
10/09/2025
WE'LL REHABILITATE, MODERNISE STATE SECRETARIAT TO PROVIDE CONDUCIVE WORKPLACE FOR CIVIL SERVANTS
Speech by Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas
At the Gala and Award Ceremony of the 2025 Rivers State Civil Service Week
Government House, Port Harcourt – Wednesday
It is my great pleasure to join you on this momentous occasion, the 2025 Civil Service Week, Luncheon, and Awards Ceremony.
Today, we gather not only to celebrate but also to pay special tribute to the remarkable contributions of our retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries.
These distinguished men and women dedicated their lives to public service, shaping the very fabric of our state administration and ensuring that the machinery of governance never faltered.
As we honor them, we are reminded of the critical role the civil service plays in driving Rivers State’s progress. The civil service is, without question, the backbone of government, responsible for implementing policies, delivering essential services, and guaranteeing continuity even in the face of transitions and challenges.
The awards we present today are more than plaques or certificates. They are symbols of gratitude, recognition, and enduring respect. They represent decades of sacrifice, resilience, and commitment to duty.
Let us pause to reflect on the remarkable careers of our honorees. They served with distinction, integrity, and passion. Their contributions have left lasting imprints on our institutions, and their legacy remains a compass for those who now carry the torch.
To the awardees, I extend my warmest congratulations. Your leadership, expertise, and work ethic have inspired countless others within and outside the civil service. You have set a standard of excellence that will continue to guide future generations of public servants.
To the current crop of civil servants, let today be a reminder of the noble path you have chosen. Draw inspiration from the journeys of our honorees. Emulate their resilience, their integrity, and their devotion to service. Strive not merely to keep the system running, but to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our citizens.
Our civil service must evolve with the times — embracing innovation, technology, and new approaches to work. This requires continuous investment in training, capacity building, and professional development to strengthen the foundation we have laid.
It also calls for discipline, adaptability, and a renewed sense of vision and mission, as unveiled yesterday. Only through these investments in our people can we build an administration that is efficient, effective, and truly citizen-centric.
In recognition of the sacrifices and commitment of the Rivers State Civil Service, I am pleased to announce today that approval has been granted for the complete rehabilitation of the State Secretariat Complex.
This iconic hub of our administration will be fully modernized to improve the working conditions of our civil servants, providing a conducive environment that inspires productivity, efficiency, and pride.
Furthermore, I have also approved the acquisition of 106 houses of different types for the benefit of our civil servants. This initiative underscores our determination not only to recognize your service but also to improve your welfare in tangible and lasting ways. These interventions are designed to reinforce the dignity of public service and to motivate our workforce to give their very best.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, today we celebrate service, dedication, and legacy. We celebrate the foundation that has been laid, and we look forward with confidence to the greater heights we shall attain together.
Once again, I congratulate the awardees on their well-deserved recognition. May your examples continue to inspire. And to all civil servants, let us continue to work together in unity and purpose, to make a positive difference in the lives of our people.
Thank you, and God bless Rivers State.