BAYELSA KICK-STARTS WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME WITH N500M

BAYELSA KICK-STARTS WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME WITH N500M

The Bayelsa State Government says it is set to launch the first phase of its Women Empowerment Programme to various cooperative groups next week.

Governor Seriake Dickson announced this when the Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Government House, Yenagoa.

According to the Governor, about N500 Million will be disbursed to the women cooperative groups during his ‘thank you’ tour to the eight local government areas of the State, which is expected to kick off next week.

Governor Dickson, who expressed delight at the visit of the Minister, explained that Government decided to test-run the programme with women in view of the critical role they play in their families and society in general.

While commending the Minister for his efforts in promoting the growth of business and investment in the country, the Governor noted that his administration had since keyed into the Federal Government development programmes for small and medium enterprises.

He restated the State Government’s commitment to diversifying its economy from oil and gas with a view to generating employment and creating wealth through industrialization.

His words, “This was where oil and gas started but we don’t have the big oil companies located here. In this State, it is only the Government that employs people, and that has to change. So, I am actively promoting the policy of expanding the economy of this State beyond oil and gas. We are doing a lot in agriculture and tourism. That is why we have invested so much in security and the infrastructure that can bring about industrialization. And that is why we are talking to people and building partnerships within Nigeria and even outside because we want people to come in here to invest and create jobs and generate wealth.

Earlier, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga said he was in Bayelsa to inaugurate the State council on Small and Medium Enterprises as well as launch the National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP).

Describing the small and medium enterprises sub-sector as the greatest employer of labour in the country, Dr. Aganga quoted a survey conducted by SMEDAN as revealing that, “about 17.25 million micro, small and medium enterprises exist in this country employing closed to 32 million people.”

The Minister who announced the sitting of the headquarters of the South – South Office of SMEDAN in Bayelsa, added that NEDEP which is aimed at addressing the needs of SMES in the country has so far been launched in six States.

To make the agency more result-oriented, Dr. Aganga explained that, SMEDAN has not only been restructured but now has its presence in all the States of the federation following the directives of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“In the past we coordinated it from the National Council in Abuja. It doesn’t work that way. You need to have State councils because they are the first point of contact dealing with local issues and problems. So, we changed that structure to make sure that we now have SME Councils at the State level that will be made of Government, the SMEs themselves and the private sector.

“In terms of funding, we have restructured the Bank of Industry (BOI) to ensure that we have bottom of the pyramid programme, which means that we form them into cooperatives, register them with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) at no cost to them without any legal requirements because we want to bring them from the informal to formal sector.”

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
8/11/2013

AS LEGAL YEAR OPENS IN BAYELSA, GOV DICKSON WANTS JUDGES TO PERFORM THEIR DUTIES WITH UTMOST SENSE OF CAUTION

AS LEGAL YEAR OPENS IN BAYELSA, GOV DICKSON WANTS JUDGES TO PERFORM THEIR DUTIES WITH UTMOST SENSE OF CAUTION

Judges in the country have been urged to perform their professional duties with utmost sense of caution to meet societal expectation as the last hope of the common man.

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson gave the charge at a special inter-denominational thanksgiving service marking the beginning of the 2013/14 Legal Year in the State at the Banquet Hall, Yenagoa.

Acknowledging the supremacy of God, the Governor who was represented by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Francis Egele called on members of the Bar and Bench to apply the fear of God in the discharge of their responsibilities.

As interpreters of the laws of the land, he noted that they play a critical role in promoting the growth and development of the country, pointing out that any failure on the part of the Judiciary, would adversely affect the wellbeing of society.

Governor Dickson, who congratulated the State Judiciary for carrying out its statutory duties with candor, urged them to maintain the gesture to enhance peace and security in the State.

Delivering a sermon titled, “True Worshippers” at the service, the International Director of the Greater Evangelism World Crusade, Apostle Geoffrey Numbere stressed the need for man to serve God in truth.

Apostle Numbere, who was represented by the Rivers State Minister of the church, Pastor Ibim Alabraba, particularly enjoined legal practitioners to uphold the virtue of truthfulness in carrying out their duties.

In her remarks, the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Kate Abiri, said the thanksgiving service was put together to enable the Judicial Arm appreciate God for the achievements it recorded in the out gone year.

Describing God as the only true source of wisdom, the Chief Judge remarked that the service was also targeted at dedicating the new legal year into God’s care.

The service, which was anchored by the Greater Evangelism World Crusade, featured special prayers for the State Judiciary, Governor Dickson and President Goodluck Jonathan.

Governor Dickson read the first lesson while the State Chief Judge read the second one.

