PRESIDENT JONATHAN URGES KING BANIGO TO USHER IN PEACE AND RAPID DEVELOPMENT

President Goodluck Jonathan has urged the Amanyanabo of Okpoama Kingdom King Ebitimi Banigo to use his wealth of experience and business connections to spearhead peaceful co-existence and rapid development of the Kingdom and its neighbours.

Dr. Jonathan made the call at the coronation of the monarch at Okpoama in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.Describing King Banigo as a man of great potentials, the President also called on the people of Okpoama to cooperate with the royal father and stressed the need for them to be at peace with their neighbors at all times to engender sustainable development in the general area.

While congratulating the Amanyanabo on his successful coronation, Dr. Jonathan pledged to support him to move the Kingdom forward.In his remarks, Governor Seriake Dickson commended the people of Okpoama for their cooperation and peaceful disposition, which he noted, translated to the success of the ceremony.

Represented by his Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd), the Governor also urged the new Amanyanabo to promote peace and harmony not only in the Kingdom but the entire StateAlso speaking, the Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Ameachi lauded the people of Okpoama for choosing Banigo as their traditional ruler even as he expressed hope that the Kingdom would witness more progress under the reign of the new king.

Earlier, the Chairman of Okpoama Kingdom Council of Chiefs, Chief Wapaobinyo Amade-Obasi, noted that the Coronation signals a transformation of the Kingdom with its proud heritage into a world class global economy.

In his address, the Amanyanabo of Okpoama, King Ebitimi Banigo pledged to work for the common good of the people.He noted that the kingdom is poised to provide the enabling environment for well meaning investors to harness its abundant resources with a view to becoming an industrial hub especially in the gas and oil sector.

King Banigo, who saluted the efforts of President Jonathan and Governors of flood affected States towards alleviating the sufferings of internally displaced persons, also thanked all those who contributed to the success of the event.

Highpoint of the occasion was the unveiling of the crown by President Jonathan and Crowning of the Amanyanabo by the Anglican Bishop of the Niger Delta West Diocese, Rt Rev. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja

 Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State

CIVIL SERVANTS WARNED TO STEER CLEAR OF POLITICS IN BAYELSA

23/10/2012
CIVIL SERVANTS WARNED TO STEER CLEAR OF POLITICS IN BAYELSA 

Governor Seriake Dickson wants the new Head of Service to restore the Public Service to its time-tested principles of loyalty, efficiency and anonymity as well as respect for the cardinal rules of the service. Governor Dickson gave the charge at the swearing in ceremony of the new Head of Service, Sir Frazer Okuoru at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House in Yenagoa. 

Governor Dickson who explained that the appointment of the new Head of Service was a demonstration of the fact that the career prospects of a civil servant did not have to be dependent on nepotism and favouritism, admonished Sir Okuoru to work with the leadership of the service to restore its lost glory and return it to its once enviable status. 

According to him, Sir Okuoru’s appointment was based on seniority as he is the most senior, fit and proper person to head the service at this point in time.  He further stated that there should be a clear succession line unless there are serious issues bordering on competence and ethics.

 The State Chief Executive therefore called on the Head of Service to address issues of politicization among Public Servants, stressing that they were expected to be non-partisan and guide and give needed support to the political leadership of the time to render quality service to the people. “I don’t want to see Political Directors, Permanent Secretaries because it complicates issues; I want to see a virile and well-trained civil service rather than struggling for recognition and political space” Governor Dickson emphasized. 

While, urging Permanent Secretaries to offer maximum support to the new Head of Service, he also commended the immediate past Head of Service, Mrs Gloria Izonfuo for her dedication and contributions to the Public Service. Governor Dickson who also urged Sir Okuoru to tackle the problems of payroll fraud and attitude to work in the service, expressed government’s commitment to commence the construction of the Civil Servants’ Training Institute  The 58 year old Head of Service who has been a Permanent Secretary since 1998 was until his appointment, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education. 

  Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secreatry to the Governor of Bayelsa State

STOP THE CHEAP BLACKMAIL AND FACE THE FACTS

                                                  
 The attention of the Bayelsa State Government has been drawn to media reports credited to chiefs and elders of some ijaw clans of Kalabari extraction in Rivers State, alleging attempts by some persons to forcefully annex communities and ancestral lands as well as oil facilities and installations in Kalabari land to Bayelsa State for the purpose of claiming derivation entitlements.

The government of Bayelsa State wishes to react as follows:

1.    Firstly, we assure our Ijaw kith and kin in the Kalabari clan of Rivers State that there is no such move to forcefully annex any territory or people into Bayelsa State. We further wish to state that the Ijaw strategic interest demands that Ijaws wherever they are should be supported and strengthened and not to be forced into Bayelsa State. 

2.    That the purported claim is an attempt by detractors of the Ijaw nation to create unnecessary strife and hostility within the Ijaw ethnic family to our collective disadvantage.  

3.    The true state of affairs is as follows: ·      

 That by the 11th edition of the administrative map of Nigeria published in 2000, Bayelsa State as a state was entitled to derivation and other claims from crude oil production in respect of oil exploration carried out within its territory as stated in the said map. 
     
        It is important to note that the claim of a state to derivation on account of oil production within its territory is different from ownership of land by families, communities and even clans. Whereas the claim of a state is based on territorial boundaries contained in the administrative map, that of a clan, family and community is based on traditional history, possession and other forms of ownership. Therefore, it is very common in the Niger Delta, owing to the way and manner states were created, for communities or clans to be in one state while part of the ancestral land is in another. The family, clan or community does not cease to be traditional owners of such lands, while the state in which the land forms a part exercise administrative control over such land and therefore, entitled to derivation. 

       By the said 11th edition of the administrative map of the Federal Republic of Nigeria dated 2000, Bayelsa State is entitled to derivation in respect of all the oil wells within the state territory. ·    

   The government of Rivers State has been receiving derivation revenue over several oil facilities and installations which are clearly within Bayelsa territory from 1999 till date in spite of the clear boundary delineation in the said map. ·      

 We acknowledge the long standing dispute between the Ijaws in Bayelsa in Nembe clan and the Ijaws in Kalabari clan in Rivers State over traditional land boundaries. The claims predate the creation of Bayelsa State. However, the present issue is not about Nembe people laying claim to Kalabari land or of people trying to annex Kalabari land and communities as part of Bayelsa State. 

