2019 Elections: A Referendum on Restructuring, Governor Dickson

…Says N/Delta Has Contributed N96 Trillion to National Coffers

Bayelsa State Governor, Honourable Seriake Dickson has renewed his call for a multi-party committee, towards harmonizing critical areas of agreement to enable the APC led Federal Government facilitate the presentation of the necessary bills that could bring about a restructured Nigeria.

Governor Dickson made the call, when he received the report of the Committee on Restructuring and other matters affecting the Ijaw nation in Yenagoa.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Francis Ottah Agbo reaffirmed Governor Dickson's urgent call on the APC led Federal Government to put the machinery in motion, before the next general elections in 2019.

According to him, "with the support of the Peoples’ Democratic Party and other political parties, the federal government can push through, in the quickest time possible, before the next general election, the necessary bills that can bring about a restructured Nigeria."

Making reference to the report of the Restructuring Committee, Governor Dickson said, in spite of the huge oil revenues the country has earned from the Niger Delta over the years, areas such as Brass, Forcados, Ogulagha and Bonny where crude oil terminals are located remain inaccessible by road.

"We have never lost faith in this country and the statistics that you have brought out shows it clearly of all those stories of our sacrifices and commitment to Nigeria.

" You said LNG alone has generated over N11 billion in the last 10 years and you are working with their own figures.

"You said also that from oil revenues from our territory, that Nigeria has earned over 96 trillion naira and you say this country makes over 52 billion naira daily and yet, in the midst of this sacrifice, even as we speak, there is no road to the terminals from which this money is made. No road to Brass, Forcados, Ogulagha and Bonny, that is the plight of our people and yet we continue to believe in Nigeria."

Governor Dickson, who noted that, the people of Ijaw nation would be mobilized to join other well-meaning Nigerians to canvass support for a restructured Nigeria, stressed that, the 2019 election would be a referendum between the proponents of true federalism and those opposed to it.

"For us as a people, 2019 election is going to be a referendum. It’s going to be an election that will separate those who are for a restructured and equitable Nigeria and those who are opposed to it. Our people will be mobilized at all levels to stand by and support those who want an egalitarian Nigeria."

"Your report deals with a very important issue of how our people will survive within the context of a united Nigeria, how we can achieve a stable sustainable, progressive and prosperous Nigeria that is immuned from most of the internal problems threatening to tear it apart.

"Unless we have a stable Nigeria where everybody is happy, treated fairly and have space to manage their internal affairs and grow at their own pace, and yet be in one stable big country, we can't have a peaceful and sustainable Nigeria.

"Our country can only be stable when all parts of the country are stable. Those of us who seek a stable, restructured and equitable Nigeria,  that can be preserved from generation to generation. We are proponents of  a strong united progressive Nigeria, not enemies of Nigeria. Those if us who are asking for a restructured Nigeria are the real believers in the Nigerian project."

"I want to thank all our leaders for believing in Nigeria even with what our people have gone through and continue to go through. We have never list faith in this country and the statistics that you have brought out shows it clearly of all those stories of our sacrifices and commitment to Nigeria."

Presenting the report, Chairman of the Restructuring Committee and other Matters of the Ijaw Nation, Prof. Dagogo Fubara, said the document, which is in 3 volumes capture the Ijaw position on the issue of restructuring the country.

Prof. Fubara also noted that, as the 4th largest ethnic tribe in the country, the report recommended the creation of two additional states of Toru Ebe and Oil Rivers States.

He added that, the report demanded the enthronement of true federalism, operating a fiscal regime as well as special funding for the Niger Delta to address development challenges, including environmental remediation.

Bayelsa Govt Rakes In N1.1bn IGR

Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, Deputy Gov., Bayelsa State

• Posts N7.8bn as Balance for January, 2018

The Bayelsa State Government on Wednesday announced that, it posted the sum of N7.8billion as balance of funds available as at the end of January, this year.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Francis Ottah Agbo, said the state government also declared N1.1billion naira as internally generated revenue for the month of December 2017.

Making the disclosure at the monthly Transparency Media briefing for January this year in Yenagoa, the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Retd) explained that, out of the N13 billion Paris/London Club Refund, the state Government received in December last year, it spent about N5.5billion to pay one and half Months salary arrears owed workers.

According to him, the government expended N3.7bn as full payment of February, 2016 salaries while N1.9bn was used to defray the pending half month salaries of civil servants for August of the same year.

The Deputy Governor announced a gross FAAC inflow of N14.3billion for January, 2018, comprising statutory allocation of N2.9billion, 13% derivation N9.6 billion, Forex utilisation N898 million and VAT of N730million among others.

He said total FAAC deductions gulped N1.6billion, consisting of restructured commercial bank loan of 741 million, bond deductions N421million, refunds of overpayments N128million and Excess Crude Account Facility of N126million, brought net inflow to N12.6billion.

