Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has inaugurated the newly completed Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters at Elimgbu Community in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, earning commendation and political endorsement from the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at the inauguration in Port Harcourt on Monday, the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, praised Governor Fubara for what he described as impressive governance strides and effective project delivery. He urged the people of Rivers State to rally behind the APC in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Fubara.
Bashiru described Rivers State as a shining example of APC-led governance, noting that the achievements recorded under Governor Fubara underscore the party’s commitment to people-oriented leadership. He expressed pride that Rivers has become the first state in the South-South region to be fully controlled by the APC, calling on residents to consolidate the gains by supporting the party at all levels.
In his address, Governor Fubara said the housing project was designed to enhance productivity, improve the health and well-being of senior civil servants, and promote institutional stability within the public service.
According to him, providing decent accommodation for Permanent Secretaries would eliminate insecurity and uncertainty that could negatively affect their performance and decision-making, particularly for officers with family responsibilities.
The governor recalled the prestige traditionally associated with the office of Permanent Secretary, stressing that such officials deserve official quarters and mobility to enable them to discharge their duties with dignity and efficiency. He assured that the scheme would not be limited to Permanent Secretaries alone, promising that other categories of civil servants would benefit from similar welfare interventions in the future.
Governor Fubara also warned beneficiaries to safeguard the facility, directing the State Head of Service to appoint a dedicated facility manager to ensure proper maintenance and sustainability of the estate. He noted that improved welfare would discourage sharp practices, boost productivity, and contribute to the overall development of Rivers State and the country.
Earlier, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who performed the inauguration, commended Governor Fubara for prioritising the dignity and welfare of public servants. She described the project as a strategic investment in institutional continuity.
Dr. Walson-Jack observed that many senior civil servants across Nigeria still lack official residences, adding that the Rivers project aligns with the Federal Government’s staff welfare objectives under President Tinubu’s administration. She urged beneficiaries to renew their commitment to service, while praising the modern design and aesthetic appeal of the quarters.
Also speaking, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. Inyingi Brown, described the project as historic, noting that it was conceived, executed, and completed within record time under Governor Fubara’s purposeful leadership. She said the estate represents the first purpose-built Permanent Secretaries’ quarters in the state and reaffirmed the civil service’s support for the governor’s development agenda.
Providing technical details, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 housing units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings. He added that the facility is equipped with modern amenities such as a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV surveillance, alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and landscaped green spaces.
Members of the APC National Working Committee, top government officials, and other stakeholders were present at the event.