Rather, the present claim is about the right of Bayelsa State like any other state, to derivation revenue in respect of activities within its territory as stated in the administrative map of Nigeria. Even if any land in question in Bayelsa State is found to be the ancestral land of any family, community or clan in Kalabari clan, it does not detract from the right of the state to receive derivation. In the same vein, it does not also detract from the ownership or title to such land by the family, clan or community which must be acknowledged and treated as such. Derivation revenue is not paid to families, clans or communities but to state governments, exercising administrative control over the territory where production takes place. ·  

     The government of Bayelsa State has through its consultants verified and computed all such derivation monies wrongly paid to or received by Rivers State over the years. ·      

 We condemn the deliberate and mischievous attempt to link the President to what is clearly an exercise of Bayelsa State Government’s right. The government of Rivers State itself has made several such claims of wrongful payments of derivation monies and has severally received refund in deserving cases.

The questions to be answered by Rivers State government are as follows:   

a). Is the Rivers State government saying that because the President is from Bayelsa State, it therefore means that the state should sleep over its rights and entitlements?  

b). or was Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Vice President and President of Nigeria in 1992 and 2000 when these maps were produced?

  c). What about the refunds received by the Rivers State government from other states that such funds were wrongly paid to? Should we then associate the refunds with the Presidency? 

We take serious exception to the antics of the Rivers State government in its attempt to always blackmail the President in a bid to gain unnecessary advantage.The facts remain that all the relevant maps - the administrative map of Nigeria 10th edition produced in 1992 and the 11th edition produced in 2000 were clearly produced long before Dr. Goodluck Jonathan became the Vice President and later President. 

It is therefore pertinent to state that no amount of blackmail or propaganda will deter the government of Bayelsa State from pursuing its legitimate rights and entitlements under the law. 

We wish to urge our good brothers in Rivers State not to allow themselves to be used for cheap blackmail or any form of propaganda against the President and Bayelsa State. 

Let it be clearly stated that the government of Bayelsa State is not interested in annexing Kalabari clan, as it is being alleged, for the purpose of claming derivation entitlements or any other purpose whatsoever.

 We therefore request the government of Rivers State to tender an unreserved apology to Mr. President and the government of Bayelsa State over its unguarded, mischievous and misleading statements, which clearly are calculated to disparage the Presidency and incite violence between the two states.

Signed 
Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to Bayelsa State Governor

GOVERNOR DICKSON LAUDS FG OVER MDGs PROJECTS

GOVERNOR DICKSON LAUDS FG OVER MDGs PROJECTS 

Governor Seriake Dickson has commended the Federal Government for using the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as a platform to address the core areas of poverty alleviation and collaborating with state governments in tackling development issues. Governor Dickson made the commendation when he received the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, Dr Precious Gbeneor in Government House, Yenagoa.

 He particularly lauded the agency for the provision of counterpart funding for development projects and soft loans for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Expressing willingness to partner with the interventionist agency, Governor Dickson said his administration has put in place a framework to drive such collaboration, especially in the areas of education, health and critical infrastructure. 

The Governor also saluted the efforts of the President and the SSA towards alleviating the plight of flood victims through the provision of relief materials. Describing Bayelsa as a massive refugee camp occasioned by the flood, Hon Dickson called on international donor organisations and other relevant agencies to come to the aid of the state government as the problem has gone beyond the state and federal governments. 

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant on Millennium Development Goals, Dr Precious Gbeneor said the visit was to identify with the government and people of the state over the flood crisis. 

The SSA assured the Governor of the agency’s determination to scale up its intervention in the state in the area of health, education and poverty alleviation. Dr Gbeneor recalled that the Federal Government released about N1.3b through the agency last year, which was utilized in supplying medical equipment as well as building of primary healthcare centres and classrooms in the state. 

According to her, the agency will upgrade its funding to about four local government areas in the state especially through its “conditional cash transfer” programme, which focuses on indigent women and children.  

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State.

SIR. FRAZIER OKUORU SWORN-IN AS HEAD OF SERVICE.

The new head of service Sir. Frazier Okuoru has been formally sworn in by the state Governor Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson. The ceremony which took place at the executive chambers, Government house Yenagoa had in attendance the representative of the chief Judge of the state, top political appointees including the Secretary to State Government, permanent secretaries and senior civil servants.

Sir Okuoru who has been a permanent secretary since 1998 took the oath of office at noon today and was congratulated by the Governor who described his appointment as well deserved stating that he was not just the highest ranking permanent secretary but also the most experienced bureaucrat who has grown through the ranks of civil service.

The Governor advised the new head of service to drive the civil service in the direction of efficiency, proficiency, respecting the cardinal rules of hierarchy in the civil service. He directed him to put the civil service in order and take it back to the days of diligence and service to the state and its people.

The Governor also called on Sir Okuoru and all civil servants to be apolitcal and shun payroll fraud as public servants are the one of the constants in the society saying that Governments will come and go but civil service will still remain.

BAYELSA TO GIVE LEGAL BACKING TO ORDER OF PRECEDENCE AND PROTOCOL

BAYELSA TO GIVE LEGAL BACKING TO ORDER OF PRECEDENCE AND PROTOCOL

The Bayelsa state Government has inaugurated a committee on preparation of order of precedence and comprehensive protocol list in the state.Governor Seriake Dickson, who inaugurated the members at the executive council chambers, government, house, Yenagoa, said the need arose because of the absence of a proper protocol services in government.According to him, “part of what we found missing when we came into office was the absence of proper protocol services, procedures and practices and tradition in government.“Government has its tradition and those in government must conform to certain standard or behavior in their public or private conduct”.

Describing the committee as very important, the Governor said, with its inauguration, government will be presented with an ideal order of precedence it will adopt and follow in all its formal transactions.Dickson, while noting that the existing protocol list creates a lot of confusion, charged the committee to develop a comprehensive one and also look at the applicable laws as contained in the acts of the national Assembly to see how it can be reviewed for use in the state.He stressed the need to accord recognition to people by virtue of their position and others for their personal achievements and contributions to the service of the state.

The Governor noted that such persons need to be in the protocol list of government.“When there are formal events, the events are open but not open to everybody and the protocol list is what guides governments invitation.“So it very, very important aspect of the tradition of government and this we found to be inadequate”, he opined.Dickson gave approval to the recruitment of young men and women into the protocol service of the state in addition to co-opting those with the required experience from all arms of government to enable people attending government programmes get the right attention.For its permanent usage in governance, the governor stated that he will soon forward a bill to that effect to the state house of assembly for legislation so that the order of precedence and protocol list can become a law in the state.He called on the public and the state house of assembly to send in names in their constituents who they feel deserve to be in the protocol list while also calling on the speaker of the house of assembly to inform his colleagues in the house on the issue.