Rear Admiral John Jonah,  however, noted that, other receipts such as December IGR of N1.1billion, other sources N500 million and refunds from Local Government Councils over bailout 16million naira beefed up total funds available for spending to N14.3billion.

According to the Deputy Governor, total outflow for January stood at N12billion comprising bank loans of N2billion, civil servants' salaries N2.9billion, political appointees N297million and salary arrears of N5.5billion for February and August, 2016.

Responding to a question on the reduction of the amount usually paid as civil servants monthly salaries, he explained that, it was due to the separation of N630million government doled out to its tertiary institutions, as grant.

His words "One of the decisions government has taken following the public service reforms committee report, is that tertiary institutions should stand on their own. They will only get grants from government.

"We are no longer adding that amount to our salary bill. That's why you see the salary figure going down from 3.8billion to N2.9billion"

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson described the transparency law enacted by the Restoration Government, as one of the best things that have happened to the state.

Mr Iworiso-Markson, who attributed the impressive transformation in the state to Governor Seriake Dickson's transparency and prudent management of scarce resources, urged successive administrations to obey the law for the benefit of the people.

Gov Dickson Offers Automatic Employment To Corps Member

 .......Tasks Youths On Creativity

Bayelsa State Governor, Honourable Seriake Dickson on Wednesday, offered automatic employment to Mr. Isaac Aladeogo, a youth corps member of Batch A serving in the state. The employment is in recognition and appreciation of his outstanding art works, including his current portrait of the Governor with Ankara fabrics.

A press statement signed by the Governor's Spokesman, Francis Ottah Agbo noted that Dickson announced the automatic employment in Government House, Yenagoa, shortly after Aladeogo presented the  portrait to him. The Governor  said the artist would resume work in the Ministry of Culture and Ijaw National Affairs upon the completion of his one year national assignment. He said the Government was employing the Corps Member to help mentor young Bayelsa artists in nurturing their creative potentials to serve as a source of livelihood. Aladeogo is reputed for sculpting the tallest junk sculpture in University of Benin which is also the tallest in Africa.

Describing Aladeogo, who is a graduate of Applied and Fine Arts from the University of Benin, as a role model for the youths, Governor Dickson observed that, his art works would promote the aesthetics of the state and inspire creativity among the youths.

His words: "You will be in charge of a group that will mentor young artists. In the course of my visiting schools in some communities, I have received a number of presents, art works and so, a number of such persons should be put together, under you to enable them learn from you and tap from you to earn a livelihood"

Responding, Aladeogo expressed appreciation to Governor Dickson for his magnanimity and promised to add value to the aesthetics of the state.

The Corps member noted that, he was inspired by Governor Dickson's penchant for running an all-inclusive government, as well as his love for the ordinary people and God to embark on an art work on the Governor.

Aladeogo promised to build a junk art work at the Ox Bow Lake, Yenagoa that will be taller than the one in University of Benin.

In an interview with newsmen, the Commissioner for Culture and Ijaw National Affairs, Hon. Austin Dressman said, Governor Dickson had always encouraged young people to develop their talents and would continue to support the creative industry in the state.

Akwa Ibom Small And Medium Acale Enterprises Gets Boost As Gov. Udom Emmanuel Flags Off 3rd Phase Of Loan Scheme To Traders

• Akwa Ibom traders set to endorse Udom for 2nd Term

Over 50,000 traders in Akwa Ibom will on Thursday, 1st March 2017, endorse Governor Udom Emmanuel for a second term in office.

The gesture, they say, will be a total display of total support for the Udom Emmanuel administration whose promises of loans and incentives to the business communities across the state have been fulfilled.

Speaking with newsmen on yesterday in Uyo, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Traders and Market Matters, Akparawa Idorenyin Raphael said the event will hold at the popular Etaha Itam Market with over 50,000 Traders in attendance across the state. . The SA also hinted that aside the grand endorsement by the traders, the event will also feature the presentation of the third phase of Akwa Ibom State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund, Loans to traders and co-operative societies by the Governor.

“It will be the first of its kind as well as the mother of all endorsements so far” he added.

Akparawa Idorenyin hinted that all Traders resident in Akwa Ibom, friends, supporters and well-wishers have been invited to turn up en- masse for the event as H.E. Mr. Udom Emmanuel and his dear wife, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel, are expected as the Special Guests of Honour.

The Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke and Secretary to State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, are expected as Guests of Honour.

Others are Members of the State House of Assembly, Members of the State Executive Council and Members of the Public.

Sylva's kinsman, Nathaniel, Ranks Up With Dickson

Wednesday, Timipre Sylva's kinsman and former chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Hon. Nathaniel Sylva, paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson in his office at the Government House, Yenagoa.

Sylva, who is a cousin to former Governor Timipre Sylva, is also a former Chairman of Brass Local Government under the Sylva administration.

