Helicopter Crashes In Bayelsa State, Azazi, Yakowa Confirmed Dead

Helicopter Crashes In Bayelsa State, Azazi, Yakowa Confirmed Dead
Posted by Channels Television on December 15, 2012.

Tragedy has struck again, this time in Bayelsa state where a helicopter belonging to the Nigerian Navy is reported to have crashed.Among other passengers on board the chopper who have been confirmed dead are the governor of Kaduna state, Patrick Yakowa, and the former national security adviser, Andrew Azazi, whose last public appearance before today was at the Christopher Kolade annual lecture in Lagos on Thursday.

Our correspondent in the state reports that the crash occurred in a swampy location near Okoroba community in Nembe local government area of the state.It was gathered that the chopper was headed to Port Harcourt after attending the burial ceremony of the father of President Jonathan’s aide, Mr. Oronto Douglas.

A statement by the Nigerian Navy confirming the incident and signed by the Director of Information; Commodre Kabiru Aliyu, says that the crash of the Augusta Helicopter (Helo 07) occurred at about 3.30 pm.It adds that search and rescue operation are ongoing by a combined team of personnel from the Joint Task Force, the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, NEMA and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

This crash comes on the heels of a plane crash on October 25, 2012 involving the governor of Taraba state, Danbaba Suntai who is currently receiving treatment in a hospital in Germany.

LGA CHAIRMANSHIP; BAYELSA PDP TO STUDY SUPREME COURT VERDICT

LGA CHAIRMANSHIP; BAYELSA PDP TO STUDY SUPREME COURT VERDICT

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State says, it has received a copy of the Supreme Court judgement re-instating three former local government Chairmen in the State.

A PDP statement, says it will study the judgement of the Nation’s apex court with a view to enable the party take a firm decision on the way forward. "As you are well aware, this is a new PDP and we are very mindful of the new image of our party in the state. You will recall that the so-called re-instated Chairmen of the party have since parted ways with our party to join Change Advocacy Party (CAP).

To us in the party, we take it that they are no longer members of our party and as such we need to study the judgement carefully and then decide on an appropriate course of action that should be taken going forward".

The statement however, noted that the Supreme Court decision will not in any way affect the PDP local government chairmanship primaries scheduled this weekend.

It urged party faithful across the State not be deterred, but go about their normal duties as well as ensure that credible chairmanship primaries are held.While expressing confidence in the Nation’s Judiciary, the statement is of the firm belief that, rather than dampening the resolve of the party, it will strengthen it to do well at the forthcoming LGA polls in the State.

The affected Local Government Areas are Ekeremor, Sagbama and Kolokuma/Opokuma.The State PDP LGA Chairmanship primaries will hold in all the 8 Local Government Areas on Saturday. 

Signed Col. Sam Inokoba
Chairman, PDP Bayelsa State Chapter

GOV. DICKSON SET TO IMPLEMENT 35% AFFIRMATIVE ACTION FOR WOMEN

GOV. DICKSON SET TO IMPLEMENT 35% AFFIRMATIVE ACTION FOR WOMEN 

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson on Friday in Sagbama, Sagbama local government area of the state insisted on the 35 percent affirmative action for women, assuring the people of the readiness of the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) to comply with the policy. Addressing members of the party during the conduct of the PDP Councillorship Primaries which saw the emergence of three women, the governor said their victory was a demonstration of the PDP’s preparedness to adhere to the policy and give the women a greater sense of belonging. 

The effective implementation of the policy, according to the governor will not only empower women but also afford them ample opportunity to contribute more meaningfully to national development. Describing the PDP as a responsible and responsive political party, the Governor called on Nigerian women to always support the programs and policies of the present administration. 

While congratulating the flag bearer of the party, on her successful election, the State Chief Executive commended the people for their peaceful conduct and urged them to vote massively for the party in the Local Government elections billed for next year. The Returning Officer, Mr Christopher Ewhrujakpo announced the results while the Special Adviser to the PDP National Chairman on Monitoring, Hon. Bernard Mikko advised aspirants who may be aggrieved about the outcome of the elction to follow due process by forwarding their petitions to the party within 24 hours.     

     Hon. Dickson who later visited the Amakosiowei, (oldest man) of Angalabiri Community, Chief Smart Ogbelegbe, expressed his administration’s readiness to bring development closer to the rural areas. He also expressed gratitude to the people for the massive support they gave to him in last February’s Governorship polls in the State, adding that the Angalabiri community has remained one his most reliable support bases in Sagbama Local Government Area. 