The Governor also used the occasion to announce that government will soon inaugurate a committee on values.In his response, the secretary to the state government, Prof. Edmund Allison Oguru, who is chairman of the committee, assured the governor that the members would give their best to make the assignment a success.The SSG expressed pleasure to serve in a committee, which he described as made up of highly qualified individuals while accepting the onerous responsibility of chairing the committee.Other members of the committee include the chief of staff, government house, the director, state protocol, the Attorney-General and commissioner for justice and the clerk of the state house of assembly.The rest are the commissioner for information and orientation, the chief registrar, High court of Justice, permanent secretary, ministry of local government and community development, the chief press secretary to the governor and Mrs. Timi Okara-Schiller.  

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State

GOV DICKSON SIGNS BAYELSA STATE JUDICIARY AUTONOMY BILL INTO LAW.

GOV DICKSON SIGNS BAYELSA STATE JUDICIARY AUTONOMY BILL INTO LAW.

 Bayelsa State Governor, Hon Seriake Dickson has signed the State Judiciary Autonomy Bill into law in conformity with the provisions of the constitution. Assenting to the bill at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Governor Dickson said the move was a demonstration of the importance his administration attaches to the financial autonomy of the Judiciary. 

According to the Governor, “having had the privilege of being a member of the Bar as well as Attorney-General of the state and now Governor, he is in a better position to provide the requirements of the Judiciary towards improving the delivery of justice in the state”. He however observed that the constitution does not stipulate the framework for the implementation and the execution of the autonomy of the Judiciary. 

As part of government’s commitment to build institutions rather than personal powers, Governor Dickson noted that he decided to create a legal backing for the autonomy so that it would not be over-ruled by any administrative fiat in future. With the autonomy of the Judiciary in place, the State Chief Executive said the development signals a new dawn in the history of the Judiciary and expressed confidence in the 3rd Arm of government to manage its affairs, especially in financial matters in line with the rules of the public service. As he puts it, “with effect from the life of the next budget, I or any other Governor that will come after me will not have to treat approvals and requests from the Judiciary anymore”. 

While calling on other Governors to support the move for a truly independent Judicial arm of government, Governor Dickson said the Judiciary was too important as it is the last hope of the common man. “Our democracy is not safe and it cannot be secured. Our civil rights cannot be protected unless we strengthen our Judiciary which alone has the constitutional authority to deepen our freedoms and protect our fundamental liberties” he declared. Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kombowei Benson said the bill was deliberated and passed within a week considering its significance. 

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the governor of Bayelsa State 

BAYELSA FLOOD; GOVT TO DEAL WITH TROUBLE MAKERS IN RELIEF CAMPS

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has warned people against being used by self centred politicians to ferment trouble at various relief camps located in the state, threatening that anybody caught in this act would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Also, he warned against diversion of relief materials by the officials, adding that anybody thinking of exploiting the present situation to enrich himself/herself would be disappointed, as government was not ready to dole out money to any individual.

In continuation of his visits to the various relief camps across the state capital for flood victims, Governor Seriake Dickson said his administration was not interested in sharing money to any person after the flood must have receded noting that government post flood plans for the people is geared towards helping them to go back to their various means of livelihood.His words, “don’t expect to make money during this crisis, Government will not share money after the flood as people will expect and nobody is expected to make gains or engage in business to make money”.The role of government, according to him, is to work with the various government agencies and other well meaning organizations to support the people during “this trying period”.On the numerous challenges faced by the victims, the Governor re-assured them of his administration readiness to ameliorate their sufferings through various policies that will be put in place.

Describing flood as a global phenomenon, the governor disclosed that, aside Bayelsa state, other states of the Federation were affected, describing flood as no man-made but a natural disaster that can affect any part of the world.Hon. Dickson enjoined the victims to be contented with the little food and relief materials provided in the camps, stressing that the Government is more concerned about averting any possible outbreak of diseases in the camps.Commending the efforts of the officials of the National Emergency Management Agency,the commissioner for information Deacon Markson Fefegha, Hon. Dickson said government would look at ways of bringing more displaced persons to the camp or relocate them to a new site.

Speaking on behalf of the displaced persons, Coordinator of the Igbogene camp, Deacon Gesiye Ekadi, disclosed that close to five hundred people were camped at Igbogene, adding other individual donors including the wife of the State Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Racheal Dickson, churches and Daewoo Company amongst others had visited the camp. Deacon Ekadi, however, informed the Governor of the numerous challenges facing the displaced persons, ranging from inadequate materials to the problems of flooding due to rainfall.In another development, Governor Seriake Dickson has commiserated with the bereaved families of the victims of Akenfa boat mishap, directing the Chief of staff, Government House, Chief Dikivie Ikiogha to provide life jackets and proper boats to ferry people across the Akenfa section of the Epie creek to forestall any future occurrence.
Earlier, Mr. Abovie Francis had recounted the events that led to the accident, describing it as a case of strong water current. 
  Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State

BAYELSA FLOOD; GOV DICKSON WARN MANAGERS OF RELIEF CAMPS AGAINST SHARP PRACTICES

BAYELSA FLOOD; GOV DICKSON WARN MANAGERS OF RELIEF CAMPS AGAINST SHARP PRACTICES

 Bayelsa State Government has indicated it’s preparedness to deal decisively with managers of relief camps who are bent on taking advantage of the flood disaster to amass wealth to the detriment of internally displaced persons in the state. Governor Dickson stated this when he visited all the major relief camps in Yenagoa to ascertain how the victims were faring.
 The Governor, who patiently listened to the complaints of the people, also warned miscreants to steer clear from the camps, stressing that marching orders have been issued to security agencies to apprehend and prosecute hoodlums who want to catch in on the emergency situation to perpetrate criminality. Reiterating his administration’s determination to implement its policy on zero tolerance on crime and cultism, Governor Dickson urged Bayelsans not to allow themselves to be used by those who do not mean well for the State to ferment trouble. 