In a chat with Government House Press Corps after the visit, Hon. Sylva commended Governor Dickson for the giant development strides the Dickson-led-Restoration Government has recorded in the state.

Meanwhile, reports have it that Hon. Sylva has already dumped the APC ship, and though no official statement has been made in reference to his next destination, there are very strong pointers to the fact he might possibly consider a return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

2018 Africa SME Roundtable Forum: Bayelsa MEDA Releases VIP List Of Expected Attendees

With less than 48 hours to the official opening ceremony of the 2018 Africa SME  Roundtable Forum slated for Thursday through Saturday, March 1 - 3, 2018 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the State Government has released the list of VIPs who barring last minute changes are expected to grace the august meeting.                                                                                                  
In a release signed by Mr. Ebiekure Jasper Eradiri, the Director-General of Bayelsa State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency(BYMEDA), over thirty (30) very important personalities are expected to storm the oil-rich State for the 3-day convoke.  

Top on the list are:

Alhaji Babale Girei, President, World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (WASME);
Hon.Geoffrey Onyeama - Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria;
Hon. Okechukwu Enelamah - Hon. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigeria;
Hajiya Aisha Abubakar - Hon. Minister for State, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, Nigeria;
His Excellency, Bholah Soomilduth, Minister for SME, Enterprise & Cooperatives, Republic of Mauritius;
Hon.Biendi Maganga-Moussavou, Minister, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Craft, Industry and Trade, Gabon;
Hon. Vincent Munyeshyaka, Minister of Trade & Industry, Rwanda;
Mr. Jean-Louis Billon, Minister for Trade, Craft and SMEs Promotion, Ivory Coast;
Dr. Benedict Okey Oramah, Managing Director, Africa Export-Import Bank as well as Mr. Ferdi Moolman, Managing Director/CEO, MTN Nigeria.                         

The list also has Engr. Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB);

Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda, Director General, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN);
Her Excellency, Odette Melono, Dean, African Group of Ambassadors;
Alhaji, Mohammed Babandede Controller-General, Nigerian Immigration Service;
Mr. Abdulkhaliq Albadran, General Manager, GroFin Nigeria;
Mr. Jonah Antonie Doyer, Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc;
Mr. Anders Einarsson, Managing Director, Promasidor Nigeria Plc;
Mr. Elvis Ogiemwanye, Director, Brands and Communications, 9 Mobile Nigeria;
Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, Managing Director/CEO, Airtel Nigeria
and Mr. Boye Olusanya, Chief Executive Officer/ MD, 9 Mobile Nigeria.
 Mr. Michel Arrion, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria;
His Excellency, Marcel Alain De Souza, President, ECOWAS;
Ms. Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director/CEO, Dangote Foundation, Nigeria;
Country Manager, CNBC Africa, Nigeria;
H.E, Joseph Habineza, Fomer Rwanda Ambassador to Nigeria;
Mrs. Sampa Bannerjee , Founder/CEO, Society For Advancement of Village Economy (SAVE);
Dr. Rose Mboya, Head, Intelectual Property Division, Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI);
Ms. Bongiwe Mkhize, Government and International Relation Desk Officer, Ethekwini Municipality, Durban, South-Africa;
Mr. Didier Acoutey, President, African Guarantee Fund;
H.E, Kheswar Jankee Mauritius, Ambassador to Germany;
Hon. Victor Grange Mehile, Former Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Equitorial Guinea;
Mr Peter Obi, Former Governor of Anambra State;
Mr. Olukayode Pitan, CEO/MD, Bank of Industry and
Mrs Julie Donli D.G NAPTIP amongst others are also expected to be present at the event.                                                         
Bayelsa State is co-hosting the event initiated by the Knight Lambert Foundation and endorsed by the World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (WASME).                                                                                 
Themed ''The Position of Africa SMEs within the Global Economy: Unlocking Market Opportunities’’, the event will promote and accelerate SMEs development  in Africa, provide a platform of networking among entrepreneurs as well as encourage the growth of SMEs in Africa.

                                                                                                    Geared at awakening the SMEs in Africa for the necessary growth of African economies, the African Union and its related bodies are inclined to attend with a view of examining policies, strategies, best solutions and programs to upgrade African SMEs and launch them into new growth trajectories.                                                          

The 3-day convoke will amongst others showcase an African Sister-Cities Trade Expo to boost Inter-African Trade, promote bilateral relations as well as provide a platform for Business-to-Business (B2B)/Business-to-Government (B2G) opportunities.

There will also be a Made in Bayelsa Trade Fair designed to boost SMEs in the State and create avenues for business networking. It will further promote locally-sourced for and manufactured products.

Bayelsa Commissioner Urges FG, IOCs In The N’ Delta To Draw Up A New Fiscal Regime To Address Underdevelopment

Elder Markson Fefegha

The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Elder Markson Fefegha, has called on the Federal Government and the International Oil Companies,(IOCs), operating in the Niger Delta Region to urgently address the glaring neglect and underdevelopment of the area, as a panacea for peace in the region.

