Saturday 29 September 2012

WE CONGRATULATES MR. PRESIDENT, GOVERNOR OF BAYELSA STATE: NIGERIA @52 AND BAYELSA @16TH


BAYELSA NEW MEDIA TEAM
CONGRATULATIONS:
As Nigeria clocks 52, we congratulate Your Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, Commander-in- Chief of the armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for your transformation agenda to take the country to enviable heights and promote peace  and security of live and property. Your Presidency has given all ethnic nationalities in Nigeria a voice in determining the direction Nigeria is headed. More than ever, stakeholders have reposed confidence in your administration and the viability of the Nigeria projects.

We also congratulate His Excellency Hon Henry Seriake Dickson, Governor of Bayelsa State as we mark the 16th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State – the only homogenous Ijaw State in Nigeria. We are optimistic that your leadership will bring about much-needed infrastructural, social and economic development in the State. We have no doubt in your ability to deliver on your promises. Your drive to project the cultural identity of the ijaw people. This feat has not been achieved since the creation of Bayelsa State. Your Excellency, you are just seven months in office but the initiatives your administration has taken bespeaks the charisma and pragmatism you have brought to bear on statecraft. May God endow you with wisdom to pilot our dear State to its assured destination.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!
Long live the Bayelsa state!!
Long live Your excellencies
Sign:
Saint O. Mienpamo
(Director of operation)

Saturday 15 September 2012

WHY BAYELSA OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP CAN NOT GO ROUND



BAYELSA STATE: WHY OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP CANNOT GO ROUND

As a professional Educational Administrator, there is a need to educate the public on why the overseas scholarship cannot go round:

1. Our society has become educogenic and because of the high level of awareness, the enthusiasm to acquire a Diploma or Degree has become a moral imperative.

2. Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, at his inaugural address declared FREE, UNIVERSAL AND COMPULSORY education in tandem with Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948. This declaration is a provides a platform for the State to push for the achievement of the MDGs on education.

3. Having declared Free Education at the Primary and Secondary level, the cost burden of education on the State is very high. If the population of Bayelsa State is 1.9 million, statistical convention dictates that 16% and 12% of the population should be in the Primary and secondary schools respectively. Frankly, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson has decided to modernize the infrastructure of the schools, some with boarding facilities with free books, uniforms, teachers quarters and all the accompaniments of free education. Free education is really not a given because IDEALLY EDUCATION IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE FREE, NOT EVEN IN FREETOWN. The Government has taken this additional responsibility because of her penchant for building a formidable stock of brain power who will provide the locomotive for accelerated development. Indeed, human Capital Development is the core of the RESTORATION AGENDA.

4. Without any doubt, I believe that the overseas scholardhip scheme started since the DSP Alamieyeseigha Administration, and now Governor Dickson has stepped up the tempo by committing so much money to it. This is commendable.

5. Governor HSD has explained that developing one sector should not amount to the neglect of the other sectors such as infrastructural development, and that is why so many contracts have been awarded in road construction etc.

THERE IS NOT DOUBT THAT GOVERNOR DICKSON HAS GIVEN A GOOD ACCOUNT OF HIS ADMINISTRATION ONLY SEVEN MONTHS AFTER ASSUMING OFFICE. I KNOW GOD WILL STRENGTHEN HIM TO ACCOMPLISH ALL HIS PROMISES TO THE PEOPLE OF BAYELSA STATE. BY THE GRACE OF GOD, HE WILL SURPASS WHAT HE PROMISED BECAUSE HE DOES NOT AND WILL NEVER PLAY POLITICS WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF BAYELSA STATE.

POLICE ARRESTED A WOMAN FOR KILLING HER HUSBAND IN BAYELSA

The police in Bayelsa State have arrested a 27 years old woman who allegedly stabbed her husband to death in the Azikoro suburb of Yenagoa the state capital.
The woman identified as Osas Omorege according to eyewitnesses stabbed her spouse, Chukwuma Iwu over alleged marital squabbles.
It was gathered that trouble started when the wife of the deceased suspected he was having extra marital affairs due to his alleged late night outings.
The tragic incident which threw the rustic Azikoro settlement into mourning  occurred last Friday when the deceased reportedly received a phone call which the wife suspected was from one of his lovers.
The wife’s  suspicion and anger over the phone call the source said, might have been fuelled by his alleged absence from home for two days.
“After returning late to his matrimonial home he received a phone call which the wife suspected was coming from his girlfriend and attempted to stop him from answering it”, the source added.
Consequently, a scuffle ensued and the deceased ordered his wife to move out of the house with her belongings, the source further said.
Angered by the wife’s refusal to comply with his order the deceased was said to have reached for a kitchen knife ostensibly to frighten her but she was adamant.
Immediately he dropped the knife, the wife was said to have picked the said knife and stabbed the husband on the chest.
The loud cry of the husband for help attracted neighbours who rushed to the scene and took him to the health facility in the community where he was confirmed dead.
The woman it was learnt turned in herself to the police where she is currently in detention and assisting them in their investigation into the matter.
Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Fidelis Odunna (DSP) confirmed the incident saying the woman voluntarily gave up herself to the police. He said she would be charged to court for murder.

A ONE DAY ORIENTATION TRAINING PROGRAM FOR THE NEWLY APPOINTED SEVEN SPECIAL ASSISTANTS BY THE GOVERNOR OF BAYELSA STATE

A ONE DAY ORIENTATION TRANING PROGRAMME FOR THE NEWLY APPOINTED SAs UNDER THE OFFICE OF THE SSA SOCIAL MEDIA AND RESEARCH(Sir John Idumange).