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

GOV DICKSON STRESSES NEED FOR UNIVERSITY AUTONOMY, INAUGURATES NDU GOVERNING COUNCIL

GOV DICKSON STRESSES NEED FOR UNIVERSITY AUTONOMY, INAUGURATES NDU GOVERNING COUNCIL

 Disturbed by the challenges facing education sector in the country, especially at the tertiary level, the Bayelsa State Governor Hon. Seriake Dickson has tasked the newly inaugurated Governing Council of the State owned Niger Delta University, (NDU) to evolve policies and programmes that would make the institution less dependent on the government. 

Hon. Dickson said the autonomy as being advocated for would not only be in the areas of administrative matters but also in the area of carrying out research which is one of the primary responsibilities of tertiary institutions worldwide. The Governor said he would like a situation where the university would be run and sustain itself without much of government support in the foreseeable future. 

According to him, the vision of his administration is to develop the institution to such a level that it could provide consultancy services to government and its agencies to generate income as well as assist in tackling environmental issues like the twin problems of flood and erosion.

 Referring to the report of the visitation panel, the Governor decried the practice where the university employs staff indiscriminately, describing it as unacceptable. He said the institution would not be spared in the staff rationalization reforms of government, directing the Secretary to the State Government and the Commissioner for Education to make available the report of the visitation panel to the Governing Council, adding that in the expansion of membership of the Council, government will sign into law a bill to accommodate the additional members. 

Responding, Chairman and Pro-Chancellor, Niger Delta University Professor Turner Isoun stressed the need to reposition the university in conformity with modern realities to enhance research as well as job and wealth creation. Professor Isoun who underscored the need for government’s intervention in capacity building of the child from the Nursery to the tertiary level observed that the move would go a long way in strengthening the education sector for posterity. 

While thanking Governor Dickson for the confidence reposed in them, the Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of the NDU corroborated the Governor’s position that an economy that is knowledge-based would guarantee a more sustainable economic development. Members of the Council are, Prof. Steve Azaiki, Dr. Seiyefa Koroye, Prof. Awotua Efebo and Barr. Fedude Zimugha. Others include, Engr E. Akpana, Church-ere Komonibo, Engr. Billy Amiekumo and Chief Jigekumo Ombu-kieri.    .

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

BAYELSA GOVT SIGNS ECONOMIC PACT WITH SOUTH AFRICA

BAYELSA GOVT SIGNS ECONOMIC PACT WITH SOUTH AFRICA

As parts of its transformation agenda, Bayelsa government has signed an economic pact with a World rated  Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa with the aim of improving its economic profile and as well as diversification from the Oil and Gas sector of the economy.

Leading the state economic team at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding held in South Africa the Economic Adviser, Mr. Tam Alazigha said the rating of IDC would rob positively on the image of the state.The IDC, according to him is noted for transparency and accountability and with the position of the present administration on this key issue, foreign and local investors would be willing to invest in the state.

Expressing optimism over the success of the pact, Alazigha said if fully implemented, the state stands to benefit more in terms of infrastructural development.The pact, as disclosed by the Economic Adviser would focus on Operational and Support Skill Requirement, Human Resource and Capacity Building, Development and Support of Institutional Policy and Procedure and overall guidance in both establishing and operating developmental institutions.

Other areas of cooperation between the two countries as disclosed by the Economic Adviser includes; capacity building, best practices and investment partnership in Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation, (BDIC)The BDIC with authorized share capital of N10bn came into force in August 2012 following the passage of the bill by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

On the impact of the Mou on low income earners, the Economic Adviser said the pact would assist in financing of specific Small and Medium Size Enterprises, particularly as it relates to non oil and gas sectors,  Agriculture, Agric processing, Manufacturing and Tourism.

Also, it will assess and consider approval of a line of credit, specifically for infrastructure financing, Refinery, Airport and Roads.

In attendance at the occasion were, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Ebiekure Jasper Eradiri, the Chief Executive Officer of IDC, Mvuleni Geoffrey Qhena, Divisional Executive, Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Neo Mokhesi. 