Elder Fefegha was speaking as a panelist in a session on the topic: “Maximizing Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Potential: Learning from the Past; Preparing for the Future”, which was chaired by Chief Don Etiebet, a former Minister of Petroleum Resources at the just concluded Nigeria International Petroleum Summit organized by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum in Abuja.

Citing Oloibiri as a glaring symbol of neglect and deprivation of the oil producing areas, the Commissioner maintained that, there should be inclusiveness and deliberate plans to reverse the underdevelopment in the region.

This, he maintained, could be achieved by drawing up a more robust and comprehensive Fiscal Regime by the Federal Government, through legislations and policy framework implemented by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources. 

Quoting Governor Dickson, Fefegha noted that, a purposeful inclusion of the Oil Producing Areas for development is necessary, because “ what others call Oil Wells are indeed the ancestral properties of the people of the Niger Delta Region”.

“We Are Prepared To Host Africa ” – DG, Bayelsa MEDA

Mr. Ebiekure Jasper Eradiri

Bayelsa State is set to host global leaders storming Yenagoa within the week for the 2018 Africa SME Roundtable. Mr. Ebiekure Jasper Eradiri, the Director-General of  Bayelsa State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency(BYMEDA), created time out of his busy schedule to brief newsmen on the 3-day event.  

                                                                              QUE: For the benefit of those who have never heard of or had contacts with you; who essentially  is Mr. Ebiekure Jasper Eradiri?      

ANS: My name is Ebiekure Jasper Eradiri. Firstly I am a Bayelsan. A Hive Africa Global Leader,A Governing body member of the World Association for Small & Medium Enterprises ( WASME) ),former Advisor to Governor of Bayelsa State on SME and  Presently, I serve the Restoration Government of Governor Seriake Dickson as the Director-General, Bayelsa State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency.  

QUE: The world is coming to Bayelsa State later this week at the hosting instance of the Bayelsa State Microfinance & Enterprise Development Agency. What is it all about and how was the hosting right granted?      

ANS: Well,we are only Co-host as the event is initiated by the Knight Lambert Foundation but endorsed   blood y the World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (WASME) the city of Yenagoa, Bayelsa was considered the preferred city  to host the 2018 Africa Roundtable Event due to the Commendable strides and efforts at SME development by H.E Governor Henry Seriake Dickson.The formal letter was communicated ‎ to the Bayelsa State Government through the Bayelsa State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (BYMEDA) in the last quarter of 2018.It may suffice to inform that the Bayelsa State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (BYMEDA) is the foremost parastatal of the State Government mandated by law to promote, develop and support the growth of MSMEs in the State.  The event is scheduled for Thursday March 1 through Saturday, March 3, 2018 at the Chief D. S. P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall.                              

QUE: What is the theme of the event and what does it objectively entail?    

ANS: The event is themed ''The Position of Africa SMEs within the Global Economy: Unlocking Market Opportunities’’, Objectively the event will promote and accelerate SMEs development  in Africa, provide a platform of networking among entrepreneurs as well as encourage the growth of SMEs in Africa. More roundly phrased, I would say it is geared at awakening the SMEs in Africa for the necessary growth of African economies.

QUE: Who are the likely guests and participants expected to grace the event?                            

ANS: So far, about 15 African Countries, 25 African Development Finance Institutions, about 10 Global SME Funding Support Institutions, SME Experts, Angel Investors, Crowd Funders, Venture Capitalists, Franchise Agencies, etc. have indicated interest to attend the event.

Furthermore, Trade and Finance Ministers, Government Agencies, Entrepreneurs, Academia, Business Membership Organizations, Banks etc are also expected to actively participate at the event.

The event promotes some objectives of the African Union even as its related bodies are inclined to attend with a view of examining policies, strategies, best solutions and programs to upgrade African SMEs and launch them into new growth trajectories.  

QUE: Can you please give us a highlight of the major activities lined up for the event?  

ANS: The 3-day convoke will amongst others showcase an African Sister-Cities Trade Expo to boost Inter-African Trade, promote bilateral relations as well as provide a platform for Business-to-Business (B2B)/Business-to-Government (B2G) opportunities.

There will also be a Made in Bayelsa Trade Fair designed to boost SMEs in the State and create avenues for business networking. It will further promote locally-sourced for and manufactured products.     
   
Other major highlights of the event will include: Inauguration of the All Africa Association for SME (AAASME) by Alhaji Babale Girei (President, World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises - WASME); Unveiling of the SME Compendium: 6 Years of Bayelsa State Restoration Government; SME Solution Centre; Inaugural Board Meeting of All Africa  Association for SME (AAASME) amongst others.                       

