Saturday 28 April 2018

Nigerian Television Authority Bow Out Of Restoration Cup In Style After Marathon Penalty Shoot Out




Foremost Media giant, Nigeria Television Authority, (NTA), on Saturday, were shown the exit door of the Governor Seriake Dickson Football Tournament, after losing on penalties.


The media boys proved that they are not just information seekers and broadcasters, but also good at the round leather game, as they played out a goalless draw with Famgbe Community at the BDGS match centre in Yenagoa.


At the shoot out, both teams showed resilience, scoring nineteen spot kicks, but it was Famgbe FC who had the last laugh, after NTA lost their 20th spot kick, loosing 19-20 to Famgbe community.


Still at the BDGS match centre, the second match witnessed Agbura Community losing 4-2 on penalties to Akenfa Community, after it ended two all at regulation time.


Two matches were played at the Tombia center with Yenagoa FC progressing to the next round as they beat Biogbolo FC 5-4 on penalty shoot-out, after scoring two goals apiece in 90 minutes of play in the first game, while Yenizue-gene FC beat Ovom FC 4-2 on penalties after a One all draw at regulation time in the second game.


The Okodia/Zarama match centre also came live with two exciting matches, with Kpansia community progressing to the next round after beating Nedugo-Agbia by a lone goal, while Tein Community, saw off Zarama by the same scoreline.


At the Brass Centre, Buo-ama Community FC defeated Mini-Amgba Community FC by two unreplied goals to progress to the next round.



Restoration Cup 2018 Results

BDGS CENTRE:

Famgbe 0 (20) vs 0/(19) NTA

Akenfa 2 (5) vs 2 (4) Agbura


TOMBIA CENTER:

Yenizue-Gene 1 (4) vs 1 (2) Ovom

Yenagoa 2 (5) vs 2 (4) Biogbolo


OKORDIA/ZARAMA CENTER:

Tein 1 vs 0 Zarama

Nedugo-Agbia 0 vs 1 Kpansia


BRASS CENTRE:

Buo-ama 2 vs 0 Mini-Amgba

GOV DICKSON FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT KICKS OFF IN YENAGOA, AS DEPUTY GOVERNOR, OTHERS LAUD INITIATIVES



…CHRISTOPHER JUNIOR SCORES HAT TRICK AS AGUDAMA COMMUNITY FC THRASH ONOPA COMMUNITY FC 3-0.

Deputy Governor of Bayelsa state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, (rtd) at the weekend in Yenagoa took the ceremonial kick off of the second edition of the Governor Seriake Dickson Football Tournament, tagged Restoration Cup 2018.

The kick off which had in attendance notable personalities including sport analysts within and outside the state witnessed an encounter between Agudama- Epie and Onopa communities. It ended three nil in favour of the former.

Rear Admiral Jonah enjoined the youth to eschew violence and other vices, rather they should deplore their energies to profitable venture.

He warned them against being used by self centred politicians, especially now that the 2019 general elections is around the corner.

Speaking in the same vein, the Bayelsa Sports Commissioner, Perekiye Buruboyefe, lauded the vision of the competition just as he called on the 136 participating teams to be peaceful, which he stressed was part of the aim of the competition.

He called on youths in the state to be law abiding and take advantage of the numerous policies and programmes of the Governor Seriake Dickson administration, such as the Restoration Cup, to better their lot.

The opening match produced a hat-trick by Junior Christopher of Agudama Epie who went home with the match ball.

The recipient commended the organisers of the competition for giving him the opportunity to showcase his skills.

He expressed his team's readiness to win the tournament and said he plans to be among the best players from the competition.

Highpoint of the kickoff was the reading of the tournament's pledge by captain of the Onopa team on behalf of the participants, which is to ensure a cultism-free, drug abuse-free and violence-free Bayelsa.

Thursday 26 April 2018

Governor Seriake Dickson Football Tournament (Restoration Cup 2018) Kicks Off Today



RESTORATION CUP 2018

The Central Working Committee of the Governor Seriake Dickson Football Tournament (Restoration Cup 2018) wishes to inform all registered communities and the general public that the competition kicks off on Friday, April 27, 2018.

The first game is between Agudama community and Onopa community.

Venue: Samson Siasia Sports Complex 

Time: 3pm

Kick-off by Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd) and supported by Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Kemela Okara.

There will be a march past of all the registered communities from the Yenagoa Local Government Area only.

The teams are to dress in their official jerseys.

