Ibok Ekwe Ibas, a distinguished Nigerian naval officer and statesman, has made significant contributions to both the military and diplomatic sectors. He has held various leadership positions, most notably serving as the Chief of Naval Staff of Nigeria from 2015 to 2021.
Recently, on March 18, 2025, Ibas was appointed as the sole military administrator of Rivers State, a pivotal role in overseeing the state’s affairs during an emergency period.
This blog post provides an in-depth look at his life, career, and contributions, offering insights into his early life, military journey, personal life, and legacy.
Ibok Ekwe Ibas Biography: Who Is Ibok Ekwe Ibas?
Here are 15 key details about Ibok Ekwe Ibas:
- Full Name: Ibok Ekwe Ibas
- Date of Birth: September 27, 1960
- Place of Birth: Nko, Cross River State, Nigeria
- Age: 64 years old (as of 2025)
- State of Origin: Cross River State, Nigeria
- Marital Status: Married to Barrister Theresa Ibas
- Children: Father of children and a grandchild
- Military Rank: Vice Admiral (retired)
- Military Education: Nigerian Defence Academy (1983), INS Venduruthy (India), Armed Forces Command and Staff College (Nigeria), Marine Corps University (USA), National Defence College (Pakistan)
- Naval Career: Joined the Nigerian Navy in 1983; served in various roles including sub-lieutenant, executive officer, commanding officer, and chief of naval staff.
- Key Positions:
- Executive Officer of NNS Siri, NNS Ekun, NNS Ambe
- Commanded the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School and Forward Operating Base Ibaka
- Chief of Naval Staff (2015-2021)
- Diplomatic Service: Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana (2021–2023)
- Recent Appointment: Sole Military Administrator of Rivers State (March 2025)
- Awards: Includes Silver Jubilee Medal, ECOMOG Medal, Forces Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, and Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2022.
- Personal Interests: Enjoys reading, watching documentaries, and playing golf.
- Legacy: Known for strategic leadership, modernization of the Nigerian Navy, and diplomatic efforts to strengthen Nigeria-Ghana relations.
Early Life and Education
Ibok Ekwe Ibas was born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, a town located in Cross River State, Nigeria. He began his primary education at Nko Primary School before moving on to Big Qua Primary School in Calabar.
Ibas later attended the renowned Hope Waddell Training Institute in Calabar, where he furthered his secondary education. It was here that he began to demonstrate leadership qualities that would eventually lead him to the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Military Education
In 1979, Ibas’s aspirations led him to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where he enrolled as a cadet in the 26th Regular Course. His time at the NDA marked the beginning of his illustrious military career, culminating in his commissioning as a sub-lieutenant in 1983. But Ibas’s education didn’t end at the NDA.
His quest for further knowledge and specialization took him to several prestigious military institutions. He received advanced training at INS Venduruthy in India, the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, and the Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia.
He also attended the National Defence College in Islamabad, Pakistan. These international experiences enriched his military acumen, preparing him for future leadership roles in the Nigerian Navy.
Career
Naval Career
Ibas’s naval career spanned several decades, beginning with his commissioning as a sub-lieutenant in 1983. Throughout his military journey, he served in a variety of roles, each contributing to his reputation as a skilled and capable leader.
- Early Sea Assignments: As a young officer, Ibas served on several key Nigerian Navy ships, including NNS Ruwan Yaro, NNS Aradu, and NNS Ekpe.
- Executive Officer Roles: In the mid-1990s, Ibas was appointed as the Executive Officer of several naval vessels, including NNS Siri, NNS Ekun, and NNS Ambe.
- Command Positions: His leadership trajectory continued to rise when he took command of the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School in 1997. A year later, he assumed command of the Forward Operating Base Ibaka.
- Senior Staff Roles: Ibas’s commitment to improving the Nigerian Navy’s operational capabilities saw him assume various senior staff roles, including Chief of Administration and Chief of Logistics. In these positions, he was responsible for overseeing the Navy’s day-to-day operations and ensuring that logistical operations ran smoothly.