Reacting to complaints about lack of food, Hon. Dickson implored the victims not to expect to have the   kind of comfort they are used to in their homes as Government would not be able to meet individual taste and preferences at a time like this. He however assured them that Government would continue to provide their most pressing needs such as healthcare within the limits of available resources. At the Bishop Dimeari Grammar School Camp, Ovom, the Governor urged the victims to appoint two other coordinators comprising a male and female from each of the 8 local government Areas to work hand in hand with the central coordinator to ensure improved management of the camp’s activities.

 Describing the camp as the biggest, Governor Dickson also directed the commissioner for health Dr. Anapurere Awoli to provide functional health facilities in the camp to enhance its sanitary and Health conditions. At the UPE Township school camp which accommodates non-indigenes  and internally displaced persons from Ogbia Local Government Area, Hon. Dickson emphasized that Government will not condone any discriminatory practices in the distribution of relief materials between indigenes and non-Indigenes. 

Acknowledging their support during the February Governorship Election, Governor Dickson assured that his administration will continue to provide the much needed enabling environment for non-indigenes to live and do business in the State. In their separate remarks, the camp coordinators commended Governor Dickson for his show of concern and practical steps taken so far to ameliorate the plight of internally displaced persons. They however pleaded with Government to provide more mattresses, feeding and medical supplies. 
Governor Dickson, who also visited the Samson Siasia Stadium Relief Camp, noted that government was already taking proactive measures to address the post-flood rehabilitation needs of the people.

 Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State

Gov. Dickson's visit to Camps for Internally Displaced Persons

The Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson today embarked on another visit to the government established camps for flood displaced persons in Yenagoa.
The Governor was accompanied by the speaker of the Bayelsa State house of assembly, Hon. Konbowei Benson, the commissioners of health and information, the police commissioner and other dignitaries.
THE REQUEST AT THE BDGS CAMP.
The people through their camp coordinator requested for;
# Increase security
#Functional food/relief materials sharing formula
#Provision of health care services
# Fumigation of the environment

THE GOVS RESPONSE AT BDGS CAMP
#He instructed the commissioner of police to post more officers to the camp. To arrest touts and camp officials caught in the diversion and sales of relief materials.
#He instructed the commissioner of health to provide a temporary health care facility at the camp latest Monday.
# He asked the people to appoint 2 coordinators (male &female) from each local government area to represent them in the sharing of food and relief materials.

AT THE SPORTS COMPLEX CAMP.
The people through their camp coordinator requested for provision of
# more mattresses and mosquito nets
# spices to prepare food.

GOVS RESPONSE AT SPORTS COMPLEX CAMP
He urged them to be patient and concerned about the post flood challenges, as government is getting ready for the challenges they might face after the floods.

AT THE NON- INDIGENE/OGBIA CAMP AT UPE OVOM
#The non indigenes lauded the govt for setting the camp
#coordinators of both communities requested for more mosquito nets and mattresses.

GOVS RESPONSE AT NON INDIGENE/OGBIA CAMP AT UPE OVOM
#Govt pledged to provide more mosquito nets and mattresses as quickly as possible, The Governor explained that relief materials have been delayed by inaccessible east-west road. But govt will source for more relief materials locally in Yenagoa.
# He encouraged the non indigenes to go about their legitimate businesses, that they have the backing of the government.

AT THE IGBOGENE HELIPAD CAMP
The people at the igbogene helipad camp requested for;
# The establishment of a full school system in the camp, stating that the partial school system being operated in the camp is not effective enough.
# Provision of Dstv and television sets, as the camp could get very boring.
#Spices to cook their food.
#To stop bringing relief materials at night, as they accused the police officers at post of hijacking some of the food items.

GOVERNOR'S RESPONSE AT IGBOGENE HELIPAD CAMP
The Governor said they should realize that this is an emergency situation and government cannot make people as comfortable as they might be in their homes.
He said they should be courageous as the government is strategizing on ways to tackle the post flood effects

The Governor also visited Otuoke camp located at THE federal University and also the spot of the canoe mishap in Akenfa.

BAYELSA FLOOD: Day2 with the Displaced Children

The entire Government house press crew made up camera men, News men and women, photographers, office assistants, and few Appointees headed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor,Mr Daniel Markson Iworisoh; having visited a number of Camps for victims of the ravaging floods decided to put together relief packages such as food items, drinks, snacks etc. for children living in such camps in a bid to put a little smile on their faces.

The crew started from the largest camp in The state located at Bishop Dimieri Grammar School, Where they were greeted by hundreds of Excited children and their Families,  then proceeded on the 2day of their visits to smaller camps located in Yenagoa. Some of the camps they visited are; the town hall at ovom, the incomplete silverbed galleria building located at ox bow lake and the etegue primary school compound.

Some of the press crew members who are victims of the flood aswell, shared stories about the floods and encouraged the children and their families. The crew also called on well meaning Bayelsans to reach out to these people, stating that in disasters like this nothing is too small to give.

GOV DICKSON CHARGES INFRASRUCTURE COMMITTEE ON CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF CRITICAL PUBLIC FACILITIES

 Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has urged all ministries, departments and agencies handling construction-related projects for which contractors are yet to be mobilized to complete the documentation of such contracts before the end of this month.Governor Dickson issued this directive while inaugurating the Chairman and members of the State Infrastructure Advisory Committee at the Executive Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa.
The Governor, who lamented the setbacks his administration’s ambitious programmes have suffered as a result of the ravaging flood, said the directive has become imperative as Government is fully set to immediately continue with both ongoing and new projects.While calling for understanding from the contractors, Governor Dickson assured that Government will do everything possible to mobilize them to site as soon as the floods recede.
In his charge, Governor Dickson urged the 16-member committee to advise Government on how to construct and maintain its critical public facilities in the State.The Governor also charged the committee to conduct a baseline study of the entire state and furnish Government with statistics on the highest water levels.Knowing the topography of the State, Governor Dickson said he had since conceptualized the idea of setting up the committee even before assuming office, pointing out that the magnitude of the current flood disaster reinforces its significance.