All political appointees, chairman and officials of the Bayelsa Football Association, Bayelsa Referees Association, sports writers, football coaches, ex-footballers, captains of all registered communities, football stakeholders and the general public are cordially invited.

Signed

Hon. Daniel Alabrah
Media Director

Restoration Cup... towards a cultism-free, drug abuse-free and violence-free Bayelsa

Tuesday 24 April 2018

Gov Dickson Receives Victorious Gold medalists, doles Out Millions To Them



Bayelsa State Governor, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson has doled out millions of naira to the victorious Bayelsa contingents to the Common Wealth Games in Gold coast, Australia.

A press statement signed by the Governor's Chief Press Secretary, Francis Ottah Agbo stated that a total of eight medals were won: three gold, two silver and three bronze medals.

The gold medalists include Bayelsa-born Blessing Oborodudu in the 68 kg Class, Aminat Adeniyi in the 62 kg and Adekuroye Odunayo in the 57 kg class, all in the female freestyle. Onyebuchi Blessing won silver in the women's 76kg and Melvin Bibo in the men's 86kg division.

Amas Daniel and Ebikewenimo Welson won bronze medal in men's 65kg and 57kg weight classes while Samuel Boss captured bronze in the women's 53kg.

Speaking today at the Council Chamber, Government House, the Governor congratulated the champions for making Bayelsa State proud. While noting that the state is the headquarters of Wrestling in Nigeria and Africa, Governor Dickson said he will not relent to consolidate on the gains recorded by the wrestlers in the recently concluded competition in Gold coast. He said Bayelsa communities have wrestling champions waiting to be harnessed and supported. He expressed confidence that the state will continue to dominate future championships. 

He said: "I want to congratulate you for winning medals making Bayelsa State proud once more. Bayelsa is the headquarters of Wrestling in Nigeria and Africa. We are serious about promoting and supporting Sports in this state. Every Bayelsan is a wrestler. Before the end of this year, we shall commission a wrestling Gymnasium we have started building. We have a way of supporting and encouraging all sports men/women. All gold medalists will go home with one million, five hundred thousand naira, Silver medalists will go home with one million naira only, bronze medalists to get seven hundred thousand naira only while participants who didn't win medals will smile home with the sum of five hundred thousand naira only. Coaches to get one million each and the medical personnel will also have a handshake from the Governor."

In his remarks, Hon Daniel Igali, President Nigeria Wrestling Federation and Vice President of Commonwealth Wrestling commended the Governor for creating the enabling environment for the wrestlers to prepare for the games, stressing that his support served as an inspiration to the medalists.

Dickson Establishes Varsity Education Loan Board In Bayelsa



The Governor of Bayelsa State, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson has signed into law, the Bill establishing the Bayelsa State Students Tertiary Education Loan Board.

Dickson said that the board specially designed to provide unfettered access to tertiary education in the state would be inaugurated in the next two weeks.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, quoted the governor as having said that a percentage of the state’s monthly internally generated revenue would be committed by law to fund the board.

The governor explained that funding of the new board would be similar to the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Funds which was established by law to guarantee the arrangement for free education at the primary and secondary school levels in the state.

Dickson said that the new board was being established with a consciousness to ensure that no Bayelsa youth with the requisite qualification and intent for university or tertiary education was deprived access to such schools because lack of funds.

“We have also taken care of the issue of access in another way that i have not heard done in any state in this country. Your government has also established the Bayelsa State Student Tertiary Education Loan Board Law. I have signed that bill into law, and in the next one or two weeks I will be setting up that board.

“And just as we dedicated 5% of the internally generated revenue of our state to the Education Development Trust Fund, the Government of Bayelsa State will also every month, allocate some amount of money that I will announce shortly to the funding of the Student loan Board.

“The whole idea is that we don’t want any Bayelsa youth, boy or girl, whatever your background may be, whatever your circumstances in life maybe, (once you have the basic qualifications that will enable you to gain admission into university, either in the UAT or in our state-owned premiere Niger Delta University or any other university in Nigeria) to be left behind.”

“As a responsible government, because we know all fingers are not equal and we do not want any child to be left behind, we are establishing the Students Loan Board. The loan that the board will give will be paid directly to the universities.”

On the arrangement for the repayment of the loan, the Governor said that beneficiaries of the loan would be required to repay within 10 to 20 year of graduation after they commence work.