Good Evening to all and Sundry,the SSA Research and Social media to the Governor of Bayelsa State (Sir John Idumange) organized a Re-orientation Programme for the Newly Appointed SAs to the Governor under his Good Office whose names are as Follows:- (1. Mr Nwokedi Nworisara. 2.- Mr Ebi Brisibe 3.- Miss Blessing Oyanimigha 4.- Mr Saint Mienpamo Onitsha 5.- Mrs Anita Godspower Benakiegha 6.- Mr Sekegha Oguara 7.- Miss Matilda Angaye) with the sole Intent of Renewing our Mind set as Social media Champions under the Restoration agenda of Governor Henry Seriake Dickson,It was a Cocktail of Sound Minds Garnished with Superior Intellects whose Vast Experience as Social Media Practitioners and Experts in their Various Fields Know no Bounds.The SSA Research and Social Media was Magnanimous Enough to Invite two Very Distinguished Guest Speakers who are Known to hold their Own Forth.Honorable Onos was the first Speaker to address the newly Appointed SAs and he spoke largely on Team work and the need to Study our Principal,his Ideologies,to be Steadfast when all is not Rosy,and last but not the least....to Analyze the Drive behind the Restoration Agenda.The second Guest Speaker was Mrs Chi Tola Roberts,(MD/CEO INFOCUS PR)who was Spot on when speaking on attitude as it affects the use of social media ,and the Need to Engage our Followers with Incisive and Thought Provoking Write-ups to build their Interest and Confidence in our Reportage.Mrs Roberts was also Gracious enough to announce to all seated of her intent to Reserve a Column or a Page in her Magazine,which will be Utilized by two newly Appointed SAs for updates on the Restoration Agenda of Governor Seriake Dickson and his Team.We were also Flabbergasted when she Mentioned her Intention of putting in a Word to the Publisher of Ovation magazine on Behalf of the Newly Appointed SAs on the need to assign two SAs from the team to work with the Renowned Publisher of the said Magazine.Mrs Chitola rounded up her Speech by Emphasizing on the Importance of Unity and Team Spirit in Order to Succeed as one Body.The Newly Appointed SAs thanked the Invited Guest Speakers for their Inspiring and Motivating Lecture and Promised to be Diligent and Upright in their Various Assignments.The SSA Research and Social Media thanked the Invited Guest Speakers for making out time from their very Busy Schedules to attend the Programme and Pledged to Continue to Uphold the Ideologies of our Country Man Governor for the Betterment of Man Kind.A group Photograph among others was Taken and the Re-orientation Programme was Brought to and End.

S.A news writing and research under the Office of the SSA Social media to the Governor of Bayelsa State.
Blessing Oyanimigha.

Friday 14 September 2012

BAYELSA GOV'T APPROVES CONTRACTS FOR CLEARING OF SITE FOR AIRPORT

Gov. Henry Seriake Dickson
BAYELSA GOVT APPROVE CONTRACT FOR CLEARING OF SITE FOR AIRPORT
The Bayelsa State Government has approved the award of contract for the clearing of the site for the proposed state airport project along Amassoma/Tombia road.
Also approved are contracts for an access road to Boro Town in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, sand filling and reclamation of the beach annex at the proposed Golf course area of Government House Extension as well as the construction of a bridge and access road to Tourist Island in the State capital.These were some of the decisions taken at the 10th session of the State Executive Council meeting held at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa.
Briefing the Press after the meeting, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Deacon Markson Fefegha, announced the arrival of buses for the state transport scheme, adding that to ensure the effective management and operation of the scheme, Government has concluded plans to map out routes for the restoration cabs and the new buses to alleviate the sufferings of commuters across the state.He said, Government noted with dismay the indiscriminate parking of vehicles on both sides of roads in the state capital, which has been largely responsible for several hold-ups being experienced within Yenagoa and its environs.
According to the Information and Orientation Commissioner, Executive council also urged Bayelsans to take advantage of the Information Communication Technology, ICT, Law and other Diploma programmes of the Bayelsa State College of Arts and Science, BYCAS to acquire middle level manpower skills as part of government’s drive to industrialise the state for rapid economic development.He explained that, as a deliberate policy to encourage Bayelsans, the application forms for the various Diploma programmes in BYCAS have been pegged at N500.00 (Five Hundred Naira) only, with lectures expected to commence in two weeks time.
The Executive Council also expressed serious concern over rising cases of insecurity in waterways across the state, stressing that, Government will soon take appropriate steps to deal decisively with the situation to ensure safety of lives and property in all nooks and crannies of the state. 
Daniel Iworiso-Markson 
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa state

Wednesday 12 September 2012

PRESS BRIEFING ON THE CORONATION CEREMONY OF HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, KING (DR) EBITIMI EMMANUEL BANIGO OFR, OKPO XXI