Expressing confidence in the committee, Hon Dickson also enjoined them to look into issues of concessioning, adding that government alone cannot single-handedly build all the state-of-the-art infrastructures it intends to build for the State.“From time to time we will like to have reports and advice in terms of the priority of our public infrastructure and also in terms of issues that have to do with concessioning because the state does not have the resources on our own to do all the construction that we really need”.Responding, Chairman of the infrastructural advisory committee, Engineer Charles Dorgu thanked the Governor for giving them the opportunity to serve the state especially at a time when it is experiencing the worst flood disaster.He assured that the committee will live up to expectation by providing the necessary professional expertise needed for the infrastructural development of the state.
The committee has Engineer Charles Dorgu as chairman, while the commissioner for works and infrastructure, Mr. Lawrence Ewrudjakpor is to serve as its secretary.Professor Telimoye Oguara is the vice chairman of the committee, with the commissioners for environment, lands and survey, water resources as well as special duties as ex-officio members.Other members are HRH Iboro Ige Idaba, Engr. Paul Aboyo, Engr. Charles Ambaiowei and Engr. Ebi Wodu.The committee also has Engr. Igonibo Igodo, Dr. (Mrs). Ongoebi Etebu, Chief Mathew Karimu and Surveyor. Wilson Omubo as well as the Surveyor-General of the state, Ebisintei Awudu. 
Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State

GOV DICKSON TASKS NEW AGRIC DEV BOARD TO DIVERSIFY STATE’S ECONOMY BEYOND OIL AND GAS

GOV DICKSON TASKS NEW AGRIC DEV BOARD TO DIVERSIFY STATE’S ECONOMY BEYOND OIL AND GAS
A 12 member board of the Bayelsa State Agricultural Development Company Limited has been formally inaugurated with a mandate to diversify the state’s economy beyond oil and gas.Inaugurating the board at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa, Governor Seriake Dickson said the company was incorporated by his administration not just to guarantee food sufficiency after the flood but to devise ways of creating value added chain in massive food production for local consumption and export.
To this end, Governor Dickson charged members of the board to develop a blueprint within the shortest possible time on how the state could be involved in food production particularly in crops such as cassava, plantain, banana and fisheries as well as establish large storage facilities that would be second to none in the world.Describing agriculture as dear to government in its restoration agenda, the Governor noted that if the Agricultural Firm succeeds Government would have made tremendous impact in stimulating the local economy and create job opportunities for the people.He remarked that Government had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a foreign technical partner for the cultivation and processing of cassava for local consumption and principally for export.
Bayelsa, according to the Governor is endowed with vast arable land to drive revolutionary agriculture in the state and expressed optimism that in the next one year, the Peremabiri Rice Farm will be resuscitated.“We are actually an agrarian people as much as we are fishermen, we also have vast expanse of land that can support massive investment in agriculture” Governor Dickson remarked.Expressing his administration’s desire to establish an equivalent of the Songhai Farms in the state, Governor Dickson noted that the Agricultural Company would have subsidiaries and a warehouse established in each Local Government area of the state. 
  He pointed out that the company is also expected to secure certification from international bodies for the state’s produce which would be bought off from local farmers.Air Vice Marshall Larry Koinyan (Rtd) is to serve as Group Chairman of the board while Izonebi Rodger Obubo is the Group Managing Director. Other members are, Reverend Otokolo Willie Dan, Dr Aziba Alaguo Seibofa, Professor Ebi Ngodigha and Mr Gilbert Adeh.The rest are, Dr Ebinimi Joe Ansa, Chief Ekpein Appah, Chris Alagoa, Dr Edward Spiff, Professor Steve Azaiki and President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Abiye Kuroyemieama.Responding, Group Chairman of the board, Rtd AVM Larry Koinyan assured Governor Dickson of their determination to work towards actualizing the vision of government in the Agricultural sector.
Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa state.

NEW CCDA BOARD TOLD TO REVIEW YENAGOA MASTER PLAN TO CONFORM WITH CURRENT REALITIES

The Board of the State Capital City Development Authority [CCDA] has been inaugurated with the members charged to readjust, review and renew the Yenagoa master plan to conform to current realities on ground, including the floods.Governor Seriake Dickson, who handed down the charge to the board members at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Yenagoa noted that the board has the primary responsibility to plan the critical infrastructures in the state capital and its environs in the aftermath of the flood that has ravaged many communities and damaged key infrastructures across the State.
According to him, government has a duty to make Yenagoa a befitting state capital away from its deplorable condition and therefore directed the board to begin work immediately and make it better.“It is a slum, and we have a duty to take it out of its deplorable state.“We were in a hurry to build and did not do any proper planning”, the governor noted.
Hon. Dickson informed the members that the new assignment, which is a statutory one, has provided a platform to safeguard and redesign the Yenagoa metropolis to guard against future reoccurrence of flood and other natural disasters.He said: “A lot of tough decisions need to be taken, when you take decisions which are in interest of the state and government will support you”.
Reminding the members that government’s desire is to build a well-planned state capital, informed the establishment of the ministry of capital city development, the governor urged the board members to work with the commissioner for capital city development who has been delegated to co-ordinate its affairs.In his response, the board chairman, CCDA, Engineer Charles Dorgu expressed gratitude to the Governor for the opportunity given them to serve the state noting that the charge given to them will be carried out while promising its preparedness to rise up to the challenge. 
Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

BAYELSA FLOOD; GOV DICKSON SIGNS N1.5B SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION BILL INTO LAW

16/10/2012
Bayelsa State governor, Hon Seriake Dickson has signed the 2012 State Supplementary Appropriation bill into law.
Speaking shortly after signing the bill at the Executive Council chambers of Government House, Yenagoa Governor Dickson noted that the bill was initiated to enable government tackle the challenges posed by the flood disaster.

Hon  Dickson said, in accordance with the law, government secured an approval of two-third majority of the state house of assembly to spend 1.5 billion naira from the State Compulsory Savings Account.
While commending the House for the expeditious passage of the bill, the Governor pointed out that the amount will go a long way to enable government address the immediate needs of flood victims.“It is good to save. And because we have actually been saving…Outside this month alone, what we are going to put into that fund, the compulsory saving scheme is about 3.5billion naira.“I had to request the Bayelsa house of Assembly in accordance with the laws that the House should by Two-Third majority grant our request to spend 1.5 billion naira from our savings to address some of the immediate challenges posed by the crisis.

Presenting the bill for the Governor’s assent, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Benson Kombowei said the house passed the bill two days after its receipt.Right Hon kombowei explained that the timely passage of the bill was to enable government immediately cushion the effects of the devastating flood.Daniel Iworiso-MarksonChief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State 

BAYELSA STATE; Industrial Production of Cassava set to Commence.

Managing Director, DPP International of Demark Mr. Wolgang Holz (2nd right) and the Country Representative of Oster Trade Engineering and Manufactioning KFT of Hungary Mr. Yua Terver (right) signing the partnership agreement between their companies and the Bayelsa State Government for the production of Cassava in Yenagoa, while the State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson (left) looks on.

