Gov Dickson Presents N2bn To Julius Beger, 20m For Women Empowerment

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has presented a N2 billion draft to Julius Berger Nigeria PLC for the continuation of various ongoing projects towards improving the infrastructural base of the state.

Governor Dickson also presented a cheque of N20 million for the empowerment of women in the Oguan Kingdom in fulfillment of an earlier promise made during the conferment of a chieftaincy title on him by the Oguan (Epie/Atissa Speaking) people of Yenagoa Local Government Area.

Making the presentations at the transparency briefing for the months of February and March, 2014, in Yenagoa, the Governor also announced, that government would soon sign a memorandum of understanding with Julius Berger for the construction of high-rise commercial structures to be funded by the firm.

“We are presenting this instrument of 2 billion naira to Julius Berger Nigeria PLC for you to continue the wonderful infrastructure turnaround going on in Yenagoa. I am so delighted by the confidence Julius Berger has reposed in this government.

Commending the local contractors for the quality and pace of work done on most of the projects under the Ministry of Education, particularly the model secondary schools spread across the Local Government Areas and Teachers' Training Institute, Governor Dickson expressed his administration's resolve towards the completion of all projects within available resources.

He urged Bayelsans to verify government's projects to enable them appreciate the enormous efforts being made by his administration to enhance the standard of living of the people.

His words: “I am pleased with the state of most of our investments in infrastructure. Let me use this opportunity to announce our determination to conclude all the projects i have started as resources allow. Of priority, are the various projects that we have embarked upon in the educational sector.

“Most times, unknown to contractors, I drive round town to inspect projects and I have driven to most of the schools. I recently visited the school at Ebedebiri community, where one of the most beautiful schools in this country is going to start very soon in that community. And, you need to visit these places yourself so that you assess what is happening in your own community.

“I have also seen the Teachers Training Institute, which is nearing completion.  I have got reports about most of the projects going on concerning the model secondary schools we are building. With God helping us we intend to put these schools to use by September this year.

“So, I like to here and now, direct the commissioners for Education and Finance to bring a memo to me for approval, so that they can complete all the ones that are nearing completion.  As you have seen a short while ago, we are alive to our contractual obligation and that is one thing our detractors cannot take away from this government.

To ensure effective running of the model schools, Governor Dickson said a governing board would soon be instituted in conjunction with community leaders and other stakeholders to entrench discipline as well as prudent management of resources.

Commenting on the progress of the Toru-Ebeni bridge project, being handled by SETRACO, he said the company has taken the bridge across to Toru-Ebeni and other neighbouring communities to open up the hinterlands to accelerate socio-economic activities.

The Governor solicited the maximum cooperation and support of all to enable his administration forge ahead, stressing that what was required of the people was a united, indivisible and secure home base for President Goodluck Jonathan.

“You are holding a very privileged position in this country and because of that and because we understand the imperatives of first putting our house together; you have seen how we have stretched our hands of fellowship far and near, bringing every stakeholder together so that the rest of the world should not see a divided Bayelsa as it was a few years ago.”

He also cautioned the political class against early politicking for the 2016 elections in the state and called on the people not to be distracted by the machinations of those who do not wish the state well.

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