The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, has announced that the state government is in the process of finalizing its 2025 budget, with a strong emphasis on key sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure. This new budget plan, according to Ibas, is designed to address pressing development concerns, create more employment opportunities, and promote technological advancement across the state’s public services.
Vice Admiral Ibas made this known during a meeting with the Rivers State delegation at the National Assembly, led by Senator Barinada Mpigi, the representative for Rivers South-East District. The meeting took place at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday and included several members of the National Assembly from Rivers State, including Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, and other notable lawmakers from the state.
Speaking to the delegation, Vice Admiral Ibas outlined his administration’s determination to focus on a comprehensive and transparent budget that would address the state’s most critical needs. “Since my assumption of office, we have been resolute in our commitment to restoring law and order. Working closely with security agencies, we have fostered an environment where the people of Rivers State feel safe and valued,” Ibas stated.
He highlighted that peace, economic stability, and infrastructural development are among his administration’s core objectives. “Our goal is to make Rivers State a model of peace within Nigeria, with a stable economy that enables its citizens to pursue their livelihoods without fear,” he said.
The Administrator also pointed to the Supreme Court’s ruling on the state’s budget as a turning point, saying that it had spurred the government to take swift action in developing a new budget that would more accurately reflect the state’s commitment to growth and development.
“We have decided to put together a new budget that will reflect our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development. The process has been transparent, inclusive, and expedited to ensure we do not lose any more time in making the necessary investments that will improve the lives of our citizens,” Ibas explained.
The Administrator highlighted that the upcoming 2025 budget is designed to address urgent issues such as the creation of employment opportunities for Rivers residents and boosting key sectors such as agriculture, technology, and infrastructure.
“We understand the urgency of this initiative, and we are committed to ensuring that the proposed projects are implemented without delay. The focus is on job creation and investment in key sectors that will bring long-term benefits to the people of Rivers State,” Ibas said.
This approach reflects the pressing need for economic diversification and sustainable development in a state that has faced significant challenges in the past. Job creation and infrastructure development have been recurring themes in recent discussions about the state’s future, as the administration seeks to tackle youth unemployment and improve public services.
Ibas also acknowledged the critical role that the National Assembly representatives from Rivers State will play in the success of his administration’s agenda. He called on the lawmakers to lend their support in securing the necessary resources and legislative backing needed to implement the new budget effectively.
“Your partnership is critical to the success of this administration’s efforts. Together, we must ensure that Rivers State stays on the path of progress and enduring peace. This is a shared responsibility, and we must work together for the benefit of our people,” Ibas stated.
Senator Barinada Mpigi, in his speech, affirmed the delegation’s commitment to supporting the administration’s efforts. He noted that the legislators are dedicated to ensuring that Rivers State continues to experience development and progress.
“While we commend the administrator for the modest successes achieved so far, we remain focused on supporting every effort that will bring development to our state. The stability of Rivers State is paramount, and we pledge our support to ensure that the state returns to the path of law and order,” Senator Mpigi said.
In addition to focusing on the economic aspects of governance, Vice Admiral Ibas has prioritized the restoration of peace and security in the state. Following the State of Emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, which aimed to address the security challenges in the region, Ibas has emphasized dialogue, community engagement, and reconciliation as key elements of his administration’s approach to building trust among the people of Rivers.
“We have faced significant challenges in Rivers State, but through dialogue and community engagement, we have made considerable progress in restoring peace,” Ibas stated. “My administration is committed to ensuring that every citizen feels safe and valued in their communities. This is a long-term commitment, and we are determined to make peace a permanent feature of Rivers State.”
Ibas’s peace-building efforts have been supported by the people of the state, who have shown patience and resilience despite the difficulties they have faced in recent years. “The people of Rivers State have been incredibly resilient and patient, and they are showing their support for our efforts to restore peace and security in the state,” he added.
Despite the positive strides in restoring peace and pushing forward with development plans, Ibas acknowledged that there are still challenges ahead. One of these challenges is securing sufficient funding for the ambitious projects outlined in the new budget. The state government is working to ensure that the necessary resources are mobilized, but the support of both the federal government and the National Assembly will be vital.
“I am confident that with the support of our National Assembly representatives, we will be able to secure the necessary funding and legislative support to execute the plans we have laid out for the state,” Ibas said. “We must all be united in our efforts to build a stable, prosperous Rivers State.”