MD of DPP International of Demark Mr. Wolgang Holz (right) exchanging a copy of the signed partnership agreement for the production of cassava to the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson (left) at Government House in Yenagoa.Photo by Lucky Francis 

Government to Commence Massive Rebuilding of Critical Infrastructures such as Roads and Bridges Destroyed by the Floods.

15/10/2012
GOV DICKSON TASK APPOINTEES ON REGULAR INTERACTION WITH THEIR CONSTITUENCIES

Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, has directed all political appointees in the state to frequently visit their constituencies to show sympathy and sensitize the people on the efforts of government towards addressing the effects of the flood.The Governor also directed the state Ministry of Health to deploy all available boat ambulances to riverine areas to enhance the medical services being provided by Government.
Governor Dickson handed down the directives during an emergency meeting with the Political appointees at Banquet Hall of Government House in Yenagoa.The Governor explained that effective communication between the appointees and their constituencies will go a long way in assisting Government take stock of the immediate needs of the people and proffer solutions.“We should not leave it for one appointed small committee. The disaster is more than that; so all of you are members of our response team; you are the first line of defense because you are in Government.
There are people out there who may feel they are not concerned but you can’t afford to be so because you share the burden of service with me”.Pointing out the extent of damages in the State, Governor Dickson noted that Government was working hard to assuage the pains of the people.

He urged the health ministry and sub-committee in charge of health to redouble their efforts at sensitizing the people on basic hygiene to prevent the possible outbreak of epidemic such as Cholera and other water- borne diseases.“Because if we are not careful the epidemic that will come will finish all our population particularly the vulnerable people: children, woman, old people and then the physically challenged”, the Governor said.

While calling on the appointees to show more commitment and loyalty to the State, Hon. Seriake Dickson said Government was working assiduously to address the emergency situation foisted on the State by the flood.According to him, Government is to commence massive rebuilding of critical infrastructures such as roads and bridges that have been destroyed as soon as the flood waters recede.

In his contribution, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Surveyor Furoebi Akene appealed to Government to take decisive action to stop illegal oil refining activities in Southern Ijaw, expressing fears that the area would suffer from epidemic as sludge of oil have spread all over the place.Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women development and empowerment of Ogbia LGA, Mrs. Unity Ototo expressed the preparedness of women to serve in the various committees and called for their inclusion.

In his remarks, the Health Commissioner, Dr. Anapurere Awoli said his ministry was working in conjunction with the media on public health enlightenment.To enhance sanitation, Dr. Awoli noted that mobile toilets have been provided while immunization is also on-going in all the relief camps.He also stressed the need for government to re-equip all flood affected facilities in the state. 
Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State

FG TO ENSURE REHABILITION AND SURVIVAL OF FLOOD VICTIMS –PRESIDENT JONATHAN

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson accompanied President Goodluck Jonathan and his entourage in undertaking an on the spot assessment of the extent of flood that has overtaken most parts of the State.

Speaking in an interview with newsmen at Government House, Yenagoa, shortly after undertaken a tour of some flood affected areas in Bayelsa State, President Jonathan said with the completion of the Kainji and Shiroro Dams, the level of flooding would be greatly reduced in the Country.

The President, who identified the construction of more dams in the upper part of the Benue River as another measure in minimizing the magnitude of flooding being experienced, explained that the Federal Government was currently building the Kashimbila Dam in Taraba State which is expected to be completed in the year 2014.

While expressing Federal Government’s commitment to accelerate the completion of the Dam worth over N60 billion, he explained that the source of the bulk of the water in the current floods ravaging the country is from the River Benue.

He however noted that with the issue of global warming no one knows what may happen in the future, adding that the nature of the unprecedented flooding this year do occur at intervals ten(10) or more years.

President Jonathan, who remarked that life after the flood was the major concern of government, assured Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture was working assiduously to ensure the rehabilitation and survival of flood victims.

Describing flood as a natural and global phenomenon, the President said the Federal Ministry of Agriculture is looking at various options in the importation of a variety of crops that has early gestation period such as rice and maize to ensure food security.

Commenting on the evacuation of flood victims, President Jonathan lauded the efforts of Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, particularly in the area of establishment of temporary camps with mobile healthcare centres.

Advocating the replication of such health centres in the rural areas, he was of the view that the use of mobile health centres was appropriate in emergency situations.

 

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State

Special Church Service for Flood Victims/Displaced Persons

Special Church Service for Flood Victims/Displaced Persons at the Samson siasia Stadium.. In attendance was the President Dr Goooluck Ebele Jonathan.

 

 

 The Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, The Deputy Rtd Adm. John Jonah, The Wife of the Gover...

nor, political appointees and Hundreds of Displaced Persons.

 

  The Governor who spoke first, talked about the impact of the flood on the state and encouraged the displaced persons. He said the Govt is committed to making the harsh living conditions caused by the floods better for the victims.
The camp coordinator also spoke on their living conditions in camp, while he commended the state government for their timely intervention but also asked the Govt to do more and ensure that its efforts impact the right people who are the victims.

 

 

 

 The president who spoke last; Encouraged the victims and said Govts. major concern is how they will live their lives after the flood.. The President said that Govt. is trying to put together a package for all victims to help them restart life since a lot of them have lost their homes and farmlands to the floods...

 

OverateD love

OverateD love
Featured article written by Frances Kome Parker

Having read fifty shades of grey and hopelessly fallen in love with the male protagonist of the book christian grey. I then ask myself this simple questions “why is love overrated?”.That’s a rather absurd question, isn’t it? But that question is brewed on personal life experiences and also that of family and friends.
I have recently come to the conclusion that love is highly overrated. It makes you stupid and trusting and gives other people a loophole through which they can stab at you while they laugh at your gullibility. Jealousy also sucks because it makes otherwise sane men into Dr Jekle/Mr Hyde monsters. Too bad we weren’t made like the majority of the animal kingdom – go into heat, mate and part peacefully. They don’t love because they were born knowing ‘love’ stands for Lousy Overrated Vile Emotion. I am so tired of trusting men and watching them stomp all over my heart for one or another trumped up reason. Those books should change the title to say ‘Women are from venus, some men are from mars – but some are from hell – women beware’
Sorry for coming across so harshly. Hope I haven’t offended anyone. I am aware that there are a few good men out there (outside of the french men LOL) but boy, at times it doesn’t seem that way. And men say women can be evil.
A friend was torn between two relationships. One is based on stability, future-oriented thinking, supportive (and very well-to-do) in-laws, and more or less living up to people’s expectations(arranged marriage).The other is based on pure passion,a sort of love at first sight that’s totally impractical and has no real future.

