By Ebiowei Lawal
YENAGOA- The Bayelsa State Government has attributed the six years success of the current administration under the leadership of Governor Seriake Dickson, to a strong and robust security system established since 2012 when it took over.
Governor Dickson, made this known while declaring the Restoration Government Inter-Ministerial/Agency Media Briefing open at the Gabriel Okara, Cultural Center Yenagoa.
He explained that his administration instituted a state security outfit called Duo-Akpo both on land and on the sea to check and address any criminal activities to keep the state safe, adding that the vision of the government has lead the state to this point.
The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Gboribiogha Jonah noted that the governor has not relented in ensuring he drive the process himself, adding that since the foundation has been laid already the state is building towards a critical point.
He admonished the people to support the government in ensuring its succeeds, noting that Nigeria is what he calls an un-equal country, where nobody will help you solve your problem unless you solve it yourself.
In his opening speech, the State’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Markson Iworiso, noted that the last six years has been a watershed, adding that no doubt it has been challenging but the important thing is the resolve of the government’s focused leadership to make a difference against all odds.
He submitted that the occasion was an avenue to duly acknowledge and appreciate the governor for his sterling stewardship that has changed the collective story in the state, noting that things that have been thought impossible in the past have become possible and thereby giving the people hope for a brighter tomorrow.
He furthermore stated that “From all indications, the next foreseeable years will come with so come much improvement in the quality of life for the people. That is when our people can better appreciate the true meaning and impact of the investment in education, building model boarding schools across the state with over 5,000 students on scholarship enjoying free nutritious meals, free uniforms, school sandals, school bags and free textbooks”
“Bayelsa has been truly restored to its pride of place as the Jerusalem of the Ijaw nation. In all of this, we have our leader and governor to thank for his leadership and vision. Through thick and thin, he exhibited uncommon approach to governance. He is firm, resolute and doggedly pursuing his goals with vigor despite many distractions and undue criticism”
Briefing the media, the commissioner for works and infrastructure, Mr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, stated that the motive behind the occasion was to create awareness on what will be done in the next coming years and also show all that has been done in the past 6 years by the current administration.
Ewhrudjakpo, said that the government doesn’t believe there’s any project that will be abandoned because it wasn’t conceived by it, adding that the whole part of the state would have been impacted by development but the major part of the 2014 recession that affected the state.
He explained that the Airport built by the government is a necessity to bring development to the state, adding that the government has also declared colonial bridges out of Yenagoa, the capital city.
He noted that with the numerous construction happening in the state has also generated jobs for thousands of youths and developed their capacity.
Giving account of the achievements of his ministry, he said his ministry conceived and completed the following projects:
- MULTI-DOOR COURT HOUSE;
The multi-door court house is a project initiated by the Hon. Dickson’s administration to serve as a litigation and arbitration center for Bayelsans. The project is a large 2 story complex with elevators presently completed and awaits commissioning. - BAYELSA STATE QUALTY COUNTROL LABORATORY.
The Bayelsa state quality control lab is another project initiated by the Hon. Henry S. Dickson’s administration. The lab which is under the ministry of works and infrastructure was initiated to test structural equipments before they are utilized for construction. The lab will also be opened for students of structural engineering, geosciences etc for industrial training. - BAYELSA DIAGNOSTIC CENTER
The Bayelsa state owned diagnostic center is another laudable project initiated by the administration of Henry seriake Dickson. This world class diagnostic center is a one- stop center for all medical investigations, from MRI, PET Scan, MAMMOGRAM etc. The 2 story complex is located along Imgi road. - SECRETARIATE ANNEX 1.
The Bayelsa state secretariat annex 1 is a magnificent 2 floors complex initiate by the administration of Hon Henry s Dickson, the secretariat built for civil servants across the state has been completed. - 10 BLOCKS OF 4 BEDROOM DUPLEX AT COMMISSIONERS QUATERS
To augment the insufficient quarters for states honourable commissioners, the Dickson led administration built an additional 10 flats of 4 bedroom duplexes at commissioner’s quarters in Opolo,Yenagoa. - TRANSPARENCY PLAZA
transparency plaza is A 5 separate blocks of 6 stories each mansions, being developed for commercial purposes by the Dickson Led administration. - NYSC PERMANENT CAMP KIAMA
A permanent NYSC orientation camp is being built in kiama to the credit of the Hon. Dickson led administration. The camp with various components is at different stages of completion. - SPECIALIST HOSPITAL TORU ORUA.
This is another project initiated by the Dickson led administration for cancer treatments. - SECRETARIATE ANNEX 2.
The Bayelsa state secretariat annex 2 is a magnificent 2 floors complex initiate by the administration of Hon Henry s Dickson, the secretariat built for civil servants across the state has been completed. - SECRETARIATE ANNEX 3
The Bayelsa state secretariat annex 3 is a magnificent 2 floors complex initiate by the administration of Hon. Henry s Dickson, this secretariat built for civil servants across the state has been completed.
- BORO TOWN
Boro town is a town under construction in kiama the headquarters of kolokuma opokuma LGA, being developed in honour of the ijo hero, Isaac Adaka Jasper Boro by the Dickson led administration. - RESIDENTIAL QUATERS FOR HEATH WORKERS (500 BED HOSPITAL)
Residential accommodations are being built in the premises of the Ernest Ikoli hospital for health workers by the administration of Henry Seriake Dickson.
Giving account of the achievements of the ministry for health, Proffessor Ebitimitula Etebu, called on the people to ensure they maximizes accessibility of the facilities provided by the government in their various communities, adding that from henceforth the government will institute a process where primary health workers take care delivery to the homes of the people.
He submitted that the process will allow them to have a correct database and history of the various illnesses which will help in ensuring the people are all captured and properly planned for.
He identified social cultural belief as a major problem halting optimal
utilization of health facilities in the state, adding that even when you
take health care to them they sometimes decline because of certain belief.
He disclosed that there is a government task force monitoring team in charge of fake drugs in the state to ensure only drugs sold are the ones prescribed by doctors.
The commissioner reeled out some of the projects of the sector as Drug mart, Modern Federal Medical hospital, Bayelsa Diagnostic Centre,
Immunization Cold room Complex among others.
The commissioner however revealed that there was an outbreak of Lassa fever now but he advised all to be calm, keep a clean environment adding that whatever be the case, the state was capable to take charge.
On the curtailing of monkey pox that broke out last year in the state, the Commissioner maintained that the state Government handled it efficiently adding that no life was lost.
The projects embarked on and completed by the ministry include, establishment of Bayelsa State Health Insurance Scheme, Upgrading of the school of nursing at Tombia and Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital at Okolobiri, Improving on immunization coverage to 90% and provision of 7 marine ambulances,
Construction of 380-bed hospital with specialist capabilities for the treatment of cancer and other related ailments in Sagbama,
Construction and equipping of a world-class diagnostic center in Yenagoa, Modern health referral hospitals each in all the 8 LGAs,
Construction and equipping of a pharmaceutical storage and distribution center in Yenagoa (Drug Mart), Construction of 20-bed clinic for civil servants in Yenagoa, at the cost of N50 million, 16 Doctors sent abroad for post-graduate studies, Renovation and equipping of over 40 primary and comprehensive health centers across the state
Introduction of Bayelsa Health Insurance Scheme (BHIS)
Conceptualisation and completion of the Diagnostic Centre
Government House Specialist Hospital equipped with a functional dialysis centre.