QUE: How prepared are you to host the world and compared  to previous editions, how do you think, Bayelsa 2018 Africa SME Roundtable  will stand out?                        

ANS: We can proudly say that we are at the stage of crossing the 't's' and dotting the 'i's'. So barring any last minute changes, we are prepared to shock the world. Why do I say so? The segment on Technical Roundtable Sessions will feature  keynotes on SME Policy etc from some of the world's best players in the economic terrain. We expect topics like "Institutional Roles of Government in Promoting SMEs and Entrepreneurship in Africa".  Other topics that will be diagnostically treated by renowned industry players include: The Pragmatic Solution to Mitigate Africa - Europe Migration/ Refugee Challenge; Lead Speaker - Mr. Michel Arrion (European Ambassador to Nigeria); SME Finance; A Critical Factor for Promoting Economic Development in Africa; SME Opportunities In Oil and Gas Sector;  A Local Content Recipe for African Nations; Lead Speaker - Engr. Simbi Wabote (Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board); Information, Communication & Technology; A Tool for Accelerated Transformation of SMEs; Green Economy & Green Growth for SMEs; Lead Speaker - Mr. Msibi J. Dumisani, (Group Managing Director, Fincorp Mbabane, Swaziland); as well as Enterprise Development Ecosystem; Driving Inclusive Growth for Women and Youth Enterprises in Africa; Lead  Speaker -  Hon. Aisha Abubakar (Honourable Minister of State, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment).

There will also be a  minimum of six well-equipped Panelists comprising Heads of Governments,  Ministers, Successful Entrepreneurs amongst others to dissect the several lectures.                                   

QUE: Is there any last word?

ANS: The event will be another opportunity to showcase Bayelsa State to the world; and that is the more reason, we planned the event to be concluded with an experience tour to some of the significant sites in Bayelsa State like visits to the First Oil Well in Nigeria, University of Africa and Bayelsa State Ecumenical Centre.                    However. the event will formally come to an end on Saturday, March 3, 2018, while guests and participants departs on Saturday, March 4, 2018.

GOVERNOR SERIAKE DICKSON FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT KICKS OFF IN MARCH

• COMMUNITIES , TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS BATTLE FOR N11M PRIZE MONEY

 The second edition of the Governor Seriake Dickson Football Competition, tagged, The Restoration Cup 2018, will kick - off in March.

Director General of the competition, Ono Akpe, who disclosed this in Yenagoa, reiterated that this year's edition is strictly for communities as well as tertiary institutions in Bayelsa state.

A statement signed by the tournament's  Director General, says all communities interested in participating in the football competition, are to pick their forms at the Ijaw House, along the Sani Abacha expressway in Yenagoa.

The sale of forms will commence on Monday, 26th, and will last for just two weeks, to enable the organisers conduct the draws and then kick off the tournament proper. 

According to the statement, the competition, which will be played across  communities in the state, is strictly on knock-out basis, and only the final two teams will emerge from the eight local council areas, while the Round of sixteen, will take place at the brand new turf, at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, in Yenagoa.

The Director General also stressed that the prize money remains the same as the maiden edition. The winners will get five million naira (#5,000,000) three million naira (#3,000,000), for the second best team, while the third best team will smile home with two million naira (#2,000,000).

There are also consolation prizes such as five hundred thousand naira (#500,000) for the fourth best team, two hundred thousand naira (#200,000), for the best behaved team, and one hundred thousand naira (#100,000) each for the best goalkeeper, highest goal scorer, and of course, the most valuable player.

Ono Akpe added that a set of jersey will be provided for all participating teams after registration, stressing that no team will be allowed to register after the deadline. 

He added that some former footballers and other scouts will be at match venues to pick outstanding players from the competition.

 "Nigeria's only FIFA recognised football agent who is also a co-sponsor of the tournament Ebi Egbe ( also known as Monimichelle) shall be on hand to look out  for budding talents that abound in Bayelsa" Akpe said.

He called on well meaning Bayelsa, Nigerians and  corporate organisations to support this initiative which is billed to foster peace and harmony in the state. 

He used the medium to remind football lovers, fans, and would-be participating teams, that the essence of the tournament is to discover budding talents, unite various communities and promote peace and harmonious living among Bayelsans

"Not only will this tournament foster unity it will also engage our young men and keep them away from mischief " he noted.

Governor Dickson Sign Four Bills Into Law

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Konbowei Benson, Clerk of the House, Mr. Timiye Aaron, and the Deputy Clerk of the House, Mr. Owudogu K. Edward, during the signing of 4 bills into law by the Governor, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Yenagoa. The bills are: School of Midwifery Law, 2018; Primary Health Care Development Board Law, 2018; Physical Planning & Development (Amendment) Law, 2018; and the Compulsory Primary & Secondary Education Law, 2018.

Governor Seriake Dickson has today, 21st February signed four bills passed by the State House of Assembly into law.