The service was well attended by members of the Bar and Bench, top Government functionaries including the Speaker of the State House of assembly, Rt. Hon. Konbowei Benson, traditional rulers, the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Col. Sam Inokoba (Rtd) and other well wishers of the Judiciary.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
18/11/2013

DR. AGANGA INAUGURATES BAYELSA SMEs COUNCIL, AS GOV DICKSON PLEDGES ADEQUATE FUNDING OF SECTOR

DR. AGANGA INAUGURATES BAYELSA SMEs COUNCIL, AS GOV DICKSON PLEDGES ADEQUATE FUNDING OF SECTOR
Bayelsa State Government has reaffirmed its confidence in the private sector as a vehicle to drive the economy of the State away from the monthly federal allocations.

Governor Seriake Dickson, who made this known at the Inauguration of the State Council for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Yenagoa, noted that, the present administration was aware of the crucial role of SMEs and its positive impact on the lives of the people.

Represented at the occasion by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Yenagoa, Dame (Mrs) Didi Walson-Jack, the Governor said it was the realization of the importance SMEs that informed Government’s decision to incorporate it into the Restoration Agenda.

He commended the Hon. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga for his interest in the State and his presence at the event and the initiative of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment on the private sector.

According to him, the various entrepreneurial activities going on in the State were indications that the State government did not misplace its priorities.

Aware of the critical issues of funding and other logistic requirements Gov Dickson disclosed that, practical steps have been taken to ensure that SMEs are not relegated to the background for reasons of inadequate funding in the State.

“In addition to this, we are also leveraging on opportunities in the micro- finance derivatives, especially with the commitment of the Bayelsa State Micro-Finance Agency to establish a micro-finance bank for the purpose of giving out loans and credit facilities to our SMEs in the State”.

The Governor stated that a 24-member committee drawn from all the Local Government Areas of the State have been set up for efficient regulatory and supervisory mechanism to manage the derivatives from the partnership and will be charged with the responsibility of formulating relevant policies and effective supervision of the disbursement and utilization of the funds to beneficiaries.

He said the State Government went further to engage the people in the acquisition of business management skills to promote the growth of local businesses and their sustainability in the State, adding that the administration set aside the sum of N480 million for the purpose in the 2013 budget.

Hon. Dickson assured that Government was focused on the stimulation of the economy using SMEs as a veritable tool to achieve the purpose while, the Bayelsa State Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC) is a vehicle aimed at making the economy principally private sector driven.

Speaking also, the minister who inaugurated the State council on SMEs and the formal flag-off of the National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP) in the State, commended the developmental strides of Governor Seriake Dickson as well as the policy thrust of his administration.

Dr. Aganga, who described Bayelsa as “a small State in size but big in spirit” noted that it is endowed with so many natural resources apart from being the highest producers of oil and gas, adding that, the State is capable of becoming the ‘Dubai’ of Africa a major economic power.

He said the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment initiated SMEs and the launch of NEDEP to integrate and coordinate the development of SMEs, through the establishment of State SME Councils all over the country.

Expressing the impact of the private sectors towards nation building, the minister said the NEDEP initiative is aimed at generating millions of jobs nationwide within two years.

In his remarks, the Director-General, SMEDAN Alhaji Bature Masari said, in order to solidify its partnership, the Agency will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the State Government specifying the duties and obligations of both parties and the overall deliverables and timelines, noting that the MOU is expected to be operational within the next few weeks.

The DG commended the State Government for promoting the development of the SMEs sub-sector in the State as well as its provision of a befitting office space for the South – South zonal office and the Business Support Centre (BSC) in Yenagoa, which he said, will ensure that the services of the Agency are effectively delivered to all target groups in the State in partnership with the Advisory Council.

He gave an assurance that SMEDAN will remain a trusted ally in SMEs and entrepreneurship development in Nigeria, stressing that it will continue to support entrepreneurial activities in the State.

In an overview of SMEs activities in the State, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the State Governor on SMEs, Engr. Ebiekure Eradiri said, the Governor Seriake Dickson led administration had taken concrete steps to develop SMEs through various strategies, collaborations and alliances to achieve its objects.

This, the SSA noted, include confidence rebuilding of SME operators and restoring the hopes of critical mass of entrepreneurs in the State, collating and updating database, holding various entrepreneurial capacity building workshops, the hosting of the 2013 SMEs Summit in Yenagoa and the establishment of N10 billion SMEs Development Trust Fund in partnership with the private sector.

The launch of SMEs Restoration Roadmap, a 12-14 months SMEs policy framework for development of SMEs in the State, An SME Mentorship Scheme in partnership with the private sector, the promotion of made-in-Bayelsa products, the proposed SMEs village in Yenagoa as well as the Integration of Entrepreneurial Training and the infusion Financial Literacy into the educational curriculum in all secondary schools across the State within the shortest possible time are also some of the steps.

