The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, has announced the appointment of Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The appointment takes immediate effect.
In a statement from his office on Monday, Vice Admiral Ibas said the selection of Professor Worika was based on his impressive credentials, extensive experience, and strong performance in a rigorous selection process. He emphasized that the new SSG’s expertise in legal affairs, governance, and policy advisory would play a critical role in helping the administration achieve peace, stability, and security in the state.
Professor Worika, an illustrious son of Rivers State from Okrika, brings decades of experience in academia, international legal practice, and public administration. He holds a Ph.D. in International Environmental and Comparative Petroleum Law & Policy from the University of Dundee, UK.
He is currently the Director of the Centre for Advanced Law Research at Rivers State University. Before this, he served as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt, where he was instrumental in improving legal education, spearheading accreditation processes, and fostering strong institutional partnerships.
Beyond the university environment, Professor Worika has played key roles in shaping international policies and regulations. As Senior Legal Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, he provided expert guidance to member nations on natural resource management and regulatory reforms. He also served as General Legal Counsel for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna, where he advised on energy policies, litigation, and complex international agreements.
Professor Worika’s impact extends beyond Nigeria, having worked as a consultant for governments in Namibia, Malawi, and Guyana. His efforts in drafting key legislation, negotiating multilateral agreements, and strengthening governance in the energy and natural resources sectors have earned him global recognition.
His dedication to public service has also been acknowledged at home and abroad. He is a recipient of the OPEC Secretariat Award for Distinguished Service and has been honored by the Ogu Council of Chiefs in Rivers State.
The appointment of Professor Worika as SSG signals a strong commitment by the Rivers State Administrator to leveraging top-tier talent in his administration. His expertise in policy formulation, conflict resolution, and intergovernmental relations is expected to bring stability, transparency, and efficiency to governance in the state.
As Rivers State navigates its current challenges, Professor Worika’s experience will be crucial in shaping policies that foster development, security, and good governance. His ability to bridge the gap between academia, international diplomacy, and public service makes him well-equipped to support the Administrator in fulfilling the mandate of the Federal Government.
With his track record of excellence, many stakeholders believe that Professor Worika’s appointment is a step in the right direction for Rivers State. His role as SSG will be pivotal in ensuring that government policies are well-coordinated and effectively implemented for the benefit of the people.
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