IBAS PLEDGES RAPID REVAMP OF STATE-OWNED MEDIA INSTITUTIONS
Port Harcourt, Rivers State – August 16, 2025 – The Administrator of Rivers State, His Excellency Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to the swift revitalisation of state-owned media houses, aiming to align them with modern standards and enhance public service delivery.
This assurance followed a comprehensive inspection tour of major state media establishments, including Rivers State Television (RSTV), Radio Rivers FM, The Tide Newspaper, Garden City FM, and the State Printing Press.
Describing the media as “indispensable to societal survival and development,” Vice Admiral Ibas stressed the urgency of restoring these institutions to full operational capacity.
“Without the media, one wonders how society would function,” he remarked. “We must swiftly identify priority areas for intervention and ensure these media houses meet the expectations of the public.”
The Administrator highlighted the essential role of the media in promoting transparency, accountability, and civic engagement. He disclosed that his administration has already initiated planning for facility upgrades, noting, “If funding is secured, I can confidently say that the necessary improvements will be completed within six months.”
He further directed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications to draw up a detailed revitalisation plan, in line with existing budgetary provisions.
Acknowledging the poor state of infrastructure and outdated equipment across the institutions visited, Vice Admiral Ibas assured that the rehabilitation effort would be both immediate and sustained.
He also urged media personnel to embrace a culture of routine maintenance, stating, “It’s not only about replacing old machines; how they are used and maintained also determines their longevity.”
The visit forms part of a broader strategy by the Ibas administration to overhaul and strengthen public institutions throughout Rivers State, ensuring they deliver value-driven services to residents.