Dickson added that the board which would be empowered to formulate its policies would pay for the cost of university education especially school fees.

“The board will formulate its rules and the board will pay for the university education cost particularly with regard to tuition fees. I expect the university to cooperate with the board so that when the students graduate, when they begin to work, they can repay within 10 to 20 years without feeling it. That is the standard across the world.” He added

Thursday 19 April 2018

GOVERNOR DICKSON FLAGS OFF 2018 RESTORATION CUP


...PRESENTS KITS TO PARTICIPATING TEAMS


Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has emphasized the need to use sports as a veritable tool to change the mindset of youths in the state.


Governor Dickson who disclosed this during the official draws and kits presentation to the participating teams in Yenagoa, reiterated government’s commitment to sports development.


No fewer than one hundred and thirty communities and tertiary institutions registered to participate in the second edition of the Governor Seriake Dickson Football Tournament, tagged, "The Restoration Cup 2018", scheduled to kick-off in few days.


The Governor emphasised that the football tournament is yet another tool in unifying and integrating the communities, and also discovering hidden talents among youths for self sustenance and development.


Dickson said the state government was making plans to support football in all the communities, as he urged the participating teams to take advantage of the tournament to launch their careers.


" I must commend the Central Working Committee, and the private individuals that has supported this competition. I must also commend the participating teams. I encourage you to give your best, as I look forward to be present at the finals. Most importantly, this tournament has come to stay, as I would ensure its continuity, even after my tenure as Governor".

He added that though the competition had being private sector driven, the successes recorded so far has encouraged government to provide some support for the competition.

Commissioner for Sports, Hon Perekiye Buruboyefe in his remarks, said that the competition was aimed at taking sports development to the grassroots, and would go a long way in discovering football talents.


Also speaking, Director General of the Competition, Ono Akpe, noted that the game was strictly on knock-out basis, and only the final two teams would emerge from the eight local council are as of the state.

According to him, “The prize money remains the same (N11 million) as the maiden edition. The winners will get N5 million, N3 million for the second best team, and N2 million for the third best team.


“Consolation prizes include, N500,000 for the fourth best team, N200,000 for the best behaved team, N100,000 each for the best goalkeeper, highest goal scorer, and of course, the most valuable player,” he explained.


With the draws now concluded, action is expected to get underway, at selected centres in the various communities.

He appealed to well meaning Bayelsans and Nigerians alike to support this initiative that would foster peace and harmony amongst communities in the state.  

He concluded by saying " I must salute the support and contribution of people like Ken Etete, Amagbe Kentebe, AK construction group who have have stood solidly by us. I hope other well meaning Nigerians will work hand in hand with us to celebrate the great, talented youths of Bayelsa".

Anti-Corruption War; Young Professionals Commend NEMA DG

Engr Mustapha Maihaja


The United Young Professionals has commended the the Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Engr Mustapha Maihaja for promoting the anti-corruption crusade of President Buhari in NEMA.

In a press release in Abuja on Friday, the National Coordinator of the United Young Professionals, Adewole Kehinde particularly commended the Director General for upholding the suspension of officials that misappropriated sums totaling over a Billion Naira belonging to NEMA.

"It takes a man of integrity to expose such highly networked corruption under his agencies without fear or favour; some other DGs would have cooperated with the officials to loot the agency dried at the mercies of Nigerians especially those in the IDPs, Adewole said.

It will be recalled that that the affected persons, in league with a former Director General of NEMA have formed an alliance with certain already identified House Committee members and illegally procured and stole various papers from NEMA files in their bid to exonerate themselves and challenge their suspension, claiming they were innocent whistleblowers being victimized by the board.

"We call on the House of Representatives Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness to be honourable in their sitting as investigation by our members is indicating that some members of the Committee are making an attempt to protect the suspended directors in an unwholesome deal.
Adewole further called on the Presidency to urgently take actions on the report submitted to it which has shown the enormity of the crimes committed by the officials which comprised misappropriation of public funds, frivolous claims of personal emoluments and conspiracy with the other officials to short-change the Federal Government of due revenues, among others.

We are fully in support of the suspension of the NEMA officials which will enable the EFCC carry out full investigations as their reinstatement will surely tamper with evidence in the process of due investigation by EFCC, the statement concluded.

