Rivers State is in the process of preparing a new 2025 budget to address key development priorities, according to the Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas. The upcoming budget will focus on healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure while also promoting job creation and technological advancement.
Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas disclosed this during a meeting with the Rivers State caucus at the National Assembly, led by Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing Rivers South-East District. The meeting, which took place at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, included other prominent lawmakers such as Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Kingsley Chinda, and several other legislators.
During the discussion, Ibas emphasized that since assuming office, his administration has prioritized restoring law and order in Rivers State. He credited the support of security agencies for helping create an environment where residents feel safer and more valued. He stated that peace-building efforts remain a key focus alongside economic stability and development.
“In addition to our peace-building efforts, we are also focused on the economic stability and development of Rivers State,” he said. “Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted swiftly and decided to put together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development.”
He assured that the new 2025 budget preparation process has been transparent, inclusive, and efficient to ensure that the state does not lose valuable time in making necessary investments for its people. He explained that the finalized budget would prioritize job creation and investment in critical sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology.
Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas called on the legislators to support the initiative, stressing that their backing is crucial in securing the necessary resources and legislative approvals to drive development in the state. He urged them to work together with the state administration to ensure continued progress and stability.
“Your partnership is critical to success in ensuring that Rivers State remains on the path of progress and enduring peace for future generations,” he said.
The administrator acknowledged the challenges that have affected the state, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu. However, he noted that his government has engaged in dialogue, community engagement, and reconciliation to rebuild trust among the people. He commended the resilience and patience of Rivers residents in the face of these challenges and assured them that his administration remains committed to peace and development.
“Beyond security, we have prioritized community engagements as a central part of our strategy,” he explained. “Dialogue, reconciliation, and inclusivity have been key to building trust among our people. We are determined to strengthen the bond of unity in Rivers State and to foster an environment where every citizen feels valued, heard, and respected.”
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Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Senator Barinada Mpigi reaffirmed the lawmakers’ commitment to the development of Rivers State. He commended the administrator for the achievements recorded so far and pledged the support and cooperation of the legislators in ensuring that the state returns to a stable and progressive path.
