Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), says his administration is laying a solid foundation for good governance in the state, driven by strong institutions, a results-oriented public service, and sustained capacity building.
Ibas made the statement in Port Harcourt on Monday at the start of a four-day leadership training workshop organized for senior government officials. The event, titled “Transformational Leadership Training for Sustainable Development,” is a partnership between the Rivers State Government and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
Attendees included Permanent Secretaries, Local Government Administrators, and Directors from various state ministries, departments, and agencies. The aim of the training, according to Ibas, is to prepare the civil service for modern challenges and improve service delivery across the state.
“This administration is committed to building strong institutions, promoting efficiency, and fostering a results-driven public service,” Ibas told participants during his opening remarks.
He added that the state government is working to create a system that will not only meet the needs of current residents but also benefit future generations. “We are laying the foundation for a culture of good governance—one that will serve not just the present generation but also those to come,” he said.
Ibas also noted that the goal of the training goes beyond improving current systems. Instead, it is meant to bring about a real change in attitude and approach among civil servants.
“This training is designed to equip you with the tools and insights necessary to lead through complexity, champion reforms, strengthen local government autonomy, and deliver meaningful results to our communities. I urge you to embrace it fully with open minds and a clear commitment to translate learning into action,” he said.
He further noted that consistent and well-planned training opportunities like this one are essential to stopping stagnation in government practices. By doing so, he said, public servants will be better equipped to adapt to changes and deliver on their responsibilities.
Professor Ayo Omotayo, Director-General of NIPSS, also spoke at the event. He noted that the workshop’s theme was timely and necessary for public service growth.
“This course is meticulously designed to bridge leadership gaps and equip participants with contemporary strategies for collaborative governance,” Omotayo said.