- Chief of Naval Staff (2015-2021): Ibas’s most prominent military position was as the Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021. During this time, he led the Nigerian Navy through a period of modernization and expansion, focusing on improving the Navy’s operational readiness, its capacity to defend Nigeria’s maritime interests, and its overall effectiveness in combating piracy and other maritime security challenges.
Diplomatic Service
Following his retirement from the Nigerian Navy, Ibas transitioned into diplomatic service, continuing his legacy of service to Nigeria. From 2021 to 2023, he served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana.
During this time, Ibas played a key role in strengthening the diplomatic and trade relations between the two nations. His expertise in international relations was pivotal in fostering cooperation on various fronts, particularly in matters of mutual interest like security, trade, and regional stability.
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Recent Appointment: Sole Military Administrator of Rivers State
In March 2025, Ibas was appointed as the sole military administrator of Rivers State by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu. His appointment came amid an emergency period in the state, where he was tasked with overseeing the administration of the state during a time of political instability.
Ibas’s military background and leadership experience made him a fitting choice for this role, as he is well-equipped to manage complex security and governance issues in Rivers State.
His leadership is expected to have a profound impact on the state’s political landscape, as he navigates the challenges of governance in a delicate time for the region.
Family Life
Ibok Ekwe Ibas is a family man, married to Barrister Theresa Ibas. Together, they have children and a grandchild. His family plays a crucial role in his support system, providing him with the strength and stability needed to carry out his significant public duties.
Ibok Ekwe Ibas State of Origin and Age
Ibas hails from Nko, a town in Cross River State, Nigeria. As of 2025, he is 64 years old, having been born on September 27, 1960.
Ibok Ekwe Ibas Honorary Awards
Throughout his distinguished career, Ibas has earned numerous awards. Some of the notable awards he has received include:
- Silver Jubilee Medal
- ECOMOG Medal
- Forces Service Star
- Distinguished Service Star
- Admiralty Medal
In 2022, Ibas was conferred with the prestigious Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) by the then-President Muhammadu Buhari, an acknowledgment of his remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s national security and his leadership in the Nigerian Navy.
Personal Interests and Hobbies
Despite his demanding career, Ibas enjoys a range of hobbies that provide him with relaxation and personal fulfillment. He is an avid reader, with a particular interest in reading books on history and strategy. Additionally, he enjoys watching documentaries that focus on military history and international relations, areas in which he has considerable expertise.
Ibas is also a keen golfer, using the sport as a means of unwinding and connecting with colleagues and friends in a more informal setting.
Ibok Ekwe Ibas – FAQs
- Who is Ibok Ekwe Ibas? Ibok Ekwe Ibas is a Nigerian naval officer and statesman who served as the Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021. He was recently appointed as the sole military administrator of Rivers State in 2025.
- What is Ibok Ekwe Ibas’s age? Born on September 27, 1960, Ibas is 64 years old as of 2025.
- What position did Ibok Ekwe Ibas hold before becoming the Sole Administrator of Rivers State? Prior to his appointment as the Sole Military Administrator of Rivers State, Ibas served as the Chief of Naval Staff of Nigeria from 2015 to 2021.
- What awards has Ibok Ekwe Ibas received during his career? Ibas has received several awards, including the Silver Jubilee Medal, Forces Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, and the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).
- Where is Ibok Ekwe Ibas from? Ibok Ekwe Ibas is from Nko, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Conclusion
Ibok Ekwe Ibas’s life and career have been defined by a profound commitment to service, leadership, and national development. From his early days in Cross River State to his distinguished naval career, his contributions have had a lasting impact on Nigeria’s military and diplomatic landscape.
As the sole military administrator of Rivers State, Ibas is poised to continue his legacy of leadership and public service, ensuring that the state navigates its current challenges with strength and resolve.
His career stands as a model of dedication to the nation, and his impact will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of Nigeria’s political and military institutions.