APC Looters List Childish – Dickson


…Dickson Directs Commission’s Boss to Declare Vacancies for Employment

Bayelsa State Governor, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson on Wednesday, vowed that, his administration would not be dissuaded from bequeathing a highly professionalized, disciplined and motivated public service, through the ongoing reforms. According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Francis Ottah Agbo, Dickson stated this during a live media interview in his office in Yenagoa.

The Governor also noted that, the exercise was not aimed at witch-hunting any worker, but to rid the service of all forms of irregularities, sharp practices with the view to repositioning the service to stand the test of time.

He said: ‘‘The mind-set that you can keep your name on the pay roll without coming to work is negative and we have to draw the red line now, because we want to leave behind a reformed, repositioned, motivated and efficient work force that can stand the test of time…’’  

Commending the various labour leaders in the state for being part of the process of sanitizing the public service at the state and local government levels, as well as all the educational institutions, the Governor assured that, at the end of the exercise, it would promote efficiency and increase productivity.

The Governor, who cited the case of 1,090 staff with teaching qualification redundant at the local government councils, stressed that, they would be redeployed to schools after going through refresher courses.
He directed the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission to formulate an employment policy that, would ensure the employment of fresh graduates into the vacancies that would be created arising from the reforms.

Governor Dickson also directed the committee handling the verification of the state workers to release the salaries of identified genuine workers, who were affected by the suspension order.

The Governor also reiterated his belief in the existence of two dominant parties in the country, however, regretted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is grossly fragmented, a development he noted, has made the party disorganized. He reasoned that the cluelessness and insensitivity of the APC has left the country divided more than ever before and called on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently unite Nigeria.

The Governor also condemned what he calls the constant demonization of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, by the APC, describing it as childish and uncalled for. While noting that, the looters lists were a distraction on the polity, the governor advised the Federal Government to deliver on their promise to Nigerians!

He lamented the spate of senseless killings in Nigeria and urged the APC-led Federal Government to focus on tackling insecurity and economic recession, instead of distracting Nigerians with the so called looters lists.

His words: “This country needs two strong political parties. A united not fragmented party in government and a cohesive and clear-headed opposition party. The constant demonization of the PDP by the APC, for me, is childish and uncalled for. I have the feeling that the APC, though in power, still behaves like a party in the opposition and on a campaign mode. I believe the APC has failed on its promise to Nigerians, they have failed to secure the country, the country is on a precipice. I think they should have done better than they are doing right now.
“The PDP made its mistakes but it achieved a lot for our democracy and our country. There is too much division in the country right now, and the Federal Government has to unify the country. They should look at the wanton killings in the country not only by Boko Haram but by the herdsmen and arrest the ugly situation.   

Monday 16 April 2018

Gov Dickson Football Tournament Draws Hold April 18



The Local Organising Committee of the Governor Seriake Dickson Football Tournament has moved forward the date for the official draws ceremony and distribution of jerseys for the second edition of the competition. 

The tournament's Media Director, Hon. Daniel Alabrah, in a press release, said the draws for the Restoration Cup earlier slated for Thursday, April 19, will now hold on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 10am.

He said the venue remains the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.

The Restoration Cup is a grassroots, community-based football competition to foster unity and peaceful BH coexistence among communities in the state.

The sports loving governor of Bayelsa State, Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, is the special guest of honour at the event while his deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd) is the guest of honour.

The chairman of the occasion is Nigeria's Confederation of African Football (CAF) committee member, Dr. Peter Singabele, and the chief host is the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Perekiye Buruboyefe.

The organisers said the chief executive officer of Century Group, one of the major sponsors, Mr. Ken Etete, corporate organisations such as Sterling Bank, A & K Construction, commissioners, local government caretaker committee chairmen, special advisers and other top government functionaries are expected at the event. 

To also attend are secretaries/captains of all the registered community football teams in the state, sports journalists and officials of the Bayelsa Football Association.

Others are members of the state referees association, coaches and football stakeholders.

Teams from no fewer than 100 communities in the state have registered to participate in the tournament that will run for six weeks.

The competition will hold in 14 venues across the state.

Sunday 15 April 2018

Gov Dickson Bags Vanguard Governor Of The Year Award


.......AS IKE NWACHUKWU BACKS CALLS FOR RESTRUCTURING

Bayelsa State Governor, Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson was at the weekend honoured, as the Vanguard Governor of the year in recognition of his selfless service, contribution to the political stability of the country, the enthronement of transparency and accountability in the state, good governance, purposeful leadership and infrastructural development of Bayelsa State.  The award held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Governor Dickson who was accompanied by Governors Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Muktari Shagari,  the National Working Committee of the People's Democratic Party ably led by the National Chairman, Chief Uche Secondus, former Governors members of the Bayelsa State caucus at the National Assembly led by Senator Foster Ogola, Bayelsa State Elders Caucus led by Chief Francis Duokpola, PANDEF delegation led by Chief Alfred Mulade,  traditional rulers, top government functionaries and other notable personalities across the Country to the event. Governor Dickson was honoured along side other governors and prominent Nigerians.

