The Rivers State Government has approved the comprehensive rehabilitation and modernization of the State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt, a move aimed at providing a more conducive and modern workplace for civil servants.
Speaking at the 2025 Civil Service Week Gala and Awards Ceremony held at Government House, Port Harcourt, the State Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, said the initiative reflects government’s commitment to strengthening the civil service which he described as the backbone of governance in the state.
Retired Vice Admiral Ibas also announced the provision of 106 housing units for civil servants, further underscoring his administration’s focus on improving welfare and working conditions. He paid glowing tribute to retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, recognizing them as pillars of the state’s administrative structure.
He urged serving officers to draw inspiration from their predecessors and to embrace innovation, technology, and continuous training in order to build a civil service capable of addressing future challenges effectively.
In her remarks, the Acting Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. Inyingi Brown, described the civil service as the engine room of government and expressed gratitude to the Sole Administrator for his unwavering support and modernization efforts. She pledged to continue reforms and uphold the legacy of loyalty and discipline established by past administrators.
Also speaking, President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Sir Promise Njowhor, lauded the recognition given to retirees and assured that the association would continue to support government programs with its wealth of experience.
The event climaxed with the presentation of the Most Civil Service Friendly Award to Retired Vice Admiral Ibas by the Forum of Permanent Secretaries in recognition of his sustained commitment to welfare and administrative development in the state.
