A retired Nigerian Navy vice admiral, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has been appointed as the sole administrator of Rivers State following the declaration of a state of emergency on March 18, 2025.
His appointment comes amid efforts to restore stability in the oil-rich state.
Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas Biography & Age
Born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas is 64 years old. He has had a distinguished career in the Nigerian Navy, rising to the rank of vice admiral and serving as the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) from 2015 to 2021.
Education & Military Training
Ibas had his early education at Nko Primary School and later attended Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, completing in 1971. He proceeded to Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar (1972–1976) and then attended the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja (1977–1979) before joining the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as part of the 26 Regular Course in 1979.
His military training includes:
- INS Venduruthy, India (1983–1984) – Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course
- Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna (1986–1987) – Primary Pilot Training
- Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (1990) – Junior Staff Course
- United States Marine Corps University, Quantico, Virginia (1992–1993) – Diploma in Amphibious Warfare
- Underwater Warfare School, NNS Quorra (1994–1995) – Officers’ Long Course in Underwater Warfare
- Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (1996–1997) – Senior Staff Course
- National Defence College, Islamabad, Pakistan (2005–2006) – National Defence Course
- Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan – Master’s Degree in Defence & Strategic Studies
Military Career & Leadership Roles
Ibas has served in various key capacities in the Nigerian Navy, including:
- Executive Officer of NNS Siri, NNS Ekun, and NNS Ambe (1993–1996)
- Commanding Officer, Underwater Warfare School (1997–1998)
- Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka (1998–2000)
- Naval Provost Marshal (2003–2004)
- Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of Naval Staff (2004–2005)
- Commander, Naval Air Base, Ojo (2006–2009)
- Navy Secretary (2012–2013)
- Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command (2013–2014)
- Chief of Logistics, Naval Headquarters (2014)
- GMD/CEO, Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited (2014–2015)
- Chief of Naval Staff (2015–2021)
Appointment as Rivers State Sole Administrator
On March 18, 2025, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas was appointed as the administrator of Rivers State after the federal government declared a state of emergency in the region. His extensive military background and leadership experience make him a strategic choice to oversee the state’s affairs during this critical period.
Net Worth
At the moment, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas’ net worth is not publicly available.