A TEXT OF PRE-EVENT PRESS BRIEFING ON THE CORONATION CEREMONY OF HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, KING (DR) EBITIMI EMMANUEL BANIGO OFR, OKPO XXI, AMAYANABO OF OKPOAMA KINGDOM, HELD AT OKPO SQUARE, OKPOAMA ON SUNDAY 9th OF SEPTEMBER, 2012.
saint mienpamo reports 12/09/2012
On behalf of the King, Chiefs and good people of Okpoama Kingdom I wish to welcome you gentlemen of the press to Okpoama. We are indeed honoured that you accepted our invitation for this press conference outside Yenagoa that is why we have put together this cultural performances to entertain and relax you after the journey from Ogbia by speed boat.
Okpoama Kingdom is located on coastal Niger Delta region of Nigeria. It is bound in the south by the Atlantic Ocean with a very lengthy golden beach and merges through the mangrove with other Nembe speaking settlements in the north. On the west it is bound by the Brass River and on the east by the St Nicholas River.
Our people had early contacts with the Europeans in pre-colonial times and engage them in trading until the famous Akassa raid which was led by King Obu of this kingdom. The kingdom is blessed with oil and gas, beautiful islands, creeks rivulets and beaches. We are predominantly fishermen and traders. The Kingdom is host to oil giant – Nigerian Agip Oil Company, the Brass LNG project, NPDC/SIPEC and Hyundai project.
On the 12TH of October, 2012 the people of this kingdom came together to democratically elect Dr. Ebitimi Emmanuel Banigo, OFR as the 21st king following the demise of King Justice Kesiye St. Sagbe, Okpo XX. Subsequently, he was handed the staff of office in 2011 by the immediate past governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva at a colourful ceremony. I could recall vividly that most of you covered that ceremony and we have remained grateful to you.
King Ebitimi Emmanuel Banigo as you may be aware is an international businessman, a reputable banker, a former minister of Science and Technology of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and an awardee of Officer of the Order of Federal Republic (OFR). He is a graduate of the prestigious Harvard university of Massachusetts Bay Colony in the United States of America. A man the kingdom believes can take it to greater height.
King Ebitimi Emmanuel Banigo is the 21ST counting from Okpo’s (founder) dynasty to date. The kingdom had Sikaka, Ibelubelu, Nende, Tia, Kpekiya, Saikiri, Osungu, Onu, Akirigbo, Gboro, Bouyai, Orukari, Gori, Obasi, Obu, Okiringbo, Okparan Tubu, Elei Tamunobere, and Kesiye Sagbe as kings before the election of Ebitimi Emmanuel Banigo as king.
The significance of the coronation is the opportunity to share with the world the proud history, cultural heritage and traditions of this ancient oil and gas rich kingdom at the Southernmost tip of the Niger Delta.
The coronation is the first of its kind in the modern era and as a kingdom in pursuit of global excellence…that is, to attain world-class status in everything it engages in as to be ranked amongst the world-best kingdom, the kingdom will therefore be showcase its potentials as the prime Tourism destination of the Niger Delta, oil and gas and industrial cluster and its vision of a global green community.

Plans are in full gear to conduct a hitch free coronation to accommodate the hordes of visitors and dignitaries that will be joining us to celebrate this grant occasion. We plan to leave them with life long memories of what is shaping up to be the event of the decade.

I as Chairman of the Okpo XXI Coronation Committee look forward to welcoming you to the coronation activities starting from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th with the actual crowning taking place on Saturday 27th October at 11.00 am. I also want to use this opportunity to call on top government functionaries, politicians, captain of industry, community leaders and indeed all Nigerian to join us in this coronation ceremony and experience firsthand the hospitality, the culture and the fresh sea food of our kingdom. Let me also call on investors to come to the kingdom and invest as there are endless investment opportunity in our kingdom.

Thanks, and God bless you

Long live the King of Okpoama Kingdom
Long live Okpoama Kingdom
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria

CHIEF EBI-JOHNSON S. BEREBOFA
Chairman, Okpo XXI Coronation Committee

Tuesday 11 September 2012

Gov. Dickson Tasks Police on Professional Conduct

SECURITY - Operation Doo-Akpo
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Rtd. Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (2nd right) speaking during a visit to the State Special Security outfit (Operation Doo-Akpo) base in Yenagoa, while the commander of the outfit Assistant Commissioner of Police Mr. Bello Ahmed (right) and Special Adviser to the State Governor on security matters, Rtd. Col. Bernard Kenebai (left) look on.

saint mienpamo reports 12 September 2012

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has urged operatives of the state special security outfit to conduct their activities in a manner that will improve the image of the Nigeria Police Force.
Governor Dickson made the call while addressing officers and men of the special security squad codenamed “Operation Doo-Akpor” at its base in Yenagoa. The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd) explained that the present administration decided to establish the outfit to complement the efforts of other security agencies in the state to maintain peace and security.
Hon. Dickson said government was poised to implement its policy of zero tolerance on crime and violence to the latter with a view to creating a conducive environment for socio-economic activities to thrive in the state.
The State Chief Executive, who acknowledged a reduction in cult and other criminal activities in Yenagoa and its environs,
charged the outfit to avoid the pitfalls of its predecessor (Famou-Tamgbe) to justify its establishment as well as allay the fears of the people.
He commended the leadership and men of the security outfit and urged them to collaborate with other security agencies to promote peace and security.
Hon. Dickson also assured them of government’s continued support to enable them perform their duties effectively in the state.
Speaking earlier, the Commander of Operation Doo-Akpor, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Bello Ahmed disclosed
that over 200 distress calls have so far been received leading to the arrest of about 100 suspects, who have since been handed over to various police divisions for further investigation and prosecution.
ACP Ahmed Bello noted that though the outfit was yet to be officially launched, it started test-run on the 19th of July this year with its officers drawn mainly from the headquarters of the
Nigeria Police Force, Abuja.
According to the Commander, other operatives are drawn from Bayelsa, Lagos, Rivers and Borno States with some components of marine police elements in addition to 40 civilian drivers.
While expressing the outfit’s preparedness towards tackling security challenges in the state, the Commander solicited more logistic support from the government.
He listed the immediate constraints of the outfit to include construction of observation towers and repair of its power generating set.
Ahmed also called for the provision of identity cards for operatives of the outfit to make for easy identification.
SECURITY - Operation Doo-Akpo
Cross Section of officers of Bayelsa Special Security outfit (Operation Doo-Akpo) during the state Deputy Governor’s visit to their Base in Yenagoa.