The laws are:

1) School Of Midwifery Law 2018

2) Primary Health Care Development Board Law 2018.

3) Physical Planning And Development Amendment Law 2018 and

4) Compulsory Primary And Secondary Education Law 2018

Bayelsa, Bristow Helicopters Sign MOU For Seaplane Transportation

Director, Africa Operations, Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Dapo Oyeleke (right) assisted by the Managing Director, Bayelsa Air Lines, Capt. Henry Ungbuku (2^nd right) handing over copies of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Bayelsa Airlines and Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Ltd for their services in the State at the Grand Pavilion and Boat Club, Yenagoa, while the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah retd, (left) looks on.

• Also to Boost Tourism, Business Operations, Reduce Travel Time 
• Commuters to Travel Direct from Yenagoa to Lagos, Abuja, Others

The Bayelsa Airlines, has this Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Bristow Helicopters, to provide quality aviation services in the state.

Speaking at the signing ceremony at the newly inaugurated Grand Pavilion and Boat Club, Oxbow Lake, in Yenagoa, Governor Seriake Dickson described the initiative as part of efforts by the state government to ease transportation for commuters both within and outside the state.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Francis Ottah Agbo, the Governor explained that, the partnership agreement would go a long way in boosting tourism, business operations as well as reduce travel time from Yenagoa to Lagos and other parts of the country.

The Governor, who noted that, the Government's involvement in the deal was partly to ensure affordability, called on Bayelsans, corporate organisations and the general public to avail themselves of the services, stressing that, the Yenagoa Heliport, which was recently renamed after King Diete-Spiff have since been providing shuttle services.

Reaffirming his administration's commitment to actualising its policy of taking Bayelsa to the world and bringing the world to Bayelsa, the governor stated that the Bayelsa Cargo International Airport will be completed, commissioned and put to use this year.

Governor Dickson, who announced a ban on fishing, dredging and farming activities around the Oxbow lake axis, also restated the Government's readiness to acquire more land in the area and pay appropriate compensation to the owners.

His words; “Today we are here to witness a seaplane land in Yenagoa in furtherance of our objective of taking Bayelsa to the world and bringing the world to Bayelsa.

Our state is prepared to partner with the private sector, as it is open and safe for business. Bayelsa is the world's best kept secret and that is why we will keep cresting a conducive environment for the private sector to come here to unveil this secret and tap the potentials that abound. The services Bristow would render, is to take our people in Bayelsa, right from Yenagoa straight to Lagos, Abuja and to all our communities.

"This Seaplane can land both in water and on the runway. I, therefore, urge all our people, instead of travelling to other places to board aeroplane, come to Oxbow Lake when you want to travel. I am told their services would be affordable. As you all can attest, our state has changed for good. In the next two years, we would still be consolidating for more positive change and I assure you, you haven’t seen anything yet”.

In their separate remarks, the Director General of Bayelsa Investment Promotion Agency, BIPA, Ms Patience Abah and Managing Director, Bayelsa Airlines, Mr Henry Ungbuku expressed optimism that, the  air transport services with terminals at the Oxbow Lake and the King A. P. Diete-Spiff Heliport, Onopa, would enhance business, tourism and wealth creation.

On his part, representative of Bristow Helicopters, Dapo Oyeleke thanked the state government for not only creating the enabling environment for the private sector to thrive, but also showing commitment to the partnership, especially with the signing of the MoU.

Highpoints of the event, was the landing of a Bristow Seaplane with registration number 5N-BIW at about Ten O’clock in the morning at the Oxbow Lake as well as a ride with Governor Seriake Dickson, his Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Retd) and Chairman of the state Traditional Rulers Council, King Alfred Diete-Spiff on board.

Gov Dickson Urges IOCs, Other Corporate Bodies To Contribute To Education Trust Fund

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson (L), receives a report from the Chairman, State Educational Trust Fund Board, Prof. Turner Isoun, during a meeting in Government House, Yenagoa.

• Government spends N500M out of N800M in one year

• Urges Bayelsans to own the Trust Fund

Bayelsa State Governor, Honourable Seriake Dickson on Tuesday, urged the private sector, particularly corporate organizations and individuals to make contributions to the State Education Development Trust Fund to enable indigent children acquire free and qualitative education.

Governor Dickson stated this when members of the Board of the Education Development Trust Fund, led by its Chairman, Prof. Turner Isoun presented the 2017 report of the board to him in Government House, Yenagoa.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Francis Ottah Agbo, said the programme is targeted at delivering what he calls, "the democratization of knowledge" in the state.

Calling on the people of the state to take ownership of the education programme, Governor Dickson noted that, the Education Development Trust Fund was aimed at strengthening education, where children are drawn from indigent backgrounds towards increasing the literacy level.

Commending the Chairman and members of the board for the prudent management of the funds, he directed the board in collaboration with the Ministries of Information and Orientation as well as Education Ministry to create the necessary awareness on the need for people to identify with the education policy.

