The Nation Newspaper

Tag: @ 51

  • 51% of world’s population connected to internet

    ABOUT 51.2 per cent of the global population, or 3.9 billion people, will, at the end of the year, be using the internet, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has said.

    The ITU is the United Nations’ (UN’s) specialised agency for information communication technologies (ICT). Of all ITU regions, the strongest growth was reported in Africa, where the percentage of people using the internet increased from 2.1 per cent in 2005 to 24.4 per cent in 2018.

    According to the estimates, the regions with the lowest growth rates were Europe, with 79.6 per cent, and the Americas, with 69.6 per cent of the population using the Internet. In the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region, 71.3 per cent will be using the internet, 54.7 per cent in the Arab states and 47 per cent in the Asia-Pacific region.

    ITU’s Secretary-General, Houlin Zhao, said the agency’s global and regional estimates for 2018 are a pointer to the great strides the world is making towards building a more inclusive global information society.

    “By the end of 2018, we will surpass the 50/50 milestone for internet use. This represents an important step towards a more inclusive global information society. However, far too many people around the world are still waiting to reap the benefits of the digital economy. We must encourage more investment from the public and private sectors and create a good environment to attract investments, and support technology and business innovation so that the digital revolution leaves no one offline,” he said.

    The new estimates show that there continues to be a general upward trend in the access to and the use of ICT, according to the  Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, Brahima Sanou.

    Access to telecoms networks, he said,  has continued to increase, particularly in mobile connections. “However, affordability should continue to be at the top of our priorities for the digital economy to become a reality for all,” he said.

    According to ITU, in developed countries, slow and steady growth has increased the percentage of population using the Internet from 51.3 per cent in 2005 to 80.9 per cent in 2018. In developing countries, growth has been much more sustained, increasing from 7.7 per cent in 2005 to 45.3 per cent at the end of this year.

    Mobile access to basic telecoms services is becoming ever more predominant. While fixed-telephone subscriptions continue to decline with a penetration rate of 12.4 per cent this year, the number of mobile-cellular telephone subscriptions is greater than the global population. Growth in mobile cellular subscriptions in the last five years was driven by countries in Asia-Pacific and Africa regions.  But the same growth was minor in the Americas and the CIS region while a decline was observed in Europe and the Arab states.

    Broadband access has continued to demonstrate sustained growth, while fixed-broadband subscriptions are increasing. Also continuing the trend reported in 2017, there were more fixed-broadband connections, with 1.1 billion in 2018 than fixed-telephone than the 942 million recorded last year.

    The growth in active mobile-broadband subscriptions has been much stronger, with penetration rates increasing from 4.0 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in 2007 to 69.3 in 2018. The number of active mobile-broadband subscriptions have increased from 268 million in 2007 to 5.3 billion this year.

    Developing countries are registering much faster growth in mobile broadband subscriptions compared to developed countries. In developing countries, penetration rates have reached 61 per 100 inhabitants in 2018, with much more scope for further growth in the coming years. In LDCs, penetration rates went up from virtually zero in 2007 to 28.4 subscriptions per 100 in 2018. The strongest growth in mobile broadband subscriptions has been observed in Asia-Pacific, the Arab states and Africa.

    Nearly the entire world population, or 96 per cent, now lives within the reach of a mobile cellular network. Furthermore, 90 per cent of the global population can access the internet through a 3G or higher speed network.

    ITU estimated that, globally this year, almost half of all households had at least, one computer up from just above a quarter in 2005. In developed countries, 83.2 per cent of households possess a computer this year, compared with 36.3 per cent in developing countries. LDCs showed the strongest growth during the period 2005-2018. This year, less than 10 per cent of households in LDCs has a computer. The strongest growth rates were observed in the Arab states and the CIS region. In Africa, the proportion of households with access to a computer increased from 3.6 per cent in 2005 to 9.2 per cent this year.

    Internet access at home is gaining traction. ITU estimated that almost 60 per cent of household has internet access at home in 2018, up from less than 20 per cent in 2005. In developing countries, almost half of all households has internet access at home, a considerable increase compared with 8.4 per cent in 2005. Regional developments broadly follow the trends observed for households with computers.

  • Celebrating Lagos at 51

    Exactly a year ago, Lagos State turned 50. Nigerians came out in larger numbers to participate in the one-year long celebration of the coming of age of the State of aquatic splendor. The celebrations culminated in a spectacular show on 27 May, 2017 at the grounds of Eko Atlantic.