APPOINTMENT OF SEVEN SPECIAL ASSISTANTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA & DOCUMENTATION

GOVERNMENT OF BAYELSA STATE OF NIGERIA
 

Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research & Social Media Government House, P.M.B.01, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – Nigeria
 

GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

""APPOINTMENT OF SEVEN SPECIAL ASSISTANTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA & DOCUMENTATION""
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson has approved the appointment of SEVEN (7) Special Assistants to work directly under the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research & Social Media.
Those appointed include:
Name Social Media Unit
1. Mr. Nwokedi Nworisara:…………………..Social Media, News writing & Documentation
2. Mr. Ebi Brisibe:…………..( Strategy & General Social Media)
3. Ms. Blessing Oyanimigha:………………..( Social Media, News writing & Documentation
4. Mr. Saint Miempamo Onitsha:…………..(VIP Events Coverage Facebook, Youtube, blogging)
5. Mrs. Anita Godspower Benakiegha…….Social Media & Secretarial Duties
6. Mr. Sekegha Oguara…………………Social Media & ICT work
7. Ms. Matilda Angaye………………………….(VIP Event Coverage, Facebook, Youtube, blogging)

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Bayelsa State on RESEARCH & SOCIAL MEDIA conveys the congratulations of His Excellency, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson to all appointees and urges them to use the their talents for the greater good of Bayelsa State.


Appointees should report at the Office of the SSA on RESEARCH & SOCIAL MEDIA, Government House-Yenagoa as from Thursday September 13th, 2012 at 12.noon

The appointments take immediate effect.

This is signed by:
Idumange John
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research & Social Media

Monday 10 September 2012

EDUCATION: BEDROCK OF DEVELOPMENT --GOVERNOR H.S. DICKSON


The pivotal role of teachers in the process of education cannot be over-emphasized. Educational philosophers across time and space believe that education has the power to liberate man and only well-trained and motivated teachers could administer this quality education. In realization of the indispensable role of teachers, there is hardly

any government policy on education that does not acknowledge the crucial role of teachers.

The Third-National Development plan asserted that the quality of the teaching staff was probably the most important determinant of educational standards at all levels of the system. It is universally accepted that no educational system can rise above the quality of the teachers.

For some time now, teachers at all spectrum of the educational system have had severe challenges in Nigeria. Some of these challenges range from erosion of teacher autonomy in making decisions, poor motivation leading to le low-morale, high attrition rate, lack of commitment and declining standards. The general perception has been that the spirit of the good old days has departed from the mainstream of the public school system. It is against this background that some States have handed over schools to the missionaries and voluntary agencies.

Governor Henry Seriake Dickson has emphasized that he declared a state of emergency in the Education Sector because EDUCATION across time and space has been the bedrock of development. The Governor of Bayelsa State made this assertion today while declaring open the 2012 BAYELSA SUBSB PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME at the Banquet Hall, Government House – Yenagoa.

The workshop is on THE TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS AND BASIC SCIENCE holds at Emmanuel Hall, Emmanuel Place, Yenagoa from the 10th to the 14th of December, 2012. In attendance at the official opening of the Five-day workshop are the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, Rtd; the Head of Service Mrs Gloria Izonfuo, a representative of the Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nssuka, a representative of UBE Mr. Sylvester Eyinanya, the Commissioner for Education Hon. Salo Adikumo and other dignitaries . The workshop is organized by the UBE in conjunction with the Bayelsa State Government.

In his address, the Commissioner for Education stated that a total of 5,000 teachers will be trained within a space of two weeks. Mr. Salo emphasized that all necessary preparations have been made to achieve the aim of equipping the teachers.

The acting Secretary of the Universal Basic Education commended Governor Dickson for the enviable strides he has taken so far. He stated that a good learning environment is desirable, sophisticated audio-visual aids are necessary but all these would be a waste of time without good teachers, no educational system can maximize its full benefits. He therefore advised that the training sessions should be as interactive and practical enough to equip the trainees for their jobs.

In his address, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson emphasized that his administration has given priority to education and the welfare and training of teachers is part of the programme. He assured teachers in Bayelsa State of governments’ commitment to provide quality education including the training, accommodation, provision of textbooks, staff quarters and other welfare package of teachers. The Governor stated that the TEACHER TRAINING INSTITUTE IN SAGBAMA is ready, and harped upon the need for Teachers to be well equipped to practice their profession. One quality assurance mechanism, according to the Governor is to ensure teachers take periodic exams or tests to update their knowledge in pedagogy and their various subjects of specialization.

The Governor of Bayelsa State has once more demonstrated to Bayelsans that his pursuit of good, quality education is realistic and attainable. With the present momentum, there is no doubt that Bayelsa State will soon be on the fast lane towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in education.

BAYELSA STATE IS WORKING!

Invitation for Pre-Qualification: Description/Scope of Projects

GOVERNMENT OF BAYELSA STATE:
           Ministry of Works and Infrastructure

                         Secretariat Complex

Introduction:
Reputable Construction Firms are hereby invited to submit Bid Documents for the construction of various road projects in Bayelsa State as underlisted.
A. Description/Scope of Projects
The scope of each project shall be issued to prospective contractors at the above mentioned office. The project t are:
1. Construction of Rev.D.O.Ockiya Road, Edepie (1.55km)
2. Construction .of Ajilobi Street (Bayelsa Queen Road Agudama (1km)
3. Construction of C.K.Johnson Street, Biogbolo,(0.628km)
4. Construction of Kingdom of God Mission Church, OX- Bow Lake Road.(0.55km)
5. Construction of Star of Glory Road , Agudama (1.099km)
6. Construction .of Ken Kiama Road, Akenfa 111 (0,803km)
7. Construction of Obalugu Street, Etegwe (1.056km)
8. Construction of Gamac Road ,Edepie, (0.94728km)
9. Construction of Ebikedei Street, Akenfa 11 (1.70115km)
10. Construction of off Ididie Hotel Road 11.(0,465km)
11. Igbogene of Glory Road and Bridges.(1.138km)
12. Construction of Fangbe Ogu ,Road plus spur to ikolo Town,(6.911km)
13. Law School Lectures Road, Yenagoa(1.5km)
14. Public Service Institution Road (600m)
15. Construction of Yeneka-Yenebebele walkway
16. Public service Institution Building
17. Mountain of Fire of Road (991m)
 18. Off CMTV/Duncan Eradiri Road, Azikoro (700m)

