Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Administrator of Rivers State, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to laying a durable framework for transparent and effective governance, anchored on institutional strength, public service reform, and sustained human capital development.
Speaking in Port Harcourt on Monday at the opening of a four-day workshop on Transformational Leadership for Sustainable Development, Ibas described the initiative as a strategic response to the evolving demands of public administration in the 21st century. The event was jointly organized by the Rivers State Government and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
According to Ibas, the training programme—targeting Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and Local Government Administrators across ministries—marks a critical investment in the future of the state’s governance system. He emphasized that cultivating results-driven leadership and institutional competence is vital to aligning government efforts with the aspirations of an increasingly informed and demanding citizenry.
“This workshop is not just a training session,” he said. “It’s part of a broader agenda to retool our public service for responsiveness, integrity, and innovation in an era of rapid change.”
The initiative, officials say, signals a shift towards a more professional and performance-based bureaucracy, positioned to deliver tangible development outcomes across Rivers State.
“This administration is committed to building strong institutions, promoting efficiency, and fostering a results-driven public service,” Ibas said.
“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.”
Describing the essence of the programme, Ibas said the goal was beyond mere system improvement but sought to inspire a cultural shift within the public service, anchored on excellence, accountability, and innovation.
“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 stressed that only regular and relevant training can break the cycle of stagnation in governance and prepare public servants to adapt, grow, and transform service delivery.
The Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, described the workshop’s theme, “Transformational Leadership for Sustainable Development”, as both timely and strategic.
He stated that the course had been meticulously designed to address leadership gaps and to equip participants with modern strategies for collaborative governance. He also commended the Rivers State Government for its dedication to sustainable economic growth, infrastructural renewal, and social development, emphasizing that these objectives required strong leadership at all levels.