    It has been one year now since those celebrations took place. We look back today, one year after, and see a Lagos that is remarkably different at 51. Infrastructure development continues to be in the front burner of our administration. From Abule Egba to Ajah, from Epe to Badagry; Lagos resounds with an endless run of repaired and newly constructed roads and bridges. From Alapere to Okokomaiko, Agege to TBS, the city breathes with lay-bys that have drastically whittled hours spent in agonizing traffic jams across the State. From Agege to Yaba, Ojodu Berger to Lekki, Lagos stares with shimmering streetlights that adorn the most populous black city in the world with glee.

    The pace of development in Lagos State since last year, and indeed since we came on board, is modestly noticeable.

    Yet during our campaign, our resonant message was that Lagos must work for all. We said it then and has continued to reiterate it since assuming powers that ours would be government of inclusion; where every hard working Nigerian would have a place to call home. Our message of hope knows no difference between federal and state roads: for the reclusive child of fate there are no federal or State Lagosians. All roads in Lagos, as with all other infrastructure, belong to the people.

    Through the years, we have steadily repaired our State, modernizing and retooling things to the point where we now talk about turning Lagos into a Smart City.

    In every way, our infrastructure is improved.  Our roads are better, our mass transportation has expanded, hospitals give better care to the sick and afflicted, education is improving and more affordable housing is being constructed before our very eyes.

    The face of Badagry is changing. The makeover of Oshodi will cause you to marvel at the transformation that can take place even in densely populated urban space when there is the political will and determined creativity to give the people the infrastructure they deserve. We are improving and expanding the Airport Road so that a trip to and from the airport no longer takes more time than your flight itself.

    The Lekki-Epe axis was once an isolated, inactive tract of land. Now it bustles with energy, activity and prosperity due in large measure to the roads and other infrastructure our State has constructed.

    We have and will continue to build bridges linking parts of Lagos that have not been linked before so that commerce, transport and communication among Lagosians will be facilitated. We aim to make this state fully integrated so that one part is well connected to any other.

    All of this work is underpinned by the belief that Lagos belongs to all of us. Lagos is not an exclusive club. It is an inclusive family.

    Available statistics from the United Nations confirmed the fact that an average of 86 people enter into Lagos every one hour which is the highest in the world, while the population of the State was now around 24million, with attendant impact on infrastructure and other social amenities. And the significance of Lagos to the overall economy of Nigeria itself is not what anyone would want to toy with. There is therefore the need for a pragmatic approach by a visionary government to put machinery in place to tackle the future challenges. That is what our government has been doing in the last three years and the desire destination in the nearest future is to make Lagos the third largest economy in Africa.

    As a government, we are conscious of the fact that infrastructure, security, stability and partnership with all stakeholders are fundamental ingredients for tourism development. We have channeled a lot of resources into creating an enduring infrastructural architecture for the business of tourism to thrive.

    In order to do this successfully, we must first build a solid infrastructural architecture that will endure. It must be safe and secure; it must provide functional and diverse venues for the arts, culture, festivals, creative industry, recreation and wildlife; and it must constantly and productively engage with its critical stakeholders.

    The Tourism Master Plan is focused on Six  key sectors; Culture and Heritage, Film, Art and Entertainment, Business Tourism, Nature and Adventure, Medical and Wellness, Beach and Leisure.

    Qualitative education is one of the cardinal duties a government must render to its people and the importance our government attaches to education is reflected in the 12.07% of the total 2018 Budget allocated to Education.

    This allocation is surpassed by only that of Economic Affairs and General Public Services. Our State has always been a trailblazer in various spheres of life and in order to consolidate on the economic gains made so far, the education of our youth is paramount. We seek the cooperation of all Lagosians to ensure we eradicate illiteracy in the State, groom the next generation of leaders and captains of industry as well as position our State as the standard bearer for the nation in the provision of qualitative tertiary education.

    On security, we believe that the continued prosperity of our State can only be achieved under a well-secured and peaceful environment, hence our strong financial investment on security architecture, modern equipment, vehicles and welfare to enhance the fighting capacities of our security agencies.

    We have inspired Lagosians to pay taxes. In truth, Nigerians do not like paying taxes, not because they are naturally averse to taxes, but because they have been taken for a ride for too long. We have demonstrated our readiness to judiciously and efficiently manage the state resources for the benefit of the generality of our people. The positive response of our people has shown that when a government wins the confidence of her people, they will respond with decisive performance of their civil obligations. This is the essence of the social contract we made with Lagosians when we resumed on 29 May, 2015.

    The social contract of inclusive governance and purposeful leadership is what we are renewing with our people today that Lagos is 51; and in this month that our governance of Lagos clocks three years. We wish to assure Lagosians that our government is one that listens. Our administration does not play the Ostrich that buries its head in the sand. Ours is a responsive government that promises and delivers on inclusiveness. Yes, it’s not a perfect state because we believe there will always be challenges, but with God and all our citizens on our side we would always triumph.