B. Pre-Qualification criteria

Interested companies are requested to submit the following document/ information verifiable evidence for assessment/consideration.
i. Certification of incorporation
ii. Company profile and organizational structure
iii. Current tax clearance for at least 3 years valid up to December 2012
iv. Vat registration certificate and evidence of remittance
v. Evidence of registration with the Bayelsa State Ministry of works
vi. Company’s audit account for the last three years from a registered accounting firm
vii. Letter of financial capability from company’s bankers
viii. List if seminar projects previously /currently undertaken including letter of awards, completion certificates, period of supply and project costs.
ix. Catalogue of proposed tools and equipment including proforma invoice (Mandatory)
x. Any additional information that may enhance the chance of the contractor/supplier

CONTRACTORS IN INF SHOULD COME TO YENAGOA AND APPLY. DETAILS OF PRE-QUALIFICATION CRITERIA HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN SO MANY NEWSPAPERS

President Jonathan Task Beneficiaries of Bayelsa Scholarship Scheme to Brace Up


saint mienpamo reports  10 September 2012
President Goodluck Jonathan has called on the 250 beneficiaries of the Bayelsa State Restoration Secondary Schools Scholarship Scheme to brace up to the challenges they will encounter in course of their studies. The President made the call at the Send-Forth Ceremony organized by the state government for the latest beneficiaries of the scheme at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa. According to him you will meet challenges but do not be intimidated. “You will surmount your problems if you work hard“President Jonathan stressed. He used the forum to announce that he will support the scholarship initiative of the state government with a promise that he will be personally involved in soliciting the support of well-meaning Bayelsans as well as others to assist students complete their tertiary education if they perform excellently in their secondary school careers. Commending the state government for sustaining the scholarship scheme from his time as Governor of the state, the President noted that he was also a beneficiary of a post-primary scholarship and urged the beneficiaries to make the best out of it.
In his remarks, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state charged the beneficiaries to exhibit positive traits and work hard to justify government’s goodwill. According to the Governor, “you need to work hard to achieve success and play by the rules”.
He warned them to desist from tendencies that are inimical to their educational growth noting that they are the future leaders of the state. Expressing appreciation to President Goodluck Jonathan for his support and commitment to the educational advancement of the state, Governor Dickson said his administration is building on the solid foundation laid by the administration of Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan while they were governors of the state. While pledging government’s commitment to sustain the scholarship scheme, Hon Dickson stated that the scholarship scheme will be reviewed regularly in line with the manpower requirements of the state. He disclosed that out of the two hundred and fifty beneficiaries, fifty slots were allocated to students Ijaw speaking parts of Edo, Rivers, Delta, Akwa-Ibom and Ondo states. “Ten chances each will be given to these states made up of five boys and five girls each” he remarked.
Governor Dickson also announced that three hundred post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries have been carefully selected by government for further studies adding that special consideration was given to those who applied for PhD studies. In his welcome address, the Bayelsa state Commissioner for Education, Hon. Salo Adikumo said the selection of the beneficiaries was done to ensure that only under privileged pupils were listed in the scheme. Hon. Adikumo explained that the beneficiaries were increased to two hundred and fifty students to accommodate students from Ijaw speaking areas of some neighbouring states, stated government has also listed three hundred persons for post-graduate scholarships.



GOV DICKSON FLAGS OFF 5-DAY TEACHER TRAINING WORKSHOP

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson (centre) his Deputy, Rtd. Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (left) and the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Salo Adikumo (right) during the opening ceremony of 2012 training programme for primary school and Basic Secondary Teachers in Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson Speaking during the opening ceremony of the primary school teachers training programme in Yenagoa.

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson says Government will continue to accord premium to the training and welfare of teachers in the state.Governor Dickson stated this while declaring open a 5-day capacity building workshop for primary school teachers in the state in Yenagoa, jointly organized by the Universal Basic Education Commission

and the State Government.
Describing teachers as the most critical component in the educational sector, the Governor observed that the advancement of society is dependent on the quality of its teachers and called on them to brace up to the paradigm shift in the sector.Hon. Dickson noted that while his administration strives to equip teachers with modern methods of teaching and instructional materials, they are expected to put in their optimum performance in imparting requisite knowledge.
He also underscored the need for teachers as custodians of the children to go back to the basics by focusing on instilling the right values in children in the molding of their characters.As a mark of Government’s commitment to towards transforming the educational infrastructure, the Governor announced the completion of the Teachers Training Institute which is a part of the State College of Education at Sagbama .
He pointed out that, henceforth all teachers are expected to pass through the institution to get certified in learning and character before being absorbed in the school system.Hon. Dickson, who announced that Government will have regular interactions with Headmasters and Principals, also decried lobbying by teachers on postings to urban areas.According to him, some teachers will be sent abroad for training, who will in turn train others.
Speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Chief Salo Adikumo remarked that 2000 teachers are expected to participate in the workshop, while additional 3000 will undergo similar training by the 17th of this month, bringing the total number of trainees to 5000.
Chief Adikumo urged them to apply themselves in accordance with the set objectives and guidelines of the exercise.Also speaking, the Acting Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Prof. C.O Onocha says the commission places great premium on the continuous development of the professional skills of teachers, stating that the prompt release of 140 million naira to the state for the ongoing training demonstrates Federal Government’s commitment to the upliftment of teachers.
Prof. Onocha, who was represented by Prof Sylvester Enyinaya commended Governor Dickson for the steps taken so far to revamp the education sector, including his resolve to train all basic education teachers in the state, and urged the governor to sustain the tempo.He pointed out that the training is expected to improve the efficiency of the participants, and called on SUBEB to put in place mechanisms to ensure that the trainees apply the knowledge and skills they will acquire from the workshop.
In his welcome address, the Secretary of the Bayelsa State Universal Basic Education Board, Comrade Walton Liverpool urged teachers to work hard to meet the current needs of their profession and lauded Governor Dickson for his education friendly policies.
Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the GovernorOf Bayelsa State

PRESIDENT JONATHAN TASK BENEFICIARIES OF BAYELSA SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME TO BRACE UP


President Goodluck Jonathan has called on the 250 beneficiaries of the Bayelsa State Restoration Secondary Schools Scholarship Scheme to brace up to the challenges they will encounter in course of their studies.
The President made the call at the Send-Forth Ceremony organized by the state government for the latest b

eneficiaries of the scheme at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa.
According to him’ you will meet challenges but do not be intimidated. “You will surmount your problems if you work hard“President Jonathan stressed. He used the forum to announce that he will support the scholarship initiative of the state government with a promise that he will be personally involved in soliciting the support of well-meaning Bayelsans as well as others to assist students complete their tertiary education if they perform excellently in their secondary school careers.
Commending the state government for sustaining the scholarship scheme from his time as Governor of the state, the President noted that he was also a beneficiary of a post-primary scholarship and urged the beneficiaries to make the best out of it.
In his remarks, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state charged the beneficiaries to exhibit positive traits and work hard to justify government’s goodwill. According to the Governor, “you need to work hard to achieve success and play by the rules”. He warned them to desist from tendencies that are inimical to their educational growth noting that they are the future leaders of the state.
Expressing appreciation to President Goodluck Jonathan for his support and commitment to the educational advancement of the state, Governor Dickson said his administration is building on the solid foundation laid by the administration of Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan while they were governors of the state.
While pledging government’s commitment to sustain the scholarship scheme, Hon Dickson stated that the scholarship scheme will be reviewed regularly in line with the manpower requirements of the state. He disclosed that out of the two hundred and fifty beneficiaries, fifty slots were allocated to students Ijaw speaking parts of Edo, Rivers, Delta, Akwa-Ibom and Ondo states. “Ten chances each will be given to these states made up of five boys and five girls each” he remarked.
Governor Dickson also announced that three hundred post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries have been carefully selected by government for further studies adding that special consideration was given to those who applied for PhD studies.
In his welcome address, the Bayelsa state Commissioner for Education, Hon. Salo Adikumo said the selection of the beneficiaries was done to ensure that only under privileged pupils were listed in the scheme. Hon. Adikumo explained that the beneficiaries were increased to two hundred and fifty students to accommodate students from Ijaw speaking areas of some neighbouring states, stated government has also listed three hundred persons for post-graduate scholarships.
Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State

President Jonathan: A reform-minded Leader By: Idumange John


Since independence in 1960, President Jonathan appears to have been the only President who was elected by popular acclaim. His election in April 2011 cut across religion, partisan interest, ethnic nationality and geo-political zone. This was evident in the overwhelming support he garnered during the April 2011 General elections. His popularity is attributable to two main factors. First, since independence, Nigeria has for the first time produced a President who has traversed the academia, the public and private sectors. Academically, he is the most qualified person that has ever ruled Nigeria, even though good qualification may not correlate directly with leadership. Secondly, President Jonathan appears to have distinguished himself as the most humble leader. More importantly, President Jonathan canvassed a progressive, people-oriented development agenda – the transformation agenda – which is a holistic agenda for fast-tracking the development of the nation. It was the popular appeal that made Jonathan’s presidency very attractive.

When President Goodluck Jonathan canvassed a transformational agenda – a change-centric manifesto, Nigerians from all six geo-political zones voted for him. I think than the transformational agenda articulated by President Jonathan was a compelling vision for a better Nigeria. A transformational leader does the right thing rather than do things right, and because of the penchant for long-term planning, transformation leaders do better when they win the trust and confidence of the people. The official pronouncements of government have always shown that President Jonathan is eager to bequeath a legacy for posterity as a transformational leader. He is optimistic and enthusiastic about turning bad statistics and the negatives into positives and all his official policies point to that direction.
Propelled by the desire to transform the nation, President Jonathan reiterated the same policy thrust during a 2-day Presidential Retreat with the Private Sector was held on the 13th and 14th of October, 2011, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The theme of the Retreat was ‘Economic Development and Job Creation’. The Retreat’s purpose was to ensure that the Government and Private Sector work collaboratively to deliver on the Transformation Agenda. The President’s charge for both the Public and Private Sectors to imbibe a positive and proactive attitude to delivering on the required reforms, as this attitude was as important as the reforms themselves. This transformative attitude was best represented by the twin mantras of ‘Just Do It’ that is, moving from policy formulation to execution and delivery; and ‘Never Again’ that is not to repeat the past mistakes of economic mismanagement and missing past opportunities.

The President used the instrumentality of the retreat to ask the Economic Team to identify and prioritize the resolution of critical challenges facing key sectors of the Nigerian economy and possible areas of focus and strategy to create jobs. The President also charged the retreat to identify policy changes and reforms required to enhance inclusive growth and promote job creation as well as key indicators to focus on to improve the real sectors that are likely to give Nigeria a competitive edge in the developing economies of Africa.
Since then the President has been consistent Further highlights of the retreat include the drive towards “economic justice through the responsible stewardship of natural resources for present and future generations; accelerating the implementation of key reforms including the Power Reform Roadmap, Ports Reforms, the Agriculture Transformation Action Plan, Downstream Deregulation, Land Use Act reform, and the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill into law.

On trade and investment, the Jonathan administration has established the National Automobile Council established as well as an Automotive Development Fund to provide long term loans to resuscitate the automobile industry and generate jobs. Machinery has been put in place for the establishment of 37 Skills Acquisition Centers nationwide. Approval for genuine foreign investors to obtain visas at the point of entry to facilitate FDI investments has been given by the President. This is to facilitate potential investors to do business in Nigeria. Government has also completed of Model Skills Training Centers in Abuja-collaboration between the Industrial Training Fund and the Institute for Technical Education, Singapore, first of its kind in Nigeria. In order to boost trade and investment, the Jonathan administration has established the Nigerian Vehicle Credit Purchase scheme. It has also commenced the process of establishing a World Trade & International Business Center in Lagos and the process for backward integration in Sugar and Rice Production to ensure self sufficiency.

