… Emerges Vanguard Newspapers’ ‘Governor of the Year’,
L-R: Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Lagos, Mr. Eze Anaba, Deputy Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Adekunle Adekoya, Chairman, Editorial Board, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Nnana Ocherome, and Manager, Advert (Port-Harcourt), Mr. Jackson Otuseso, during a visit by a high-powered delegation from Vanguard Newspapers to the Bayelsa State Governor, to present a letter of award as the Vanguard Governor of the Year 2017, at the Government House, Yenagoa.
Photo by Michael Owi.
Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has affirmed that his administration has succeeded in laying a solid foundation for peace and development to continually thrive in the state.
Governor Dickson made the assertion on Sunday during a Thanksgiving service to mark the 6th anniversary of the restoration administration at the King of Glory Chapel in Government House, Yenagoa.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Francis Ottah Agbo quoted the Governor as saying that, in spite of economic and political challenges, the administration has recorded appreciable progress in virtually all sectors of the economy.
He said in the last six years, the state government has been working tirelessly, in not only building infrastructure, but also providing quality education funding scholarships of Bayelsans and scholars drawn from Ijaw communities outside the state .
Commenting on the achievements recorded in the health sector, Governor Dickson said the health insurance scheme has recorded over a billion naira and urged those in the public sector to keep subscribing to the programme.
He thanked the people for their support over the years and urged them to pray ceaselessly for peace and stability of the state and country.
His words: “The past 6 years have been very eventful. There have been a lot of challenges, trials and temptations and also recorded a lot of victories to the glory of God.”
Working together in spite of all trials, distractions, especially economic challenges, we now have the best public schools and institutions. We started universities afresh and opening up the frontiers of education which is the cornerstone of a lasting legacy.”
In a sermon, Rev. Emmanuel Ogiemudia declared 2018, as a year of grace and prosperity upon the people of state.
Rev Ogiemudia emphasized the need for people to respect those in authority, if they must succeed in life.
Intercessory prayers were offered for the three arms of the government, the people of the state, as well as success of the activities of the anniversary programme. The Thanksgiving was attended by the state First Lady, Deputy Governor, the Speaker, Chief Judge, service commanders, Traditional Rulers, lawmakers, members of the state Executive and top government functionaries.
Meanwhile, Gov. Dickson on Saturday, received his letter of award as Governor of the Year 2017, from the Vanguard Group, publishers of the Vanguard Newspapers.
A press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Francis Ottah Agbo, says, making the presentation on behalf of the Chairman of the Vanguard Group, Mr. Sam Amuka over the weekend in Government House, Yenagoa, the editor of the newspaper, Mr Eze Anaba said, the choice of Governor Dickson went through a rigorous process.
He listed good and purposeful leadership, transparency and developmental strides in the education, health, economy, security, infrastructure, among others as reasons for his selection.
Mr. Anaba remarked; “Sir this award cannot be bought with money, it was not a decision we took lightly, as Vanguard Newspaper nominations follow a rigorous process, which takes more than three weeks to reach a conclusion”
“Three things influenced our decision, your good and purposeful leadership, transparency and how you have not used the common excuse in your region, federal government`s neglect to underdevelop your people. Instead of waiting for the federal government to do everything for you, what you have done in education, health, and the massive infrastructure development shows that you can do anything through purposeful leadership”
“It is our prayer that you see most, if not all your legacy projects through, before you leave office in two years’ time”
Receiving the nomination letter, Governor Dickson expressed appreciation to the Chairman of Vanguard Group, Mr. Sam Amuka, the management and staff of the newspaper for the honour. He dedicated the award to God, members of his Restoration Team and especially the people of the state for their support and prayers in the past six years.
Governor Dickson, who said the award is one the among the first awards he had accepted from a news organisation, avowed that, awards should not be lobbied for or considered on any other basis, rather than on merit.
He said his administration would consolidate on its achievements in the area of education, economy, healthcare, agriculture, energy, tourism infrastructure, among others in the remaining two years, noting that, it has also ensured transparency, respect for institutions, openness, proper and purposeful use of public resources and exercise of public authority and democratic tendencies.
“I want to appreciate you, especially your Chairman for this award and I dedicate it to God, my team as well as the good people of this state, who have been supporting us with prayers, without their support in the last general election, we would not have been here to receive this award.
“This award I believe is among the first we are accepting from a news organization, because of the integrity, quality and values your organisation espouses”
“I don’t believe, awards should be lobbied for. I don’t believe there should be another consideration other than merit or what is right”
“Let me sincerely thank you once more for your encouragement. I believe that, this award will add further impetus to the modest efforts that I and my team have been making and continue to make”
admin