    I will readily admit that I am not infallible and it is an evident truism that I exhibit a different DNA and leadership style which some might not be alienable to, but we have kept faith with our cardinal principles by consistently delivering the goods/services and making our people happy. The future of Lagos State is bright and secured.

    Happy Anniversary!!!

     

    • Mr Ambode is the Governor of Lagos State

  • $51 oil benchmark okay for 2018 budget, say experts

    Experts have commended the decison to raise the oil benchmark from $45 to $51 per barrel for the 2018 budget passed on Wednesday by the National Assembly, more than six months after it was presented.

    The National Assembly passed the 2018 Appropriation Bill of N9.12 trillion, raised from the N8.61 trillion proposed by President Muhammadu Buhari on November 7, 2017.

    The budget expenditure was premised on oil price benchmark of 51 dollars per barrel as against 45 dollars proposed by the President.

    Crude oil production was bench-marked at 2.3 million barrels per day and exchange rate of N305 to one dollar.

    Acting Chairman Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) Mr Victor Muruako, described the passge of the bill as “a relief to the nation.”

    Muruako said it would also bring hope to the populace and boost the economy.

    He described the crude oil benchmark at 51 dollars per barrel as the right thing to do, considering the current price of crude oil globally which yesterday hit the $80 threshold, the first time since 2014.

    “The crude oil price benchmark is very realistic because if you look at the current crude oil price you will see that 51 dollars is fair enough, because the essence of these things is not to have an unrealistic estimate.

    “Crude is going for 78 to 80 dollars per barrel and I think 51 dollars is even conservative but it is better to be on the safe side, so for me it is a commendable effort,” Muruako said.

    He also said the increase in the budget estimate by the National Assembly by N508 billion was in the interest of the country.

    The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) also commended the oil benchmark.

    The Director-General of LCCI Muda Yusuf, said: “Given the development in the crude oil market, which has pushed oil price to about $80 per barrel, I think the decision of the National Assembly to increase the benchmark is understandable.

    “If the increase is in the areas that would make impact, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, security and health, it is welcome.

    “As at the time the budget was presented to the National Assembly, oil price was below $50 per barrel, so the adjustment is laudable,” he said.

    Yusuf urged the Federal Government to guard against a future recurrence of the budget delay process, adding that the delay might affect timelines for the delivery of capital projects and create uncertainties in the economy.

    “It is becoming a culture that we always have budget delays, which I do not think is good for our economy,” he said.

    President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Prof. Segun Ajibola, describd the provision of N2.8 trillion for capital expenditure in the Budget as low.

    Ajibola in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said: “Looking at the provision for the capital expenditure, one will say it is low because there are lots to be done in economy today in terms of capital projects.

    “In terms of infrastructure, we have power projects, railway, refineries, manufacturing and agriculture projects.

    “These are capital related projects that require substantial allocation from the budget.

    “When one looks at the state of economy today, one will say the provision of capital expenditure is low,’’ he said.

    Ajibola, however, called for timely release of funds to implement the capital projects.

    “We are in May now; we don’t want to hear that funds are not released for capital projects in October.

    “If that is the case, that means nothing can be achieved in the implementation of the 2018 budget,’’ the don said.

    “They are projects-hiked adjustment; they are adjustment that can be measured.

    “Also, I want you to know that the implementation of budget is done by the executive not the legislature, so the President will still do some consultations before signing the Budget.’’

    The don assured that the country’s rising debt profile of N21.7 trillion was nothing to worry about, though on the high side.

    He said it was not much to worry about because the quality of the debt was spent on projects so that the dividend of borrowing would come handy to an average Nigerian.

    “We also know that some of the debts are transmitted from local to foreign through Euro bond to reduce the debt burden.

    “It is also a good development when you look at the budget and debt services; we can say that the debt is channeled toward development,’’ Ajibola said.

  • Lawmakers raise oil benchmark to $51

    Six months and nine days after President Muhammadu Buhari presented the 2018 budget estimate to the joint session of the National Assembly, the Senate and the House of Represnetatives yesterday passed the Appropriation Bill.

    The estimated expenditure proposd by the President was raised to N9,120,334,988,225 — an increase of N508 billion.

    Senate Appropriation Committee Chairman Danjuma Goje explained that the increase of N508b (6 per cent) was done in collaboration with the Executive.

    He said it would be funded with the increased revenue expected from the alteration of the oil price benchmark which was raised from $45 per barrel to $51.

    He further explained that the oil production level and exchange rate were left the way the Executive proposed.

    Goje said the delay in passing the budget was regrettable. He however noted that the over six months delay was not the fault of the National Assembly contrary to what Nigerians have been made to believe.

    He noted that going forward; the fiscal estimates should be presented on time.

    Goje said that although he would not mention names, some minister still failed to appear before the subcommittees to defend their budget.

    Ministers, he said, should be encouraged to appear before subcommittees to defend their budget on time.

    On subsidy, he said that no provision was made for subsidy especially when subsidy had been officially abolished.

    The budget has the objective of delivering on three-year (2018-2020) Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

    The Appropriation Bill contained the estimates of revenue and expenditure totaling N8,612,236,953,214 made up of; Statutory Transfers N456,458,654,074;Debt Service N2,233,835,365, 699; Recurrent (Non-Debt) N3,494,277,820,219 and Contribution to Development Fund for Capital Expenditure N2,427,665,113,222.

    Highlights of the budget as passed by the Senate included Aggregate expenditure N 9,120,334,988,225; Statutory Transfers N530,427,363,624; Debt Service 2,203,835,365,699;  Recurrent Expenditure 3,512,677,902,077; Capital Expenditure 2,873,400,351,825 VI. Fiscal Deficit 1,954,464,993,775;  Deficit to GDP 1.73%.

    Goje added: “After close consultation with the Executive, the increase in oil price benchmark was applied in the following critical sectors of the economy: I. Reduction of deficit N50.88b; ii.Security N46.72b; iii. Health N57.15b; iv. Power, Works and Housing N106.50b, V. Education: particularly for the infrastructure for the 12 newly established Universities and meal subsidy in Unity schools N15.70b; Vl. Judiciary N10.00b; Vll. NDDC N44.20b.

    On revenue projection, Goje said that in processing the 2018 Appropriation Bill, the Committee premised expenditure on the following key revenue assumptions: a) Oil Price benchmark – USD 51) Crude Oil Production -2.3 mbp/d; and c) Exchange Rate N305/USD

    He said that the 2018 proposals had projected on oil price benchmark at USD 45. Crude oil production at 2.3mbpd and based on an exchange rate of N305 to 1 USD.

    Senate President Bukola Saraki said, “A lot has been said on the area of how we would have passed the budget earlier.

    “There is still room for improvement in the area of cooperation and collaboration between the Executive and the Legislature.

    “As you all know, at least 50% of capital expenditure of ministries, some have not done their defence up to February. This is an area we must work on as the two arms of government.

    “Let me also comment on some of the wrong impressions on the increase in the aggregate expenditure. This has been brought about by the frosty working relationship between the Executive and the National Assembly.

    “This was not properly explained and reported since yesterday. Both the Executive and the Legislature have seen areas where there is need for intervention.

    “We have heard the chairman on Works telling us that there is need for making sure there is equitable distribution of road projects which is taking a very significant amount

    At he House of Representatives, the House, sitting in Committee of Supply headed by Speaker Yakubu Dogara, passed the budget with13-clauses accompanying the bill.

    The House suspended its rules to immediately take the third reading of the bill and set up a conference committee headed by the Chairman House Committee on Banking and Currency Jones Onyeriere, to harmonize with the Senate.

    Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation Mustapha Dawaki while presenting his report before the House said the budgettd amount was raised due to certain interventions occasioned by the increase in oil price benchmark as follows :

    In a bid to stop the payments of unappropriated subsidies and other payments not approved by the National Assembly, the lawmakers inserted the clause ” The minister of Finance shall ensure that only funds appropriated under this act are released to the appropriate

    Dogara said there was no request for subsidies and that it can only come through supplementary budget and that the House cannot give approval for what was not requested  “we’re not Father Christmas here, ” he said.

    The budget is to run from the date in is assented into law till June 30th, 2019.

  • No drums rolled out as Herbert Wigwe clocks 51

    No drums rolled out as Herbert Wigwe clocks 51

    LIKE a seasoned war captain whose brave exploits are undersold in his time but will be told and retold for generations, Herbert Wigwe does not get near enough credit for his achievements. In a sea of mediocrity which is threatening to submerge all traces of vitality in Nigeria’s business space, the MD of Access Bank remains one of the few shining lights. An epitome of humility and resolve, he is as privately unassuming as he is a trailblazer in the business world.

    While many a man perched atop the mountain of his profession would declare a day of monumental fanfare to celebrate a new age, Herbert Wigwe remains as humble as a monk, untwined by the ropes of vanity that compel many a man to make a public display of self-adulation. As he turned 51 on August 15, the dynamic young man made no song or dance of the occasion. Rather, as has become his trademark, he celebrated the day quietly in the company of a few friends and family members.