Being the hopeless romantic that she was she choose the second, marring for love.The problem with marrying for love is that we pretend that love is just one thing, some kind of amazing fairytale passion that’s supposed to persist forever and ever. In the movies, we always want the characters to drop everything, even ongoing stable relationships, and go after their heart’s true love. But what movies typically don’t show is what happens 5, 10, 15 years down the line. What then happens when there is neither passion nor order? N̶̲̥̅̊o̲̣̥w̶̲̥̅̊ she is at d bitter end wishing she had gone ahead wit d arranged marriage.Arranged marriages are more likely to skip the initial fling, but not always. (Truth be told, my knowledge here is more sketchy and based on d few iv witnessed, I don’t really know the research on the tendencies of arranged marriages, in particular, over time.I assume that the ones that work also evolve into a similar kind of intimate friendship, whether or not there’s much passion in the beginning.

But, with the freedom to marry “for love” comes additional burdens: extra anxiety about the future,the despair of loneliness,the pressure of finding that “right person”,the fear of dying alone, the frustration of not loving someone who loves you or loving someone who doesn’t, the dramatic highs and lows of turbulent relationships, the disappointment in giving up and “settling” for someone who’s only good enough, and on and on.

The harsh reality of single life is another one of the costs of individualism, of a society of disconnected individuals looking for something to fill them up (when all along they just need each other. In truth, I sometimes wish I’d just had a marriage arranged for me so that I didn’t have to worry about it so much.
But the cure for meaninglessness is human companionship. I contend that we’d avoid so many problems and so much existential angst if we just had more structured social support systems, including marriages that were contractual arrangements geared toward certain ends and with negotiable terms.

Who says love and marriage must go together like a horse and carriage? I mean, just look at the success of the horseless carriage or “automobile..

But, this is all just absurd… *sigh* (I could probably use some companionship.)

PRESIDENT JONATHAN ARRIVES BAYELSA: TO VISIT FLOOD AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

12/10/2012

PRESIDENT JONATHAN ARRIVES BAYELSA: TO VISIT FLOOD AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

 President Goodluck Jonathan has arrived Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital.

The President, whose helicopter touched down around One O’clock in the afternoon and was received by Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, his wife Rachael and Deputy Governor Retired Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah and other top government functionaries.

Accompanied by a member of the House of Representatives Mrs. Uche Ekwunife and the Minister of Environment, Mrs. Hadiza Mailafia, the President’s visit is continuation of his tour of states ravaged by flood in the country.

While, in the state, the President is expected to visit his country home, Otuoke which was not spared by the flood, undertake an assessment tour of other areas affected within the state as well as visit some of the relief camps to personally see things for himself.

The President will be accompanied by the host Governor, Hon Henry Seriake Dickson.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State.

FLOOD; GOV. DICKSON DESCRIBES BAYELSA AS WORST HIT

 FLOOD; GOV. DICKSON DESCRIBES BAYELSA AS WORST HIT
Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson says Bayelsa is the most impacted state in the country that has continued to suffer from the rising level of the flood in the last two weeks.
Governor Dickson, who made the assertion during the visit of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke to Government House, Yenagoa, attributed the magnitude of the flood in the state to the geographical location, which places the state below sea level coupled with the fact that major rivers and tributaries empty into the Atlantic Ocean through the state.
Describing the flood as “a tragedy of monumental and unimaginable proportion”, the Governor said the water level is still rising at a rate that was threatening even the government House.
Hon Dickson, who informed the Minister that the challenge ahead of government is enormous as the ravaging flood has created a crisis that has many dimensions, saying that communication facilities and other public structures have all collapsed.
The temporary camps set up to accommodate flood victims, he observed are being threatened by water and in the next couple of days government would have no alternative but to resettle them.
The state Chief Executive stated that government was already dealing with the issue of security of lives and property of the people coupled with shortage of food.
According to the Governor, prices of food stuff have sky-rocketed due to the fact that parts of the East-West Road have been submerged in water and that as an aftermath of the flood the state is likely to contend with famine.
Governor Dickson, who appreciated the efforts of the Federal Government at addressing flooding across the country, added that he would accompany President Goodluck Jonathan to overfly the state.
Earlier, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke said she was in the state to see the flood situation for herself.
The Minister expressed shock at the extent of the flood, stating that she overflew her village, Yenaka and other communities in a chopper but could not land as the area has been completely submerged by the flood water.
Describing the situation as a major tragedy, the minister commended the state government for taking proactive measures to alleviate the plight of flood victims.
While noting that the state was facing a major scourge as hygiene and health conditions of the people are beginning to deteriorate, Mrs Madueke stressed the need for effective cooperation with the state government to tackle the situation.  

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State

BAYELSA AGRIC MINISTRY DIRECTED TO ESTABLISH FOOD STORAGE SITES FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

 BAYELSA AGRIC MINISTRY DIRECTED TO ESTABLISH FOOD STORAGE SITES FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

As part of efforts to tackle the current flooding in the state, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson has directed the State Ministry of Agriculture to establish and control three food storage sites in Yenagoa.

Governor Dickson gave this directive during a special broadcast to the people of the state barely twenty four-hours after President Goodluck Jonathan’s nationwide broadcast on the flooding, which has affected over twenty five states in the country.

According to him, the State Emergency Response Manangement Committee under the Chairmanship of Deputy Governor Gboribiogha John Jonah is working round the clock to provide some level of relief and succor to the people.

The Governor urged Bayelsans not to despair but brace up in the face of the current crisis caused by unprecedented flood across communities in the State.
Governor Dickson enjoined them to reach out to the committee through the emergence hot line – 07023001002, 07023001003, and 07023001004.

The Governor explained that having made an assessment of the level of damage to communities, Government was prompted to notify the State House of Assembly on the need of a supplementary budget to tackle the situation.

He therefore expressed conviction that in the light of the emergence situation, the Assembly would act expeditiously.

Governor Dickson assured that Government on its part would do everything within its power to mitigate the effects arising from the flood.

