N3B PAID AS PART OF TOTAL CONTRACT SUM FOR SENATORIAL ROAD, NOT FOR SITE CLEARING …. BAYELSA GOVT EXPLAINS

N3B PAID AS PART OF TOTAL CONTRACT SUM FOR SENATORIAL ROAD, NOT FOR SITE CLEARING …. BAYELSA GOVT EXPLAINS

The Bayelsa State Government says, the sum of N3 billion was paid to Chinese Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC) as part of a total contract sum of N31 billion for the construction of the Yenagoa- Oporoma road.

A Government House statement explained that, the N3 billion was not for site clearing for the road as reported in some sections of the press.According to the statement, CCECC had put in a bid for the contract alongside other notable firms and after going through the tender process, including Due-Process scrutiny and assessment, were awarded the contract for the entire road, stressing that site clearing was never awarded as a separate contract as was reported in the media.

Similarly, the statement noted that, the present administration did not spend N403 million to buy vehicles for top government functionaries as was also reported in the press.It explained that, the vehicles in question are actually meant for the State Protocol Services to be established soon by the State Government and not top government functionaries.

While, thanking members of the press for their massive support to the Restoration Government of Hon. Seriake Dickson in the last one year, the statement appealed to them and members of the public to always place the facts above every other consideration in their reportage of Government activities.

He called on Journalists in the state to properly clarify information, especially when it has to do with figures in order not to misinform the public and misrepresent Government’s real intentions and plans for the people of the State, adding that transparency, accountability and prudence will continue to be guiding principles of the administration.The statement reaffirmed Governor Dickson’s commitment to the full implementation of the Restoration agenda of Government and called on Bayelsans and residents of the State to remain supportive and prayerful at all times. 

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
27/01/2013

Over 40 Massive Construction projects in One Year -Ministry of Works And Infrastructure

Day 1 and 2 of  Project Sites Tour by Journalist and Media Crew
By Matilda Angaye

The ministry of works alone has embarked on over 40 massive construction projects ranging from Roads, Housing, Office complexes, Hotels, Bridges etc. This was observed by journalist and media crew who accompanied the Hon. Commissioner of Works and Infrastructure Mr Lawrence Ewudjakpo on a project monitoring tour in commemoration of the 1year in office of the Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson led administration as Governor of Bayelsa State.

The ministry of works and infrastructure tour which was eye opening for observers, was originally scheduled for a day but could not be concluded within a day, because of the large number of project sites yet to be visited and was continued the following day.

The commissioner and his team fielded questions from journalist, feeding the journalist with information about each site visited, cost of projects, amount paid, dates of expected completion, contractors, challenges etc. The commissioner also invited some contractors handling specific projects to answer questions and educate the journalist on the projects they are handling.

 Some of the project sites visited are

 Office Complex, Creek Haven Yenagoa

Office Complex, Creek Haven Yenagoa

 Housing

 Road Under  Construction in Yenagoa

Road Safty Road Under  Construction in Yenagoa

  Litigation/ Office complex in Yenagoa

 Roads under Dualization in Yenagoa

 Construction of Access Roads in Sagbama LGA

 Airport site cleared and Ready for Airstrip construction

 Administrative block and prison Cells Already Completed In Yenagoa

Construction of Road and Town named after Ijaw Hero Isaac Adaka Boro in Kiama

New Access link Roads under Construction in Yenagoa

Construction of Alfred Diete spiff road in Yenagoa

 Construction of Onopa Link road in Yenagoa

 Construction and Expansion of the Goodluck Jonathan bridge in swali Yenagoa

 New NYSC camp and road under Construction in Kiama

 Dualization of Ox Bow lake Road in Yenagoa

 The Hon. Commissioner Showing Journalist the depth of drainage of A road Under Construction in yenagoa

 The 4 Secretariat Annex under Construction

 Road and Bridges Construction along Tombia-Amassoma

 Bridges Under Construction

A contractor Feilding questions from journalist

 List Of Projects and Cost By the Ministry of works and infrastructure

The Commissioner further explained that most of the projects are massive, therefore the time frame for their completion ranges from 12 - 24 months and because of the State's terrain, construction is not only expensive but also time consuming. He said plans and designs for most roads had to be revisited after the floods, as it is the governments desire to build roads, bridges and other infrastructure that can withstand floods and other climatic /weather challenges. However he assured the journalists that there are some projects that will be ready for use from April 2013.

IN ONE YEAR, WE HAVE MADE TREMENDOUS IMPACT IN SECURITY, WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE, EDUCATION, ENERGY, TRANSPORT AND AGRIC … BAYELSA -DEP GOV

IN ONE YEAR, WE HAVE MADE TREMENDOUS IMPACT IN SECURITY, WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE, EDUCATION, ENERGY, TRANSPORT AND AGRIC … BAYELSA -DEP GOV 

As the present administration in Bayelsa State clocks one year in the next 3 weeks, Government has presented its scorecard for the period under review. Highlighting the achievements recorded within this period, at a Media Briefing, in Government House, Yenagoa, the Deputy Governor, Rtd Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah said the Dickson-led administration has made significant impact in the areas of security, Works and Infrastructure, Education, Energy, Transport and Agriculture.  The Deputy Governor, who described security as the primary responsibility of government, noted that the administration’s huge investment in the sub-sector has yielded some positive results. According to him, the enactment of the BAYELSA STATE SECRET CULT, KIDNAPPING AND SIMILAR OFFENCES PROHIBITION BILL 2012 coupled with government’s policy on zero tolerance to crime and criminality have succeeded in making Bayelsa one of the safest states in the country.

 Rear Admiral John Jonah said the operations of the state security outfit, code-named, Doo Akpor, would soon be extended to the hinterlands.On Works and Infrastructure, the Deputy Governor disclosed that over 17 key projects have been awarded, which include the Ekoli bridge, Amassoma-Toru-Ebeni bridge, Toru-Ebeni-Ofoni  road, dualisation of Issac Boro road, construction of the new secretariat annexes and the permanent site of the National Youth Service Corps Orientation camp. He enumerated the construction of the new complex for the Traditional Rulers’ Council, Executive Council Chambers as well as the new Governor’s Lodges in Sagbama and Nembe, which are nearing completion.

 Rear Admiral John Jonah who mentioned the award of contracts for the construction of 6 high profile roads in the state capital said government intends to embark on the expansion of the Mbiama-Yenagoa road, which requires demolition of structures and compensation as planned. On Energy, he explained that the sum of N1.3 billion was released to enhance power supply in the state and currently the state government is collaborating with its Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River counterparts adding that about N2 billion has been spent in that regard.

The Deputy Governor said government would soon commence the rehabilitation of the Gbarantoru-Sagbama 32 KVA line, stating that the investment in the Energy sub-sector was not only to improve power supply but to boost socio-economic activities in the state. Commenting on the efforts made in Education, he explained that N21 billion was allocated to the sector representing 16.8% of the 2012 capital budget to enable the administration pursue vigorously its ambitious and robust programmes. 

Other efforts at improving the sector include, re-establishment of the state College of Arts and Science,BYCAS, relocation of the College of Education from Okpoama to Sagbama for purposes of accessibility, establishment of Maritime academy at Okpoama as well as the disbursement of N1 billion for the post graduate scholarship scheme.

  Rtd Rear Admiral John Jonah who also stressed the administration’s readiness to implement the report of the Niger Delta University Visitation Panel, however lamented the setback caused by the flood, which affected the distribution of furniture and other educational materials. On Agriculture, the Deputy Governor pointed out that a memorandum of understanding has been signed with a foreign company for the production of high quality Cassava, boost employment generation and food security. 

Identifying large-scale rice and fish production as government’s area of priority, he noted that soft loans will be provided for genuine farmers in the state. Speaking further, Rear Admiral John Jonah emphasized that a major reform in the transport sector was the ban on the operation of commercial motorcycles, which has drastically reduced accidents and incidents of robbery cases. 

Describing its first year as a period of laying foundation for development, the Deputy Governor said the achievements recorded were commensurate with the resources and the environment occasioned by the flood.Calling for support from the people, he assured that government would work hard to consolidate on its achievements and take the state to greater heights.   
   Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa state

BAYELSA TO ESTABLISH COMMERCIAL RICE FARMS AND REVIVE PALM PLANTATIONS, SIGNS MOU WITH INTERNATIONAL GROUP

The Bayelsa State Government has signed another MoU with GEAP INTERNATIONAL to establish commercial Rice Farms and revive Palm Plantations in Bayelsa State.The parties also agreed to establish a strong and viable production, processing and distribution network.Aside being a joint venture partner of GEAP INTERNATIONAL Group, the Bayelsa State  Government will facilitate scientific and commercial study of rice and palm plantation cultivation, growth and distribution. 

In addition, Bayelsa State will actively assist in the establishment  of relationship between all relevant government agencies with GEAP and provide all legal and regulatory assistance.And, subject to receipt of preliminary positive technical reports on water and soil analysis, GEAP to be hosted by the Bayelsa State government, has agreed in principle to bring the required technological  and human expertise to State. 

The MoU was sequel to the inspection of a Steel Plant, Cold Storage Facility by Governor Seriake Dickson and a meeting with one of the biggest international investors in Asia and the Middle East, Mr. Mahendra Patel in his office in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

Mr. Imad Saba, a core investor and CEO of Capital Asset Management who was on the team of Patel signed on behalf of his firm.

On the Bayelsa State Governor”s entourage were first Executive Governor of the State, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha, former Managing Director of NDDC, Chief Timi Alaibe, PDP vice chairman, North East, Alhaji Mohammed Wakil, Development Expert, Mr. Joseph Ambakederemo and a Security Consultant, Major Lancelot Anyanya (rtd) among others.

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

GEAP INTERNATIONAL, to build rebarring steel plant and cold storrage of international standards in Bayelsa State.

Governor HS Dickson cuts short his vacation, signs MOU in Dubai last Thursday with a multinational company, GEAP INTERNATIONAL, to build rebarring steel plant and cold storrage of international standards in Bayelsa State.
Under the terms of the Mou, GEAP is to partner the Bayelsa State Government to replicate the Steel Plant, Cold Storage in Bayelsa and embark on capacity building of Bayelsans in Steel ,Cold room business and new techniques in rice farming.

GEAP is expected to send its team of engineers and experts to Bayelsa State to undertake an on -the- spot assessment of the Bayelsa State market as well as carry out soil tests across the State.The governor was accompanied on the inspection by the first elected Executive Governor of the State, Chief DSP  Alamieyeseigha, former NDDC Managing Director, Chief Timi Alaibe, PDP Vice Chairman, North West, Alhaji Wakil Mohammed among others.

Meanwhile, Governor Dickson is expected to resume duty on Monday, next week. 

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

Musa Capital facilitates a MOU between Bayelsa State and the IDC

Musa Capital, the financial advisor to Bayelsa State, has recently facilitated the historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) between the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (“IDC”) and the Bayelsa State Development and Investment Corporation (“BDIC”).

BDIC is in the process of establishing a development finance institution in Baylesa to   provide tangible and significant investment in enterprises that will lead to socio-economic development and growth for benefit of the State’s citizens.Tamunoye Alazigha, the Chief Economic Adviser to Bayelsa State, described the partnership as “a testament to uplifting the economic development of Bayelsa State.”The IDC has committed in the 5-year MOU to provide operational support skills, such as human resources capacity building as well as technical and other support skills.

  Further, the institutions will cooperate in the key areas of global best practices and will enter to into investment partnerships in the State.Bayelsa State, located in the Southern Delta region of Nigeria, contributes approximately 30% to Nigeria’s total oil production, and has the largest crude oil and natural gas deposits in the country.

 Yet, it lacks the basic social infrastructure required for its development, including the lack of an adequate road network, airport facilities, health care services, and recreational facilities to address the needs of its population.

Musa Capital is actively working to source funding for several of these key projects, as well as to find African-based investment partners to satisfy the State’s needs. 
Written by Admin of musa capital

GOV DICKSON ...HOW WE TURNED N4, 451. 00 TO N16B, DECRIES ABUSE OF BOND FACILITY BY PREDECESSOR

GOV DICKSON  ...HOW WE TURNED N4, 451. 00 TO N16B, DECRIES ABUSE OF BOND FACILITY BY PREDECESSOR  

 Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has given a dramatic account of how his administration grew a paltry N4,451 it inherited from his predecessor in February 2012, to over N16 billion. The Governor also spoke of the challenge posed by the N50 billion Bond secured by his predecessor, which he said was set to hit N104 billion in 2017. 

Presenting his administration's financial scorecard for December in Abuja, Dickson said the state's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) would hit the N2 billion monthly mark by the end of this year, up from about N300 million when he assumed office. 

Dickson, who was represented by his Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Duate Iyabi, explained that 2013 has been dedicated to consolidation of the gains of the preceeding year adding that ongoing projects would be completed. 

According to the Finance Commissioner, N1.5 billion was drawn from the State’s savings to  assist persons that were displaced during last year’s flood, noting however that despite the devastating effects of the flood, the State achieved an impressive 85 percent implimentation of the capital expenditure content of 2012 budget. 

He decried the N50 billion Bond obtained by former Governor Timipre Sylva, and another N16 billion bank loan, noting that the processes were abused.. Hon. Iyabi disclosed that, IGR consultants have been engaged by Government to shore up the monthly Internally Generated Revenue, (IGR) from the N518 realised in November 2012, to about N2 billion from the end of the end of the current fiscal year. 

He described as unacceptable a situation where 97 percent of the state's revenue comes from the federal allocation, stressing that, the only way to gurantee a better and safer future for the State is to reverse the trend. 

The Governor promised to continue to give priority attention to education, healthcare delivery, agriculture and tourism, emphasising that Bayelsa was set to become one of the most developed states in Nigeria.

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