President Jonathan has done so much to boost the overwhelming success of the Amnesty Programme. The Amnesty Programme, which has brought relative peace to the hitherto turbulent Niger Delta Region, has led to the expansion of Nigeria's oil production expanded by 20% and Nigeria has reclaimed her former position as Africa's largest oil exporter which she had hitherto lost to Angola. Last year, 2011 Nigeria set a new record by being recognized by OPEC in the month of July as the second largest oil exporter in the cartel second only to Saudi Arabia. It is the first time Nigeria has recorded such a feat. In the months ahead, there would be noticeable improvements.

President Jonathan launched two satellites in August 2011. These satellites were designed and built by Nigerian Engineers/Scientists in conjunction with British Scientists and will help expand Internet Bandwidth, monitor the weather and provide early warning to prevent natural disasters like floods, crop monitoring and urban planning. Another uncommon achievement!

The administration approved allowance Increase for Youth Corps Members and in recognition of the sacrifices of youth corps members, the President approved the upward review of their allowances from 9,700 Naira to 19,800 Naira. This is in addition to the implementation of the N18, 000 minimum wages Increase for Nigerian Workers. President Jonathan believes that Nigerian workers deserve to earn more as compensation for the efforts they put into advancing our society.

Another critical reason Nigerians should trust President Jonathan is his achievements so far when he assumed office last year. The President has implemented the Amnesty Programme, which dividends are very conspicuous for all to see. Niger Delta youths have inundated the training institutes in Ghana, South Africa, the Philippines, Russia, Ukraine, India and so many countries around the world. Soon, the Niger Delta will produce lots of pipeline and Under-water Welders, Pilots, Boat Builders, Seafarers, Marine Engineers and ICT gurus among others. If the Amnesty Programme is sustained to its 4th and fifth stage, the Niger Delta Region will never be in short supply of techno-vocational manpower especially at the intermediate level.

Whereas the Petroleum Industry Bill is on its way to becoming an Act; government has signed into an Act, the Local Content Act. To address the rapidly expanding demand for tertiary education in the Country, the Federal Government has established seven more Universities in Nigeria. President Jonathan, for the first time since 1960, has reviewed the foreign policy of the country to make Nigeria more proactive in solving her domestic problems while not compromising the big brother role she has been playing in continental Africa.

This vision presupposes that President Jonathan has chosen to focus on creating a transformational leadership franchise and legacy. The implication of this choice is that President Jonathan wants his politics and overall leadership to be all about national transformation! That is, President Jonathan's top three priorities are national transformation, national transformation and national transformation! It's pretty obvious that President Jonathan would want to be remembered as the President who did his best to propel the socio-economic and political transformation of Nigeria.

One policy Nigerian must remain grateful to President Jonathan for is the prioritization of Agriculture as a key growth driver of the economy. To this end, efforts are being made to improve the productivity, yield and competiveness of key agricultural commodities with significant export potential. By harnessing the value chains in the production of cocoa, groundnut, oil palm and rice, as well as for cotton, cassava and sorghum, we will conserve billions of dollars in foreign exchange that would otherwise have been spent on imports. We will equally reverse the unsustainable food importation process, which has fueled domestic inflation. This will improve our national food security position; and unleash the sector’s potentials for employment generation and wealth creation. Similarly, government has made concerted efforts to accelerate economic diversification by improving the nation’s investment environment to ensure a sustained economic growth so that government would create significant employment generation for wealth creation.

For Jonathan, the retreat could not have come at a more auspicious time in the nation’s history, at a time the global economy was facing uncertain times, as developed and developing nations, alike, strived to recover from the ongoing global economic upheaval. He, therefore, reminded the participants that several nations were grappling with the grim realities of a protracted crisis; prospects for global economic growth remained unbalanced. But Nigeria, according to him, has tried to be pro-active in response to these issues. He said primarily as part of his administration’s transformation agenda, government was adopting and implementing more prudent macroeconomic and fiscal policies over the medium-term horizon.

With the approval of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, the President facilitated direct investments into infrastructure with the priority areas being Power and Roads. In the area of power generation President approved the pioneer board for the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading (NEBT) Plc, in an effort to stabilize power supply by facilitating smooth operations between independent power producers and distribution companies. Nigeria now generates power at her highest level ever.

Sufficient attention has been accorded the mass transit especially railway transport. The Nigerian Railway Corporation has commenced Mass Transit Train Services in five out of the six geo-political zones with the sixth zone coming on stream before the end of the year. The Jonathan administration has approved funds for the rehabilitation of the West road in Nigeria in order to facilitate transportation of goods and services around the country. The Federal Government also awarded contracts for various road projects across the country whose impact will soon be felt nationwide.

Prior to the subsidy removal controversy, the President introduced the unique policy of intervening in the pricing of kerosene by engaging with the Private Sector and the price reduced within the first 100 days between May and September, 2011. He also introduced the policy of selling kerosene direct to end users essentially to reduce the bottlenecks associated with the distribution system. This successful scheme has reduced the artificial scarcity of the product hitherto faced by the Nigerian masses.

In the area of administration of justice, President Jonathan set up of a 12-man Justice Sector Reform Implementation Committee to ensure the implementation of various reforms that have been articulated and widen access to justice. Mr. President assented to several bills to increase access to justice including; The Human Rights Amendment Act, 2011; Legal Aid Amendment Act, 2011; The Evidence Act (which has simplified the process of collating evidence in our legal system), Further, the President signed the FOI Bill into an Act, thereby showing his commitment to lifting the veil covering governance and deepening participatory democracy. The framework for compliance of the FOI Act has been prepared by the Office of the AGF for gazetting, after inputs from critical stakeholders.