He also urged Bayelsans to take extra caution over their lives and those of their families especially children, the aged and the physically challenged.

The Governor sympathized with the security agencies who are also displaced, noted that a meeting with the state security council will be convened to assess the effect of the disaster and fashion out a comprehensive security approach.

Governor Dickson also highlighted plans by Government to communicable diseases during and after the flood.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Health has been directed to devise appropriate measures to address medical issues.

Government, he assured was adopting various precautionary measures to forestall the imminent shortage of food and has developed a robust plan to boost food production as parts of the east-west road have been over taken by water.

To this end, plans are on to procure early maturing and high yielding cassava stem cuttings and other inputs from local and international research institutes to ensure food security.

Direct Government involvement, according to the Governor will be required in the production of essential food items like cassava, maize, cocoa yam, rice, plantain and livestock as well as provide support for individual farmers.

The State Chief Executive enjoined Bayelsans to lend a helping hand to their fellow brothers and sisters in need at this trying period.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State.

BAYELSA AGRIC MINISTRY DIRECTED TO ESTABLISH FOOD STORAGE SITES FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

 BAYELSA AGRIC MINISTRY DIRECTED TO ESTABLISH FOOD STORAGE SITES FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

As part of efforts to tackle the current flooding in the state, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson has directed the State Ministry of Agriculture to establish and control three food storage sites in Yenagoa.

Governor Dickson gave this directive during a special broadcast to the people of the state barely twenty four-hours after President Goodluck Jonathan’s nationwide broadcast on the flooding, which has affected over twenty five states in the country.

According to him, the State Emergency Response Manangement Committee under the Chairmanship of Deputy Governor Gboribiogha John Jonah is working round the clock to provide some level of relief and succor to the people.

The Governor urged Bayelsans not to despair but brace up in the face of the current crisis caused by unprecedented flood across communities in the State.
Governor Dickson enjoined them to reach out to the committee through the emergence hot line – 07023001002, 07023001003, and 07023001004.

The Governor explained that having made an assessment of the level of damage to communities, Government was prompted to notify the State House of Assembly on the need of a supplementary budget to tackle the situation.

He therefore expressed conviction that in the light of the emergence situation, the Assembly would act expeditiously.

Governor Dickson assured that Government on its part would do everything within its power to mitigate the effects arising from the flood.

He also urged Bayelsans to take extra caution over their lives and those of their families especially children, the aged and the physically challenged.

The Governor sympathized with the security agencies who are also displaced, noted that a meeting with the state security council will be convened to assess the effect of the disaster and fashion out a comprehensive security approach.

Governor Dickson also highlighted plans by Government to communicable diseases during and after the flood.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Health has been directed to devise appropriate measures to address medical issues.

Government, he assured was adopting various precautionary measures to forestall the imminent shortage of food and has developed a robust plan to boost food production as parts of the east-west road have been over taken by water.

To this end, plans are on to procure early maturing and high yielding cassava stem cuttings and other inputs from local and international research institutes to ensure food security.

Direct Government involvement, according to the Governor will be required in the production of essential food items like cassava, maize, cocoa yam, rice, plantain and livestock as well as provide support for individual farmers.

The State Chief Executive enjoined Bayelsans to lend a helping hand to their fellow brothers and sisters in need at this trying period.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State.

Flooding; Bayelsa Govt rescues 120 years old woman, evacuates over 1,000 indigenes

 Flooding; Bayelsa Govt rescues 120 years old woman, evacuates over 1,000 indigenes

A 120 year old woman, Mrs Rhoda Tamunu on Wednesday in Yenagoa escaped death by whiskers as she was rescued from being overrun by rampaging flood which enters the second week in the state.

Also, no fewer than 1,000 indigenes from various communities have been evacuated to the relief camps located at the State capital.

The survivor, according to official of the State Emergency Medical Services was rescued at the point of death, adding that her residence at Agudama-Epie in Yenagoa local government area of the state was submerged, while property worth millions of naira was lost to the flooding.

The official of SEMS, Mrs Cynthia Boufini said the Agency swiftly responded to a distress call put through one of the hotlines made available by the State government.

Expressing gratitude to the State government over its efforts to ameliorate the suffering of the people, her grandson, Mr. Francis Monovie,  said if not for the hotlines made available by the government, his grandmother would have been washed away by the flood.

It would be recalled that Governor Seriake Dickson had given out emergency hot lines to the public during his broadcast to the people of the state on the flood that has ravaged the state in the past 2 weeks.
T he flood victim has since been taken to the Government House clinic for medical attention


Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa

GOVERNOR DICKSON DONATES N15 MILLION TO CHURCH COMMITTEE ON FLOOD

GOVERNOR DICKSON DONATES N15 MILLION TO CHURCH COMMITTEE ON FLOOD
The Bayelsa State Government has donated the sum of N15 million to the Flood Outreach Committee put together by churches in the state to mitigate the impact of the flood disaster.
Governor Dickson announced the donation while interacting with Christian leaders in the state at the Greater Evangelism World Crusade Church, Opolo in Yenagoa.
The Governor expressed delight at the support and concern churches have shown so far, adding that the donation was aimed at enabling the committee to complement the effort of the state emergency respond committee to ameliorate the suffering of the flood victims.
Hon. Dickson commended the Special Assistant on Religious Affairs, Rev. Samuel John-Peters for his thoughtfulness in convening the meeting at a time when government needed the support and prayers of the church most.
Describing the donation as a practical demonstration of his administration’s readiness to sustain the existing government-church collaboration to the service of humanity, the Governor assured that government would ensure the prompt release of the funds.
To this end, the State Chief Executive asked the Special Assistant on Religious Affairs to liaise with him (Governor) and promised to direct the commissioner for Finance to expedite the release of the funds with a view to enabling the committee to procure relief materials such as food, drugs and other essentials.
Acknowledging the ability of Christian leaders to reach out to people,, he urged the committee to independently distribute the relief materials they would procure to the victims.
They were equally charged to mobilize their members who have the requisite skills especially the medical personnel to go out to the nooks and crannies of the state to provide humanitarian services.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Reverend Samuel John-Peters had explained that the meeting was convened for Christian leaders to seek God’s intervention as well as discuss further pragmatic steps to address the flood menace.
Assuring the Governor of their continued support and prayers, Reverend John-Peters disclosed that the churches have donated 250 bags of rice, 50 blankets and cash to various relief camps in the state.  

 Daniel Iworiso- Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa state