Day 5. Ministry of Science and Technology and man power development, Headed by Hon. Commissioner Mrs. Didi Walson Jack.

Day 5. Ministry of Science and Technology and man power development, Headed by Hon. Commissioner Mrs. Didi Walson Jack.
By Matilda Angaye

There was a media briefing by the honorable Commissioner for science and man power development Mrs Didi Walson Jack. The commissioner informed  the journalists that are ministry is just 5 months old and as such was not included in the 2012 budget of Bayelsa State, however her ministry has been able to achieve the following ongoing programmes and projects.

1. Development of ICT framework..
The framework identifies the importance of ICT to socio economic development and has made provisions for A science and Technology center of excellence and innovation, these ICT centers will be located in or within proximity of tertiary institutions in the state. There will also be Science and Technology education in primary and secondary schools and ICT in local government area headquarters and communities.
She said this framework would enable them spearhead new learning technologies, ICT development and research to ensure that Bayelsa State can participate in global information society.

A. Collaboration
On the collaborative platform the commissioner said her ministry had to identify projects and programmes that need collaborative support because of their limited resources.. In that respect they have successfully collaborated with Federal ministry of science and Technology,the united nations office of project services UNOPS, Nigerian Maritime administration and safety NIMASA, High commission of India, Malaysia and Singapore, also the federal civil service commission, the Nigerian content development and monitoring board and the federal character commission.

B. Ward cluster project services
The commissioner said her ministry in collaboration with the Federal ministry of science and technology and commenced construction Of a vocational technology incubation center in oloibiri... Other sites earmarked for such construction are in odi, and otuoke towns. She said when completed Bayelsans would be able to fabricate and carry out maintenance of low technological machinery.

C. Technology incubation center
A collaboration with the technology incubation center an agency under the federal ministry of science and technology incubation. For this purpose The state government has allocated the release an appropriate and conducive space for workshop and laboratories at the Bayelsa State college of arts and science.

D. Human capacity Development.

In other to develop indigenous manpower and foster wealth creation for the Bayelsa people, the hon commissioner said her ministry has embarked training of 1000 Bayelsans under the national industrial programme NISDP on information communication technology ICT,  fisheries and garment making.. The programme runs from December 2012 - March 2013

Training of 15 persons at the federal school of surveying in Oyo State.

Coordination and facilitation of screening and selection of youths from Bayelsa State to undergo a 5year degree programme in Nautical science, Naval architecture and marine engineering in various countries of the world under NIMASA.

She said in other to address the marginalizaction and absence of Bayelsans in the federal Civil  Service her ministry has ensured a 279 short listed persons for aptitude test and recruitment into the federal civil Services... She said her ministry organized a coaching preparatory  workshop for shortlisted candidates, provided transportation to the screening center...

In conclusion, she stated that her ministry is in charge of the man power database for Bayelsans who are seeking job and skill acquisition placements. The ministry is also currently overseeing the E Governance unit where the oracle financial and payroll software is being installed to monitor and administer our wage bills and salaries, the oracle financial system will eliminate the ghost workers and automatically reflect increments of salaries when workers are promoted.. The oracle financial system is 64% completed

BAYELSA SAVES N1.25BILLION FOR PAYMENT OF GRATUITY TO PENSIONERS, COMMENCES PAYMENT ON THURSDAY

BAYELSA SAVES N1.25BILLION FOR PAYMENT OF GRATUITY TO PENSIONERS, COMMENCES PAYMENT ON THURSDAY

 Bayelsa State Government says it has saved the sum of N1.25 billion for the payment of gratuity to pensioners with the payment to commence on Thursday, this week. Dropping the hint at a parley with Chairmen and Secretaries of various Trade Unions in the State at Government House Yenagoa on Tuesday, Governor Seriake Dickson said the amount was realized from the monthly savings for the purpose. According to him, ‘government has made available N1.25 billion being amount realized so far from the monthly savings for the purpose.

 “In line with the promise we made a couple of weeks ago, our government will by tomorrow or Thursday, hand over  a cheque of  N500 million to the Head of Service and his team to commence the payment of retirees’ pensions, allowances and gratuities”. He noted that though the backlog of pensions predated his administration, Government decided to tackle the problem in line with its Restoration agenda. 