His words: "I call on our people to own this programme, which is for your benefit. This programme is to deepen education and deliver what, I always call, the democratization of knowledge,  where we are taking children from the underprivileged circumstances and backgrounds and putting them in boarding secondary schools and taking responsibility for their feeding, clothing, books and everything."

"We are doing that now and the schools are in all the local government areas and we are still working on more. I call on the Board to increase their enlightenment. I want to direct the Commissioner for Education and Ministry of Information also to jointly, working together with the board,  to increase the awareness on behalf of the people about the benefits of this programme and then, most importantly, about their duties.

"I also want to use this opportunity to call on the private sector, especially, the international oil companies that have been making billions of dollars on this soil without giving much back. I want to call for collaboration."

"I have mandated the chairman and the board to establish contacts with all local and international companies that are operating in this state to assess and impose a special levy.

"The law provides for the board to assess and levy individuals and leaders of this state irrespective of where they may reside. We expect the board to do more especially in the area of increasing their dragnet."

Presenting the annual report, Chairman of the Education Development Trust Fund Board, Prof. Turner Isoun, said the board had a receipt of about N800 million out of which, N300 million was spent leaving a balance of N500 million.

Prof. Isoun said the fund would go a long way in addressing the challenges in the education sector and assist the people participate effectively in a knowledge-driven economy.

In an interview with newsmen shortly after the presentation of the report, the Commissioner for Education, Honourable Jonathan Obuebite and his Information and Orientation counterpart, Honourable Daniel Iworiso Markson, said the fund was instituted to ensure sustainability of the gains in the education sector as well as secure the future of  the children.

Describing the educational programme as highly commendable. They added that with the fund in place, indigent children would have easy access to free quality education.

Sixth Anniversary: Bayelsa Government Thanks Obasanjo, Others For Sharing In Their Joy

Bayelsa State Government has thanked former President Olusegun Obasanjo for spending three days in the state, commissioning remarkable projects such as the Bayelsa Specialist Hospital, World class Diagnostic Center and the Aquaculture village with 500 fish ponds.

The commissioning of the projects was part of activities marking the sixth anniversary of the Governor Henry Seriake Dickson's Restoration Government which also saw the former president inspiring future leaders of the state during a special interactive session at the Ijaw National Academy.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson in a statement released on Sunday said Obasanjo's visit to Bayelsa was a rare privilege and a great honour to the government and people of the oil rich and fast developing state.

According to him the historic visit will remain memorable in the annals of the state while noting that‎ the former Nigerian leader came despite his very busy schedule. 

The Commissioner also commended immediate past President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience for hosting Obasanjo in their country home in Otuoke.

He also thanked former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, former Deputy ‎Governor of Sokoto State, Murktar Shagari, former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana for commissioning the Bayelsa Health Insurance Scheme office, Malaria, Tuberclosis, HIV/AIDS Research Center and the Information House respectively. 

Iworiso-Markson equally applauded ‎the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by the national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus for taking part in the grand rally which saw over 6, 000 members of the APC returning to its fold and commissioning of the magnificent Grand Pavillion and Boat Club, Oxbow lake.

The statement also commended Former Information Ministers, John Odey and Labaran Maku, former Governor of Old Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Alani Akinrinade (rtd) and other very prominent Nigerians including top media executives, editors and columnist who joined in the celebration of the sixth anniversary.

Also mentioned in the thank you statement were the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers‎ led by the chairman, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, civil society groups, professional bodies, youth and women association, past leaders, top government functionaries and other notable citizens of the state as well as Bayelsans in general.

Above all, the Information commissioner expressed gratitude to God, the people as well as friends of the state for their prayers, encouragement and unwavering support for the Governor Dickson-led administration in the past six years.

Obasanjo To Carry Medical Check Ups In Bayelsa

…….Says Dickson’s Investments in Health Will Turn Bayelsa to Medical Tourism Hub

Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, over the weekend said, the huge investments by Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State at ensuring quality healthcare delivery would soon turn the state into a medical tourism hub in the country.

A press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Francis Ottah Agbo, says Chief Obasanjo, who stated this during a command performance in his honour at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa, said he would henceforth visit the state regularly to have his medical check-ups. Obasanjo had during his three-Day visit to Bayelsa commissioned several legacy projects, including the World-Class Diagnostic Centre, Bayelsa State Specialist Hospital, the Bayelsa State Drug Distribution  Centre in Yenagoa and the Aquaculture Village in Igbogene

He also interacted with students of the flagship free Model Boarding School, Ijaw National Academy, Kaima as well as enrolling in the state Health Insurance Scheme, there by becoming an honorary enrollees of the scheme. 

The former President, noted with satisfaction, the level of development that has transformed the state, especially in the area of education, health, infrastructure, tourism among others, stressing that, he would testify what he has seen to the world.