According to Engr. Eradiri, all these efforts have started yielding results as the State level, but are now being known and observed by various institutions across the African continent and Europe, while the Bayelsa products such as palm oil, ogbono, plantain, fish/sea foods, Nembe bread are in high demand, and most sought after at Oyingbo market in Lagos with the branded SME products expected to feature on the State stand during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

He disclosed that, in April, last year, the State Government flagged off various SMEs Clusters for which the State has comparative advantage in all the eight Local Government Areas of the State in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Development and Investment Corporation, which is similar to the proposed one Local Government, one product (OLOP) programme initiated by the Federal Government.

The SSA noted that the main policy thrust of the SMEs sector under the Restoration agenda is to optimize the source of economic growth using the SMEs to achieve the objective.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, Barr. Collins Daniel stated that the ministry has put in place mechanism to encourage the transition of businesses from the informal to the formal sectors of the economy.

According to him, cooperatives and training sessions have been held for them in all the Local Government Areas of the State with impressive delivery rate.

Barr. Daniel, who welcomed the inauguration of the State council, stressing that, it came at a time when Government efforts were beginning to yield results and helping to consolidate on gains already recorded.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
18/11/2013

BAYELSA, RWANDA GOVTS COLLABORATE TO HARNESS STATE’S TOURISM POTENTIALS

BAYELSA, RWANDA GOVTS COLLABORATE TO HARNESS STATE’S TOURISM POTENTIALS

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson has described the decision of the Rwandan Government to collaborate with the State in harnessing its tourism potentials as a big boost to his administration’s plans to diversify the economy.

Governor Dickson stated this, while exchanging ideas with the Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Joseph Habineza, who visited him at the Bayelsa House, Abuja.

The Governor, who was full gratitude to the Rwandan Government for the interest to collaborate with the State, explained that, Government was already undertaken a number of projects that will support a thriving tourism industry, noting that, Government was ready to develop the State through viable international and local partnerships.

Represented by the Chief of Staff, Bayelsa House, Abuja, Chief Diekivie Ikiogha, he highlighted the proposed deep seaport at Agge in Ekeremor Local Government Area and the airport as projects designed to boost tourism and other business activities in the State.

He also used the opportunity to enumerate some of the tourism potentials of the State to include the rich culture of the people, the Whiteman’s Grave, United African Company’s edifice at Akassa and the sea at Brass with natural waterfalls and waves which empty into the Atlantic Ocean as well as other rivers, creeks, beaches and mangrove forest spread around the State.

Also in attendance was the SSA to the Governor on National Assembly Liaison, Mr. Preye Dressman. The Rwanda Government has asked the Bayelsa State Government to explore its potentials in other sectors of the economy, while also commending the efforts of Hon. Seriake Dickson at repositioning the State’s economy through diversification from oil and gas.

Giving the advice during a visit to the Bayelsa House, Abuja, the Rwandan High Commissioner, Mr. Joseph Habineza stated that unlike Nigeria, Rwanda has no crude oil and gas resources, but depends basically on tourism to power its economy.

He noted that despite the existence of the black gold, Bayelsa State and indeed Nigeria should explore their potentials in other alternative sectors.

According to him, the policy focus of Governor Henry Seriake Dickson in the non-oil and gas sectors is laudable, and could further be boosted by more international collaborations to achieve targets.

Mr. Habineza expressed the Rwandan Government’s readiness to have bilateral arrangements with the Bayelsa State Government, especially in the tourism sector in which the State has comparative advantage.

He urged Governor Dickson to keep faith with the administration’s programmes intended to diversify the State’s economy, noting that it was a viable strategy to develop the State and its people.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
14/11/2013

BEST SECURITY GOVERNOR AWARD IS A CALL TO FURTHER BOOST SECURITY EFFORTS …GOV DICKSON

BEST SECURITY GOVERNOR AWARD IS A CALL TO FURTHER BOOST SECURITY EFFORTS …GOV DICKSON

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has described the award of Best Security Governor in West Africa conferred on him by Security Watch Africa in South Africa, as a call to boost security efforts in the State.

Governor Dickson made the remark when the Special Adviser on Security, Colonel Bernard Kenebai (rtd) who received the award on his behalf in South Africa presented award to him at Government House, Yenagoa.

Hon. Dickson dedicated the award to the people of the State for their peaceful disposition and cooperation with security agencies and the selflessness on the part of the various security agencies, stressing that, the award was made possible largely by the existing cooperation between them and assured that no effort would be spared in his drive to continue to improve on security.

According to him, the award given to Operation Doo Akpor is heartwarming as it was as a result of their diligence and support for Government’s policy on zero tolerance to crime and violence as well as dedication and gallant efforts that have always paid off and received accolades from outside the shores of the country.

