values of loyalty and discipline while projecting the service to become a model of transparency and efficiency by 2030.
Speaking on behalf of retirees, the President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Sir Promise Njowhor, described the recognition as historic.
“For once, since the creation of the state, we are being honoured,” Njowhor said, noting that the gesture had lifted the morale of retired officers.
He assured the government of the association’s continued support for future programmes and reforms.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the “Most Civil Service Friendly Award” to Ibas by the Forum of Permanent Secretaries.
The award recognised his commitment to promoting civil servants’ welfare during his brief administration.
Vice Admiral Ibas was appointed on March 18, 2025, following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
The emergency measure suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly.
Tinubu’s action was justified by the prolonged political conflict between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, which had crippled governance in the state.
Ibas’s tenure is set to end on Thursday, September 18, 2025, with uncertainty surrounding the political transition that will follow.