Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete lbas (retd) in talks with Prof. Ayo Omotayo, Director General of NIPSS at opening of 4-day Transformational Leadership Training Workshop in Port Harcourt on Monday.
By Maureen Dick
RIVERS State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has declared that the ongoing leadership training for top-ranking civil servants is designed to enhance productivity, efficiency and service delivery across the state’s public sector.
The administrator made this known while declaring open a four-day ‘Transformational Leadership Training Workshop for Sustainable Development’, organized by the Rivers State Government in partnership with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
The workshop, which commenced in Port Harcourt on Monday, is being attended by Permanent Secretaries, Local Government Administrators, and Directors from various ministries.
In his address, Vice Admiral Ibas emphasized the need for a modern, adaptive and visionary public service capable of meeting rising citizen expectations amid rapid global changes.
He stated: “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.”
The administrator stressed that the workshop goes beyond improving systems, saying it seeks to inspire a cultural shift within the public service, fostering excellence, accountability and innovation.
Ibas added: “Only regular training can combat the ills of stagnancy, offering lifelong experiences that enable workers to adapt, grow and ensure real transformation in governance.
“This administration is committed to building strong institutions, promoting efficiency and fostering a result-driven public service. 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.”
The Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, described the workshop’s theme, ‘Transformational Leadership for Sustainable Development’, as timely, given the evolving demands of governance.
Prof. Omotayo stated: “This course is meticulously designed to bridge leadership gaps and equip participants with contemporary strategies for collaborative governance.
“We commend the Rivers State Government for its commitment to sustainable economic growth, infrastructural renewal and social development, all of which require leadership excellence at all levels.”
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Worika, noted that the training reflects the administrator’s passion for workforce development.
He said: “In our rapidly changing world, continuous learning is essential for professional growth.
“This workshop will provide participants with practical skills to enhance their performance in their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).”
The Acting Head of Service, Dr. Iyingi Brown, urged participants to maximize the opportunity.
She stated: “This training is another step in empowering our workforce with the knowledge and vision needed to lead with integrity. Engage actively, share experiences and apply these insights to drive measurable improvements in service delivery.”
The workshop underscores the Rivers State Government’s commitment to institutional strengthening, capacity building and sustainable development through a well-trained, motivated and innovative public service.