The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has announced plans for a phased rehabilitation of the State Secretariat Complex as part of efforts to enhance public service delivery and improve workforce welfare.
The announcement came during the closing ceremony of a four-day Transformational Leadership Training Workshop organized in partnership with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Port Harcourt.
The workshop aimed at equipping Permanent Secretaries, Local Government Administrators, Directors, and senior public officers with advanced leadership competencies to drive effective governance reforms across the state.
Ibas emphasized that while capacity-building initiatives are essential, creating a conducive physical work environment is equally critical for promoting productivity and excellence in public service.
"The State Secretariat will undergo phased rehabilitation to create a modern, efficient, and dignified workspace for our civil servants," Ibas stated.
He also disclosed that his administration is currently reviewing the state's public service welfare policy with the goal of better motivating civil servants within the constraints of available resources.
Directives to Local Government Administrators
In a move to ensure accountability at the grassroots level, the Sole Administrator tasked Local Government Council Administrators with implementing their newly acquired leadership skills to deliver meaningful development in their respective areas.
Ibas issued a two-week deadline for all local council administrators to submit comprehensive development plans, emphasizing that his administration would prioritize accountability and tangible results.
"To ensure transparency and prudent financial management, the Auditor-General for Local Governments will be further empowered to rigorously monitor resource utilization," he said.
The Sole Administrator stressed that this measure would ensure that every naira spent translates into tangible benefits for the people of Rivers State.
The leadership training workshop is seen as part of broader efforts to reform governance structures in Rivers State following recent political transitions in the state.