As a result of the dexterity of the helmsman at the PDP office, Security and peace appear to have been deepened. Peace has been sustained in the Niger Delta; ex-combatants are in training or engaging in worthwhile ventures. Efforts are made to improve on facilities for an Intelligence-Based Security Approach, while maritime Safety is being pursued with renewed vigour. To reduce the incidence of kidnapping in the South East, President Jonathan order on the establishment of the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian army in Ohafia, Abia state. This is a feat not yet achieved by any President since 1960.

While this writer did not set out to chronicle the achievement of the Jonathan administration, it does appear that President Goodluck Jonathan has fashioned out the right strategy to keep the transformation agenda working. With a formidable Economic Team getting the strategy right is the most crucial component in any policy implementation process. All these achievements have been recorded when President Jonathan is yet to celebrate his one year in office. There are certain glaring challenges facing the Jonathan Presidency but the helmsman has so far demonstrated statesmanship, leadership and demonstrated his zeal and candour to transform the nation and re-position her economy on a rock-sure foundation. For their sake, and for the sake of the youths, unemployed, women and children, Mr. President’s reform agenda should be supported by all stakeholders.

Idumange John – a Policy Analyst.

Friday 7 September 2012

GOVERNOR HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON LOOKS BEYOND OIL: SIGNS MoU WITH FOREIGN PARTNERS ON AGRICULTURE:

SAINT MIENPAMO REPORTS FROM GOVERNMENT HOUSE

The social and economic importance of agriculture cannot be over-emphasized. Agriculture provides is the major employer of labour, as it contributes substantially to the Gross Domestic Product of a nation. Even in the advanced economies, agriculture forms the basis of industrialization, as it is a sou
rce of raw materials for industries. In Nigeria, prior to the discovery of crude oil, agriculture formed the plank of the economy.

Without doubt, agriculture accounts for about more than a quarter of the Nigerian economy and has important linkages, direct and indirect, with industry. Hence, the increase or decrease of agricultural production has a significant bearing on industrial production and corporate performance. Companies using agricultural raw materials as inputs or supplying inputs to agriculture are directly affected by the changes in agricultural production.

Meanwhile, a strong and an efficient agricultural sector would enable a country to feed its growing population, generate employment, earn foreign exchange and provide raw materials for industries. The agricultural sector has a multiplier effect on any nation’s socio-economic and industrial fabric because of the multifunctional nature of agriculture, and Nigeria having great agriculture potentials is not an exception.

One would concur that the Nigerian economy, during the first decade after independence could reasonably be described as an agricultural economy because agriculture served as the engine of growth of the overall economy before the potential discovering and full exploration of the black gold called crude oil. From the stand point of occupational distribution and contribution to the GDP, agriculture was the leading sector. During this period, Nigeria was the world’s second largest producer of cocoa, largest exporter of palm kernel and largest producer and exporter of palm oil. Nigeria was also a leading exporter of other major commodities such as cotton, groundnut, rubber and hides and skins. Agricultural sector contributed over 60% of the GDP in the 1960s and despite the reliance of Nigerian peasant farmers on traditional farming methods, these farmers produced 70% of Nigeria’s exports and 95% of its food needs.
However, the agricultural sector suffered neglect during the hey-days of the oil boom in the 1970s. Ever since then, Nigeria has been witnessing extreme poverty as the insufficiency of basic food items. That is, historically, the bane of the crisis in the Nigerian economy lie in the neglect of agriculture and the undue increased dependence on a mono-cultural economy which is based on oil.

TODAY, AT THE GOVERNOR'S CONFERENCE HALL, IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE YENAGOA, THE BAYELSA STATE GOVERNMENT SIGNED AN MoU WITH A DANISH COMPANY ON THE COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION OF CASSAVA IN THE STATE. THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF BAYELSA STATE REAR ADMIRAL GBORIBIOGHA JOHN JONAH REPRESENTED THE GOVERNOR AT THE EVENT WHILE MR. WOLFGANG REPRESENTED THE COMPANY.
The foreign partners said, the location of the proposed cassava farm and factory is very prolific and the land is suitable for the mass production of cassava. Mr Wolfgang added that the Company aims at the production of 50, 000kgs of cassava a day, counting on their wealth of experience in South East Asia.

It is important to recall that Bayelsa State can leverage on cassava production because of certain enormous benefits.
Cassava is a massive source of Carbohydrate and glucose syrups can be derived from there. It can be useful to paper manufacturing industries and the production of confectioneries, soft drinks and other derivatives such as indomie noddles.

Once again, the RESTORATION ADMINISTRATION has taken another colossal stride in her effort to look beyond crude oil, which is now the mainstay of our economy. It is a right step at Agricultural revival in the State.

In his remarks, after the MoU, the Deputy Governor expressed confidence that Bayelsa State can have a brand apart from the enormous benefits of job creation and boosting the GDP of the State. The spill-over benefits, according to him would be the growth of allied industries and the strengthening of other bilateral trade agreements in this direction.
THE RESTORATION ADMINISTRATION IN BAYELSA STATE HAS SINCE EXPRESSED ITS READINESS TO BOOST AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND INCREASE THE IGR OF THE STATE. BAYELSA STATE IS WORKING.

WELCOME TO BAYELSA NEW MEDIA TEAM, WE GIVE YOU NEWS AT YOUR FINGER TIPS

FOR FURTHER INQUARY, CONTACT US
+2347035262029


EMAIL bayelsanewmediateam@gmail.com OR Admin@bayelsanewmediateam.com,
saint@bayelsanewmediateam.com,
WEBSITE: www.bayelsanewmediateam.com