WATCH THE VIDEO HERE RIVERS State Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has announced the phased rehabilitation of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex as part of efforts to enhance public service delivery and improve the work environment for civil servants. The announcement was made at the closing ceremony of a four-day Transformational Leadership Training Workshop in Port Harcourt. The workshop, organized by the state government in partnership with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), was aimed at equipping Permanent Secretaries, Local Government Administrators, Directors, and other senior officials with advanced leadership skills to drive effective governance. While highlighting the importance of leadership development programs, Ibas stressed that a conducive physical workspace is equally vital to achieving high productivity and professional excellence. “I recently toured the Secretariat complex floor by floor to get a firsthand look at the conditions. I encountered issues such as irregular power supply, malfunctioning elevators, unhygienic restrooms, and insufficient work tools. We cannot expect high performance if these basic needs are ignored,” he said. To address these challenges, the Administrator unveiled plans for a staged upgrade of the Secretariat facilities. He also pledged to review existing public service welfare policies to better support the state workforce within the available budget. “By God’s grace, I will ensure that your workplace mirrors the dignity and value of your service,” he assured. He further instructed Local Government Council Administrators to return to their posts, conduct thorough needs assessments, and submit strategic development plans within two weeks. These plans, he noted, must be community-specific and aligned with pressing local needs. To promote accountability, he said the Auditor-General for Local Governments would be empowered to closely monitor the use of public funds, ensuring that every expenditure benefits the people of Rivers State. Acting Head of Service, Dr. Iyingi Brown, described the workshop as a landmark event, noting that it was the first of its kind in years for civil servants in the state. She expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly enhance governance and service delivery. “This investment in leadership is expected to translate into tangible improvements in public administration across Rivers State,” she concluded.
RIVERS: Ibas unveils plans for gradual overhaul of secretariat
