Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Monday commissioned the state’s first-ever purpose-built Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters, a landmark intervention aimed at strengthening staff welfare and boosting efficiency within the civil service.
The housing estate, located in Elimgbu Community, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, was inaugurated by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, at a ceremony attended by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee, led by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara said the project was conceived to improve living conditions, enhance health outcomes and ultimately raise productivity among senior civil servants. He noted that insecurity and uncertainty over basic needs often undermine performance and decision-making, particularly for family men and women in public service.
He stressed that the strategic role of Permanent Secretaries in policy coordination and service delivery makes it imperative for government to provide them with decent accommodation and mobility. According to him, meeting these fundamental needs would enable public officers to discharge their responsibilities with greater focus, commitment and integrity, adding that similar welfare initiatives would, in due course, be extended to other cadres in the service.
The governor urged beneficiaries to protect the facilities and directed the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure proper maintenance and sustainability. He added that improved welfare would discourage sharp practices, enhance productivity and contribute to the overall development of Rivers State and the country.
In her remarks, Dr. Walson-Jack described the project as a strategic investment in institutional stability and staff motivation. She commended the quality of the design and amenities, urging the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture with renewed professionalism and dedication to duty.
APC National Secretary, Senator Bashiru, hailed Rivers State as the first fully APC-controlled state in the South-South, calling on residents to support the party’s governance agenda, which he said aligns with national development objectives.
Earlier, the Rivers State Head of Civil Service, Dr. Inyingi Brown, described the project as historic, noting that it was conceptualised, executed and completed within record time under Governor Fubara’s administration. She said the initiative signalled a deliberate shift towards improving service delivery through enhanced staff welfare.
Providing details of the project, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate consists of 29 housing units—nine detached duplexes and 20 terrace buildings. He added that the facility is equipped with a water treatment plant, central power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gymnasium, recreational areas and landscaped green spaces, all designed to promote comfort, performance and productivity.