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

MIKE ADENUGA BOOSTS BAYELSA FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS ....DONATES N.5 BILLION TO RELIEF FUND

MIKE ADENUGA BOOSTS BAYELSA FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS     ....DONATES N.5 BILLION TO RELIEF FUND

Chairman and principal owner of Globacom, Nigeria's leadingtelecommunications company, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr, has donated awhooping sum of N500m to support the flood relief efforts of theBayelsa State Government.Presenting a draft cheque to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. HenrySeriake Dickson, in Abuja yesterday, the business mogul said he wasmoved to make the donation because he felt touched by the plight ofthe flood victims considering the magnitude of the flood and itsdevastating effect on the people and the state.

He also commended the various steps taken by Governments at the Stateand Federal levels in cushioning the effects, both during and afterthe floods, adding that his contribution is intended to provideadditional succour to the people of the state.

Receiving the cheque from Dr. Adenuga, Governor Seriake Dickson, wholed a high powered delegation of the State to the residence of thebusiness mongul, was full of praises and appreciation for the Globacomboss.The Governor was full of gratitude and commended him for expressingsuch deep concern and love for the people of Bayelsa State, assuringhim that that the money will be judiciously used along with otherdonations received from public spirited individuals, corporate bodies,donor agencies both locally and internationally.

Governor Dickson further disclosed that he has just set up a highpowered committee on Post Flood Management headed by the formerNational Security Adviser, General Andrew Owoye Azazi along with otherhigh calibre and very credible persons serving as members of thecommittee.

The governor hinted that the choice and calibre of persons on thecommittee underscores the resolve and commitment  of government toensure that monies donated towards this cause are well spent anddirected to the real beneficiaries as well as made to serve thepurpose for which they were intended.

Signed

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

WORLD AIDS DAY: GOV. DICKSON WARNS EMPLOYERS NOT TO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST AIDS VICTIMS

WORLD AIDS DAY: GOV. DICKSON WARNS EMPLOYERS NOT TO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST AIDS VICTIMS

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has warned employers against discrimination and stigmatization of persons living with HIV/AIDS in the State.The Governor, who gave the warning at the occasion of the 2012 World AIDS Day at the Peace Park in Yenagoa, noted that people living with HIV/AIDS should be accorded the same rights as others, while describing them as “distinct people”.According to him, “Government cares for them and is committed to their welfare”.

Commenting on the appeal made by a representative of the Bayelasans Living with HIV/AIDS (BLHA), Hon. Dickson promised that his administration will sustain the N10, 000 monthly stipends paid to them despite operating a prudent policy in Governance.He also informed them of Government’s intentions to offer them soft loans as part of its empowerment programme for the people noting however, that they are required to pay back such loans.

Expressing deep concern about the high prevalence rate of the HIV/AIDS scourge in the State, the Governor promised that his administration will not stop until it records zero AIDS related deaths in the State.Accordingly, Hon. Dickson announced that a day will be set aside in the State for a road walk/Jogging which will be christened “running for life” pointing out that regular exercise promotes healthy living.

The Governor said the World AIDS Day should remind the people on the need to stay healthy recalling that one of cardinal points of Government restoration Agenda during his gubernatorial campaign was the total elimination of HIV/AIDs in the state.The promise, he stated had been kept by Government with a law put in place backing the establishment of an agency for the control of HIV/AIDs in the state.Governor Seriake Dickson had earlier led top government functionaries on a road walk from Ekeki motor park to Peace park as part of activities marking the 2012 World AIDS Day celebration describing the walk as “A walk to health”.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Anapurere Awoli said the fight to eliminate the HIV/AIDS scourge in the State should not only be the duty of BYSACA but all the people while encouraging the people to demonstrate good habit and be knowledgeable about its effect on the society The Commissioner commended the State governor for taking pro-active steps in the health sub sector in the State.Also speaking, the Director-General of the State Agency for the control of HIV/AIDS, Dr. Temple Iluma called on Bayelsans to modify their sexual behaviors.

 In another development, governor Dickson has commissioned the BYSACA HIV Counseling and Testing Centre along Isaac Adaka Boro Expressway, Etegwe- Yenagoa, encouraging the people to live healthy lifestyles and warning against the effect of HIV/AIDs.In his welcome address, the DG, BYSACA said the establishment of the HIV Counseling and Testing Centre was crucial in the fight against HIV/AIDs due to the modern facilities available at the centre. 

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor x Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson taken the Kick off duringa Charity football match between Creek Haven All Star and Creek HavenYoung Stars to commemorate the World HIV/AIDS Day Celebration at theGloryland Castle Field in Yenagoa.Photo by Lucky Francis, Government House, Yenagoa