The Governor in a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Francis Ottah Agbo expressed gratitude to the management and staff of Vanguard for deeming him fit for the honour, stressing  that the award will spur him to do more for Bayelsans and finish strong by 2020. He noted with joy that his administration has opened up the state, liberalised the political system, enthroned the culture of prudence, transparency and accountability by law and deed and above all, put the state on the path of peace and prosperity through infrastructural revolution and massive investment in security!   The Governor also renewed call for fiscal federalism in the country. While urging the young ones not to give up on the country, Dickson enjoined them to always make sacrifice and take selfless decisions  for the good of fatherland! 

He said: " I know the temptations are there and sometimes things are not as promising as they should be but there is always hope. We have a great country with a resilient population and it is our expectation that things will get better... We call for the restructuring of our country because we believe it will address the structural defects and imbalance of the country."

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Major General Ike Nwachukwu, (rtd) bemoaned the present security situation in the Country and called on the government to heed the call for restructuring of Nigeria and devolution of powers from the centre to the federating units.

He stated that the security situation in the Country is militating against its economic growth, as no investors will invest in a crisis prone environment. 

According to him, ‘I join the call for the restructuring of our country, to remain united as a nation under God. We need to devolve the over-concentration of powers at the centre, whilst allowing the federating units more autonomy. And just as we are seeking devolution of powers to the state governments, as federating units, from the centre, so should the state governments guarantee the autonomy of the local governments under them”, 

‘With the lead the Nigerian military had taken regarding restructuring, it behoves Nigerians and our politicians to deliver on the restructuring of this country in order to have a true federation, in which no one is oppressed. 

‘I believe that it is only when we achieve this that our country will be stable, its security guaranteed and its economy thriving for the betterment of all.” He also called for the respect of press freedom and the rule of law.

Commenting on the rule of law vis-a-vis freedom of press, he said, ‘It becomes absolutely imperative to protect the freedom of the press and the rule of law. 


‘The people of our country should, henceforth, be prepared to defend that freedom; as indeed, we must obey the rule of law, with all our might; if it is actually, the desire of our people that democracy should thrive and the laws of the land respected.

‘The Nigerian media, particularly Vanguard Newspapers, at whose invitation we are here gathered today, should remain, fastidious in guaranteeing that the people are heard so that social justice be further engrained in our society. Nigerian media should continue to be the voice of the voiceless, the shield, the guard of the tormented and the canon fire of the oppressed, the deprived and the defenceless.”


Other awardees are; the wife of the President, Hajia Aishat Buhari, former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, (retd) Governor of Taraba State, Arc Darius Ishiaku, Abia State Governor, Chief Okezie Ikpeazu, Governor of Kano state, Alhaji  Umar Ganduje and Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar.

Others are; the Managing Director òf Union Bank Plc, Emeka Emuwa, Vanguard Banker òf the Year, 2017, Prof. Grace Alele Williams (vanguard life time achievement 2017). Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, Dr. Oba Otudeko, King Sunny Ade, Chief Ade Ojo and Alabo Tonye Graham- Douglas,

Thursday 12 April 2018

Payroll Fraud: We Want To Leave Behind A Healthy Civil Service, Bayelsa Dep. Gov.

Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah ‎(rtd) 


Bayelsa State Government on Wednesday declared its intention to sustain the ongoing reforms in the public sector despite what it described as pockets of opposition by some unpatriotic individuals and groups.

The government wants anyone who cares to listen that it has a responsibility to clean up a system that has been bastardized by some greedy individuals who over the years have taken advantage of the loopholes in the public service to perpetrate all forms of fraud.

The State's Deputy Governor Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah ‎(rtd) stated this in Yenagoa during a live interactive programme; Restoration Hour on the state owned Glory FM (Radio Bayelsa).

The Deputy Governor who admitted some minor imperfections ‎in the reform process, said avenues have been provided for anyone who feels unduly treated to voice their concern before some of the committees set up for that purpose.