Calling on various security agencies in the State to redouble their efforts in sustaining the prevailing peace and stability in the State, he noted that it has become imperative to beef up security as the yuletide approaches and increased political activities.

Governor Dickson, who expressed appreciation to the organizers of the award for the honour accorded him and the State, assured that no effort would be spared in his drive to continue to improve security.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Colonel Bernard Kenebai (rtd), said Bayelsa was high on the mark of activities this year of the Security Watch Africa Lecture and Award Series.

Colonel Kenebai who led a team of security personnel and officials of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), attributed the awards of Best Crime Busting Squad in West Africa for Operation Doo Akpor and Best Security Governor in West Africa for Governor Dickson to the recognition of the present administration’s huge investment in security.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
15/11/2013

BAYELSA GOVT, OPS TO CREATE 30,000 JOBS

BAYELSA GOVT, OPS TO CREATE 30,000 JOBS

Bayelsa State Government in partnership with the Organized Private Sector, (OPS) is set to create at least 30,000 jobs in Oil and gas and other sectors of the economy.

In line with its Restoration Agenda, Government has stressed the need for a private sector driven economy and this has led to the proposed establishment of a Fertilizer Plant, the Maritime Academy and Brass LNG at Brass Island, Airport, pharmaceutical products and many others in the State.

This development will provide a platform for youths to acquire training and become employable in various aspects of the economy.

To further achieve this goal, Government has entered into a bilateral agreement with a United Kingdom based Oil Company, Heritage Oil Plc and other major companies and institutions to broaden the base of the economy, generate employment and create high level skills in the State.

In view of the fore-going, Governor Seriake Dickson has expressed optimism that with the enforcement of the Federal Government’s Local Content Development Policy, the problem of unemployment would be minimized and a an enduring peace and stability will be enthroned in the State and the Niger Delta region.

Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Yenagoa, Governor Seriake Dickson said the Bayelsa State is ready for active participation in the oil and gas industry.

Under the agreement, Heritage Oil Plc, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange, has an equity share of 45 per cent while Bayelsa Oil Company would take charge of 55 per cent in the joint venture, named Petrobay.

He noted that the headquarters of Petrobay would be situated in Yenagoa and will have the capacity to compete favourably with other stakeholders both in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil industry.

Consequently, Governor Dickson urged youths of the State to take advantage of the opportunities that these major companies would offer in the nearest future to better their lot.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Oil Company, Mr. Tony Buckingham, pointed out that the partnership, which will run into hundreds of millions of dollars is targeted at developing the resources of the State as well as facilitate its economic wellbeing.

Mr. Buckingham lauded the efforts of Governor Dickson in expanding the frontiers of opportunities in the oil industry for the benefit of Bayelsans and indicated his company’s readiness to provide the requisite funding and expertise.

“The natural resources of Bayelsa and indeed Nigeria belong to the Nigerian and Bayelsa people. These resources are to be used for the betterment of the people. They are to be used for education, healthcare and for the everyday man, woman and child in the street who had suffered and who have not had what they actually deserve. But I think the Governor has a passion and the desire to enable everybody within Bayelsa and also Nigeria to reap the just reward of the country’s oil reserve.”

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Bayelsa Oil Company, King Amalate Turner expressed delight at the signing of the MoU, which he noted was the fallout of fruitful interactions between the State and its partner that earlier held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

Describing the agreement as a big leap in the development strides of the present administration, King Turner Stated that the partnership would benefit the State tremendously, in the area of job creation and boosting the internally generated revenue.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
4/11/2013

GOV DICKSON ORDERS COMMITTEE TO FAST-TRACK PAYMENT OF PENSIONERS AND RETIREES IN BAYELSA

GOV DICKSON ORDERS COMMITTEE TO FAST-TRACK PAYMENT OF PENSIONERS AND RETIREES IN BAYELSA

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson has directed the State Pensions and Gratuities Committee headed by the Head of Service, Sir Fraser Okuoru to expedite action on the payment of the next batch of retirees and pensioners in the State. He has also urged the committee to be fair and fast in the disbursement of the already released N500, 000,000 (Five Hundred Million Naira) to alleviate the hardship being experienced by pensioners and retirees in the State.

According to the Governor, even though the heavy backlog of unpaid pensions and gratuities were inherited by the present administration, it will not relent in its efforts at ensuring that every genuine retiree is paid his or her benefits to the fullest. While, appealing to retirees and pensioners to cooperate and appreciate the current efforts of Government, he reaffirmed the resolve of his administration to settle all outstanding gratuities and pensions in batches until the backlog owed is cleared.

Hon. Dickson, who thanked pensioners and retirees for their show of maturity, discipline and understanding, especially with the committee, advised them to exercise patience, and not allow themselves to be used by mischief makers to fan the embers of discord.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
14/11/2013