The meeting, according to the Governor was convened to discuss some critical issues relating to Government’s plan of beefing up the Internally Generated Revenue, payment of appropriate tax as well as incentives for workers in the state. “We have taken some decisions but out of my usual respect for the labour leaders, I thought we should have a closer meeting where we can fine tune some of these policies” he disclosed. 

On the welfare package for civil servants, Governor Dickson said government would build low cost Housing Estates, provide Health insurance scheme and on the job training to enhance productivity. According to him, “there are several incentives that government is going to unfold shortly. We are going to start the construction of a low-cost Housing Estate for civil servants and Health Insurance scheme that we are reforming”.

 He expressed government’s appreciation to civil servants and their respective unions for their support in the ongoing staff verification exercise, which he said was yielding positive results. His words, “I know the support that your leadership has been giving our staff verification team. Your chairpersons and others on that board are doing very well, and working together.

We have been able to address the problem of ghost workers and fake names.  Responding on behalf of Labour, the State Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mrs. Ebiwou Koku Obiyai expressed optimism that Government would facilitate the process of implementing all that are accruable to workers in the State. According to her, civil servants will strive not to fall short of Government’s expectations and will work with Government to actualize its Restoration agenda.

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

SECURITY: BAYELSA GOVT BUILD EMERGENCY RESPONSE CENTRES

Bayelsa State Government says 13 Emergency Response Buildings worth millions of naira built in some designated areas of the state are ready for commissioning.The buildings are located at Oloibiri, Ogbia town, Opume, Opume-Ogbia Town-Otuabagi junction, Emeyal 1/Otuoke junction and Otuasega/Shell Camp junction.

Other locations include Onuebum, Agbura, Okaki/Yenegwe junction, Igbogene/Okolobiri/Glory Drive round-about, Okordia-Zarama market, Opokuma junction and Sagbama junction.Conducting newsmen round some of the project sites on Monday as part of activities marking Governor Seriake Dickson led administration’s one year in office, the State Commissioner for Special  Projects, Mr. Fred Obua said the projects were borne out of government’s desire to provide adequate security for lives and property as well make the environment conducive for investors and their inestments to flourish.If the State is adequately secured, according to the Commissioner, it would encourage local and foreign investors to invest in the state and shore up the economic profile of the state.

According to him, in order to further strengthen the existing security network in the state, the State Governor directed this Ministry to construct Emergency Response Buildings at the designated locations in the state.As part of the achievements of the present administration in one year,  the Commissioner disclosed that a number of projects have been completed under his Ministry.

They are the reconstruction of a modern Police officers’ mess, Emergency Response /Security Buildings, Renovation of the State Security Service Quarters, and Fencing and Landscaping of Presidential lodge.The ongoing projects are; Reconstruction of Traditional Rulers Council Building, Construction of Gate way Entrance, Glory land Drive and Igbogene boundary and completion of Abandoned Talented Childrens’ School Quarters for use by the Federal University Otuoke. 

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

KOREAN AGENCY DONATES MULTI MILLION NAIRA RICE MILLING EQUIPMENT TO BAYELSA

KOREAN AGENCY DONATES MULTI MILLION NAIRA RICE MILLING EQUIPMENT TO BAYELSA GOVT The Korea International Corporation Agency (KOICA) has injected over N70 million into the Bayelsa State economy through the donation of five rice milling equipment.  

While taking delivery of the equipment at Government House, Yenagoa, Governor Seriake Dickson assured that Government would put the rice milling equipment into effective use.

 Governor Dickson who noted that the state has numerous agricultural potentials said government was poised to develop the agricultural sector and diversify the State’s economy. The State Chief Executive expressed the willingness of the state government to develope other sectors of the Bayelsa economy. 

In his response, the Chief representative of the Korean Agency in Nigeria, Jung Sang Hoon, said “the five (5) 300 gramme per hour millers worth over N70 million were donated in view of the devastating effects of the flood that must have damaged the existing rice milling machines in the state.”He assured the government of at least one year guaranty for the equipment as well as the provision of spare parts. 

Highpoint of the occasion was the delivery of the rice milling equipment by the KOICA representative in Nigeria, Jung Sang Hoon and his team to Governor Dickson and some members of the Executive Council.     

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

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