According to him, Governor Dickson's placement of education at the top of his administration's agenda, is a means to eradicate poverty, curb insecurity and create jobs for the teeming youths in the state, and called on investors within and outside the country to take advantage of the prevailing security, peace and stability in the state.

Chief Obasanjo lauded Governor Dickson for recognising and honouring past and serving leaders of the state for their immense contributions to the development and growth of the state. The former President described Dickson as an emerging statesman and a Transformational  leader stressing that anybody who wanted to see transformation should come to Dickson's Bayelsa.  

Obasanjo thanked Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, political and traditional leaders, stakeholders as well women and youths in the state for their support and encouragement which has enabled the succeed so far.

In his remarks, former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan congratulated Governor Dickson’s policies, programmes and projects, which have led to the unprecedented level of development in all sectors of the state.

He also used the occasion to call on Bayelsans to continue to support the governor to consolidate on his achievements in the remaining two years of his tenure, stressing that, Bayelsa State is one of the safest, secure and stable states in the country for investments.

The former President Jonathan thanked Governor Dickson for providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, citing the collaboration of the government and the Azikel Group, as a sign of greater things to come for the State.

On his part, Governor Dickson thanked both former Presidents Obasanjo and Jonathan for their exemplary lifestyles and roles in the country and in the state, and called on leaders at all levels to collaborate with the government to ensure the attainment of a well secured, stable and progressive State.

Governor Dickson, who lamented the over-dependence on government's resources, pointed out that, Dr. Azibapu Eruani's Azikel Refinery has sent a powerful message to the investing public that Bayelsa is hub for investment in the country.

OBJ, Jonathan, Dickson Harp On True Reconciliation, Unity In Nigeria

L-R: Wife of the former President, Dame Patience Jonathan, her husband, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson and the Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty, King ALFRED Diete Spiff during a Church Service at the St. Stephen’s Church Otuoke in Ogbia Local Government Area of the State.

Former Presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State have reaffirmed their call on Nigerians to embrace peace and unity for the good of the country.

The leaders spoke on Sunday during a Thanksgiving Service for the successful groundbreaking ceremony of the Azikel Refinery, at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of the State.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Francis Ottah Agbo, quoted Chief Obasanjo as saying that, leaders particularly the political class must work for unity, peace and genuine reconciliation, irrespective of tribe, religion and political affiliation.

Chief Obasanjo, who heralded his speech with one of his favourite hymns, "Amazing Grace," noted that, God has blessed Nigeria with all the prerequisites of greatness.

He urged Nigerians to learn from history rather than make the same mistakes and expect to have a better result.

His words: "In a country, like Nigeria, unless we preach, teach and practice reconciliation, then, we will not have peace. And unless, we have peace, we will not have development. And unless, we have development, we will not have growth. 

"And without growth, we will not come out of poverty. Even if some of us are exceptionally lucky and are able to get out, majority of us will be writhing in poverty and that's not what God has ordained for this country.

" This nation is a land flowing with milk and honey and a land of plenty and prosperity."

In his remarks, former President Jonathan, who corroborated the views of Chief Obasanjo said, God has not made a mistake by bringing people of diverse culture and religion together as a nation.

Dr. Jonathan, therefore, expressed optimism of a better Nigeria in the near future, stressing that the country is not as bad as it is being portrayed in some sections of the media.

"Just as President Obasanjo said, the crowning of this event, is the children that came out here to perform in different languages and dance steps. That is what this country should be and I pray that, as we progress as a nation, one day, all the churches and mosques will bring children to do this kind of dance drama so that we all will know the message of unity should be carried on.

" And of course, if you listen to the radio, watch television and go especially to the social media, then you'll feel as if the country is hanging on a keg of gunpowder that can explode any day."

Also emphasizing the need for peace, Governor Dickson said, his administration has been building bridges of unity within and outside the state.

Governor Dickson, who appreciated Chief Obasanjo for his time in Bayelsa and his fatherly counsel, assured that, the state would continue to hold him in high esteem for his support.

"In the course of this visit, we have showcased our very special state to the rest of the country and to the world. Essentially, we have a state in Bayelsa that is at peace with itself and with the country and the rest of the world.

" A state that is at the epicenter of all things that are good. We want to thank our president, father and leader for encouraging, supporting and counselling us. We assure him that he will continue to be our father."

Earlier in a sermon, the Bishop of Ogbia Diocese, Rt. Rev. James Aye-Oruwori, enjoined Nigerians to shun all divisive tendencies and trust in God, who alone has the powers to salvage the country from its current woes.

Dignitaries at the service include, wife of the former President Jonathan, Dame Patience Jonathan, his mother, Eunice, Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah, Chairman, Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council, King Alfred Diete Spiff, former Managing Director, NDDC, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe and President of Azikel Group, Dr. Godbless Eruani