According to him "we have a responsibility to reform the system within the limits of human imperfection. Like every other process we know this is not perfect but we are working to ensure a fair deal for everyone".

Jonah revealed that‎ the restoration government wants to leave behind a robust public service which is why it is setting up a standard to enable the next government have a benchmark to take off upon resumption. 

He wants those opposed to the reforms to know that it is not a witch-hunt but an inevitable exercise to save the public service from near collapse and maintained that the government is not selective in the renewed fight against payroll thieves and robbers.  

The Deputy Governor explained that the right civil service procedures wil‎l be followed to disengage those who have either compromised the system in one way or the other or have allowed themselves to be beneficiaries of illegality. 

"Contrary to insinuations in some quarters, we are not sacking anybody but those who have been confirmed to have falsified their age, certificates or have promoted themselves arbitrarily will have to go. These are cases that cannot be overlooked.

"However we are mindful of the effect of the action we are taking. So what we are doing is give those affected some form of soft landing by given them 3 months notice or 1 month notice of payment in lieu of their disengagement.  

"To show our sincerity in the reforms, we are following the normal procedure as laid out in the civil service rule. As a responsible government we have made it possible for those who due to administrative and humans are caught in the web to seek redress before the judicial commission of inquiry headed by a competent judge".

‎While insisting that the ongoing reforms is been done with human face, the deputy governor decried the inability of the government to employ fresh hands for years now due to the malfeasance that has been going on in the system and called on all Bayelsans to show some understanding. 

Jonah also announced plans to‎ employ more teachers with requisite skills to cover up the shortfall as part of repositioning the education sector and enhance learning in public schools across the state.

The Bayelsa number two man listed some of the ‎support given to the Niger Delta University (NDU) to include monthly subvention, ongoing senate building, among other projects and dismissed reports of neglect of the institution by the government. 

Official Draws Ceremony And Distribution Of Jerseys For 2nd Governor Seriake Dickson Football Tournament



OFFICIAL DRAWS CEREMONY AND DISTRIBUTION OF JERSEYS FOR 2ND GOVERNOR SERIAKE DICKSON FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT (RESTORATION CUP)

The Local Organising Committee of the Governor Henry Seriake Dickson Football Tournament wishes to inform the general public that the Official Draws Ceremony and distribution of jerseys for the second edition of the competition has been rescheduled for Thursday, April 19, 2018.

This is to enable more interested communities and participants complete their registration process.

Details of the ceremony are as follows:

Special Guest of Honour: 

His Excellency Henry Seriake Dickson, Governor of Bayelsa State

Guest of Honour: 

His Excellency Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State

Chairman of the occasion: 

Dr. Peter Singabele, CAF Committee Member

Chief Host: 

Hon. Perekiye Buruboyefe, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports 


DATE : THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2018      

VENUE: DSP ALAMIEYESEIGHA BANQUET HALL, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, YENAGOA

TIME: 12 o'clock

All LGA Chairpersons,Commissioners,  Political Appointees, Coaches/Captains of all registered community football teams in the state, Sports Journalists, Bayelsa Football Association, Bayelsa Referees Association, Stakeholders, Coaches, Footballers and the general public are cordially invited.

Wednesday 11 April 2018

We Have Not Increased School Fees In Tertiary Institutions In Bayelsa - Registrars/Bursars



....GOVT COMMITTED TO FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC SECTOR REFORMS - COMMISSIONER 
Registrars and bursars of state-owned tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State have said that the leadership of the six tertiary institutions have not increased schools fees.
The declaration by the registrars and the bursars have laid to rest the widespread rumour that the management of the Niger Delta University had increased tuition fees in the institution.
The bursars and the registrars made the clarification in a meeting presided over by the Chief of Staff Government House, Rt. Hon. Talford Ongolo, which was also attended by the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Jonathan Obuebite, his Labour, Employment and Productivity counterpart, Chief Collins Cocordia and the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, on Tuesday
They bursars and registrars who expressed shock at the wild rumour stated further that their records showed that students were paying what was paid in the last academic session.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Government on Tuesday restated its committed to the full implementation of the ongoing public sector reforms in the state.
The Commissioner for Education, Hon. Jonathan Obuebite, made the comment during the meeting with registrars and bursars of state-owned tertiary institutions in Yenagoa on Tuesday.
Obuebite stressed that the government would ensure a thorough implementation of the reforms in the tertiary institutions across the state.
He commended the bursars for making what he described satisfactory presentations on the situations in their respective schools especially on the issue of school fees and members of staff affected by the reforms.
Obuebite said that while the government would sustain the policy of giving subventions to the schools, the institutions were also enjoying the necessary encouragement to boost their internally generated revenue in order to make them more independent.

Bayelsa Government Charges Governing Boards To Take Full Responsibility In The Affairs Of The Tertiary Institutions



The Governing Boards and Councils of the various tertiary institutions in the State have been charged to take full responsibility in the affairs of the institutions and address the concerns raised by the various unions on the implementation of the reforms.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, in a statement on Tuesday made the call following repeated requests on the government to intervene in a matter that is strictly within the purview and power of the governing boards to handle. 

The government spokesman said that it had become imperative for the governing boards to take full charge in the affairs of the institution and ensure a holistic implementation of the ongoing public sector reforms in the schools.

Iworiso-Markson recalled that the Miyebo-led Committee held series of meetings with the governing boards and councils where agreements were reached on pertinent issues which included the workforce that each of the tertiary institutions 

He stressed that the government decided to commit N630 million as subvention to the six tertiary institutions of the state as fall out of decisions reached during the meetings that subventions should be given to the schools in accordance with standard practice.

He said, “In those meetings, a decision was reached with a clear policy of placing the various tertiary institutions on subvention as is the norm everywhere especially as it relates to government funding of tertiary institutions. 

“The government spends a total of N630 million as subventions on various tertiary institution in the state the breakdown of which includes NDU: N350m; Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education: N100m; College of Health Technology Otougidi: N40m; The Polytechnic Aleibiri N50m; University of Africa N75m and International Tourism Institute N15m.”

Iworiso-Markson advised union leaders to be wary of the antics of disgruntled politicians on a mission to use them to destabilize the polity.

He called the attention of the unions to the activities of mischief makers with plans to incite the public against the government through the utterances of Labour Leaders. 

He enjoined the union members to adhere to the rules guiding the operations of the public service by “exploring the proper channels to seek redress rather than resort to granting interviews to the media with the intent to blackmail and incite the public against the government.

Monday 9 April 2018

Energy Group Backs BelemaOil For Acquisition Of More Oil Assets, OML 11 & 25

Lord Charles Ibiang 


Partners for Petroleum and Energy Sector Prosperity Initiative, (P-PESPI) a new advocacy group for the Petroleum and Energy sector, has throw her weight behind BelemaOil producing Company for its drive to acquires more Oil Assets in OML 11 & 25. in the next bidding round.

In a press release signed by Lord Charles Ibiang, Chairman, P-PESPI and made available to our correspondence in Abuja on Monday,  he called on the Federal Government  that as a strategy of reducing conflicts in Oil bearing host communities in Niger Delta and Oil and gas infrastructure/ pipeline Vandalism, is by allowing indigenous upstream Oil Companies take over or acquired Oil Assets of the divestment programme of multi nationals&NNPC Marginal field programme in various Host communities, were these Companies have good will and Comparative advantage over community relations& security issues as long as they posses the requisite Experience, Competence, Technical and Financial Capabilities.

P-PESPI therefore urge SHELL not to seek Renewal of OML 11 and 25 licenses but allow BELEMAOIL to acquire and take over them. We believe it will reduce friction and increase production for Govt. Our observation is that indigenous Oil Producers Coy take care of their Host communities better that multi Nationals because they understand realities and peculiarities on ground in those Communities.

“We advocate that, future Allocation of Oil leases, particularly in 2019, when most or about 47 Oil block Leases would have Expired and subsequent Renewal processes commences, Our model should be put into consideration even as we call for an Open and Transparent bidding Round.

“Indigenous upstream Companies and Marginal fields Operators that have show serious and Capacity like BelemaOil, Seplat, etc should be given opportunity for more Assets to decrease their Exposure to Risk through huge Production and Economy of Scale.

“Nigerians must begin to play major Roles both on the Onshore and deep offshore upstream sector of the petroleum Industry


“Oil Mining Lease 11 lies in the south eastern Niger delta and contains 33 Oil &Gas fields of which eight are producing as per 2017.
OML 25 lies 50 kilometers south west of portharcourt in the onshore eastern delta and part of Shell/NNPC JV. The block is located on the coastal mangrove swamp and extends lightly offshore. Its intersected by the Santa Barbara and San Bartholomew Rivers.

Lord Charles Ibiang, was a former Oil Company Worker, Energy Activist and aDelegate at the 2014 National Conference and served in the famous Energy Committee.Presently is the Chairman, Partner for Petroleum and Energy Sector Prosperity Initiative, a new advocacy group for the Petroleum and Energy Sector.

Friday 6 April 2018

Bayelsa Govt Restates Commitment to Public Service Reforms

Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah retd, (left) addressing members of the Press during the February/March 2018 edition of the monthly Transparency Initiative Press Briefing at Government House, Yenagoa, while the State Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Maxwell Ebibai (2ndright) and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Treasury, Accounts and Revenue, Mr.Timipre Seipulo (right) looks on. 


...Posts N1.3bn IGR For February

Bayelsa Government says, it would pursue its ongoing public service re-organisation process to a logical conclusion before the termination of the present administration for the overall interest of the state.

The State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Retd) made the declaration on Friday, during the monthly transparency briefing on the state’s income and expenditure for the months of February and March, 2018 in Government House, Yenagoa.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Francis Ottah-Agbo quoted the deputy governor as saying that, the government had already made several startling discoveries, through biometrics and other measures adopted in the fight against fraudulent practices in the state public service.

According to Rear Admiral John Jonah, the government would meticulously adhere to extant public service regulations in dealing with issues bordering on falsification of age, certificates and redundancy to create opportunities for qualified Bayelsans, as well as enhance infrastructural development.

While assuring those who would be affected by the process of justice, the deputy Governor sued for their understanding and cooperation to enable government succeed in building a virile public service.

His words, "It is a plague that has been with us for a very long time. We need time to educate our people and gradually move to the point that we want to be. Several committees have been set up for the tertiary institutions, main civil service, parastatals, local government councils and rural development authorities.

"It's still work in progress. But, the government plan is that, if you did not get engaged in the proper way, you have no business being in the service. If you fraudulently obtained a certificate and joined the system, you have no business being in the service. If you continue to get younger as the years are going...government will no longer be able to accommodate you.

"The Government has made several plans to be able to handle the issue properly. So the idea of thinking that people would just be thrown out to the streets is absolute misinformation. That's not the plan of government. But we must accept that the present burden of over bloated workforce is not sustainable."

Giving a breakdown of the financial position of the state as at the end of February, Rear Admiral John Jonah announced a gross inflow of N15 billion, comprising a statutory allocation of N2.9billion, derivation N10billion and a value added tax (VAT) of N869million.

He, however, explained that, the total FAAC deductions of N1.6billion left the state with a net inflow of N13billion, while the internally generated revenue (IGR) for January stood at N1.7billion.

On outflows, the deputy governor noted that, the government spent a total of N5.9billion on items such as civil servant and political appointees’ salaries N3.27billion, grant to state-owned tertiary institutions-N630million and 10% contribution to primary school teachers' salaries.

For the month of March, he announced N15.3billion as gross inflow, N1.6billion as total FAAC deductions, a net inflow of N13.7billion, while IGR for February was put at N1.1billion.

Rear Admiral John Jonah, who noted that, N7.5billion stood as balance of funds available as at the end of March, said the government paid N3.6 billion on recurrent, while capital payments gulped N6.2billion.

Monday 2 April 2018

Governor Dickson's Tournament Organisers Commend Ogbia Unity Cup for successful competition



...To take the Two finalist for Restoration Cup

The Central Organising Committee of the Governor Seriake Dickson Football Tournament, has commended the organisers of the just concluded Ogbia Unity Cup.


The committee also congratulated Otuasega community for emerging winners of the competition which was concluded last weekend, after defeating Otuokpoti community, one goal to nil in the finals at Opume.


In a statement signed and released in Yenagoa by the Director General of the Restoration Cup 2018, Ono Akpe, he applauded the organisers for a job well done, and for the hitch-free tournament.


"We are indeed happy with the Ogbia Unity Cup tournament. We commend the organisers and everyone who played a role or two to see to the conclusion of the tournament". It was also a great final between Otuasega and Otuokpoti, and I also praise the two teams as well as other communities that participated", he said.


The Director General hinted that the draws for the Restoration Cup will be done soonest, so that other Local government areas can produce their two finalist that would compete with Otuasega and Otuokpoti in the Round of 16.


He used the opportunity to call on community leaders and stakeholders, to rally round their teams that registered for the competition, when it eventually kick off in a