As the present administration in Bayelsa State clocks one year in the next 3 weeks, Government has presented its scorecard for the period under review.
Highlighting the achievements recorded within this period, at a Media Briefing, in Government House, Yenagoa, the Deputy Governor, Rtd Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah said the Dickson-led administration has made significant impact in the areas of security, Works and Infrastructure, Education, Energy, Transport and Agriculture.
The Deputy Governor, who described security as the primary responsibility of government, noted that the administration’s huge investment in the sub-sector has yielded some positive results.
According to him, the enactment of the BAYELSA STATE SECRET CULT, KIDNAPPING AND SIMILAR OFFENCES PROHIBITION BILL 2012 coupled with government’s policy on zero tolerance to crime and criminality have succeeded in making Bayelsa one of the safest states in the country.
Rear Admiral John Jonah said the operations of the state security outfit, code-named, Doo Akpor, would soon be extended to the hinterlands.
On Works and Infrastructure, the Deputy Governor disclosed that over 17 key projects have been awarded, which include the Ekoli bridge, Amassoma-Toru-Ebeni bridge, Toru-Ebeni-Ofoni road, dualisation of Issac Boro road, construction of the new secretariat annexes and the permanent site of the National Youth Service Corps Orientation camp.
He enumerated the construction of the new complex for the Traditional Rulers’ Council, Executive Council Chambers as well as the new Governor’s Lodges in Sagbama and Nembe, which are nearing completion.
Rear Admiral John Jonah who mentioned the award of contracts for the construction of 6 high profile roads in the state capital said government intends to embark on the expansion of the Mbiama-Yenagoa road, which requires demolition of structures and compensation as planned.
On Energy, he explained that the sum of N1.3 billion was released to enhance power supply in the state and currently the state government is collaborating with its Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River counterparts adding that about N2 billion has been spent in that regard.
The Deputy Governor said government would soon commence the rehabilitation of the Gbarantoru-Sagbama 32 KVA line, stating that the investment in the Energy sub-sector was not only to improve power supply but to boost socio-economic activities in the state.
Commenting on the efforts made in Education, he explained that N21 billion was allocated to the sector representing 16.8% of the 2012 capital budget to enable the administration pursue vigorously its ambitious and robust programmes.
Other efforts at improving the sector include, re-establishment of the state College of Arts and Science,BYCAS, relocation of the College of Education from Okpoama to Sagbama for purposes of accessibility, establishment of Maritime academy at Okpoama as well as the disbursement of N1 billion for the post graduate scholarship scheme.
Rtd Rear Admiral John Jonah who also stressed the administration’s readiness to implement the report of the Niger Delta University Visitation Panel, however lamented the setback caused by the flood, which affected the distribution of furniture and other educational materials.
On Agriculture, the Deputy Governor pointed out that a memorandum of understanding has been signed with a foreign company for the production of high quality Cassava, boost employment generation and food security.
Identifying large-scale rice and fish production as government’s area of priority, he noted that soft loans will be provided for genuine farmers in the state.
Speaking further, Rear Admiral John Jonah emphasized that a major reform in the transport sector was the ban on the operation of commercial motorcycles, which has drastically reduced accidents and incidents of robbery cases.
Describing its first year as a period of laying foundation for development, the Deputy Governor said the achievements recorded were commensurate with the resources and the environment occasioned by the flood.
Calling for support from the people, he assured that government would work hard to consolidate on its achievements and take the state to greater heights.