    Since he stepped into the hot seat as the CEO of Access Bank, many who treated his name with scepticism have become his big fans, won over by the rapid innovation that has transformed the bank into one of the best-run around. The introduction of Africa’s first digital banking platform, Paywithcapture 5, is just one of the many innovations that have earned Wigwe the superstar billing in the banking industry.

  • Dickson: Celebrating a consummate democrat @ 51

    Dickson: Celebrating a consummate democrat @ 51

    Before Governor Henry Seriake Dickson was born some 51 years ago, Sarki, a Kano-born itinerant Trado- Medicine Practitioner had foretold the greatness of this emerging statesman and consummate master strategist. But Sarki didn’t imagine that the boy who was eventually named after him would be Governor. But by dint of hard work, support of Bayelsans and God’s grace, he would later surmount the challenges of life to be overwhelmingly elected Governor of Bayelsa State for two consecutive terms.

    To many observers, having a 51st birthday anniversary shortly after the Supreme Court affirmed his election is a fitting coincidence that calls for clinking of glasses but the Countryman Governor is not given to celebrating birthdays.

    For the governor, the celebration will, essentially, be a toast to the good governance he has enthroned in the state, the resilience and utmost fidelity to his social contract with Bayelsans.

    Upon his inauguration as the 3rd elected Governor of the littoral state, he declared that his government will usher in development, security, peace and prosperity in all sectors, such that after him, Bayelsa and indeed the Ijaw nation will never be the same again! Five years down the line, Governor Dickson who is now a Tarakiri High Chief is not only walking the talk, the regular Bayelsans see him as a sun shining on a cloudless morning!

    There has never been the question of abdication of that obligation. The scrupulous observance of the imperatives inherent in the social contract naturally endeared him to the masses. It was this, coupled with an unforced bonhomie which earned him the sobriquet, Countryman Governor.

    But significant triumphs and a successful life sometimes tend to create an illusion of an easy ride. Governor Dickson’s rise to political fame has been anything but rosy. The road to re-election was a particularly tortuous one, characterised by landmines created by the notorious federal might, carpet baggers and the merchants of violence whose ambitions were swamped by Dickson’s grassroots appeal and charisma.

    Book makers are however disappointed that the Countryman is not rolling out the drums to celebrate the convergence of the sweet election victory and his 51st birthday especially in a volatile country where life expectancy is pegged at 50. The two events are intertwined and are two sides of a life predicated on putting people first as constant variable as well as a life of selfless service rendered great and meaningful by the Karmic rewards of altruistic commitments. Governor Dickson exemplifies this paradigm of good rewards for good deeds; of sowing and reaping. It is a law embedded in the theological canons and philosophical corpuses of major religions. The Governor has reaped a deserved reputation as a man of unflinching humanistic convictions and consensus builder, yet does not compromise his stubborn commitment to democratic principles. The celebration of a birthday in the shadow of a historic electoral victory bears out this axiom. Governor Dickson has courageously sown well and he is reaping well.

    Governor Dickson, who is currently the Chairman of the National Peace/Reconciliation Committee of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), has reaped goodwill in return; a pan-Nigerian network of trusted friends, admirers, and allies. He has reaped opportunities that some only dream of. For nothing epitomizes the enduring quality of the law of sowing and reaping than a political triumph, thought impossible by the federal might but made possible by a formidable cache of goodwill banked with voters and compatriots over a long period of unbroken grassroots service.

    The enemies of democracy said the Ofurumapepe, meaning the Great White Shark as Dickson is fondly called was not supposed to win; he was not expected to win, and, given the ruthless aggression of the adversarial forces pitted against him, should not have won!  So the electorates were intimidated and the Governor’s security guards were withdrawn to probably pave way for their sinister plan but Bayelsans formed an impregnable ‘Wall of Jerico’ around the Countryman.  Governor Dickson not only won but was the first opposition politician to win election under President Muhammed Buhari’s Presidency thereby truncating their one-party dictatorship plan as well as establishing Governor Dickson as the preeminent factor in opposition politics and good governance in Nigeria!

    As Chinua Achebe wrote in his best seller, Things Fall Apart, “Looking at a king’s mouth, one would think he never sucked at his mother’s breast.” This pithy saying reflects in Dickson’s life. Born on January 28, 1966, in the riverine community of Toru-Orua in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Dickson did not sight a vehicle not to talk of experiencing a ride until he was 18 years and in far- away Patani.  And at a point, his parents’ business nosedived and  could not afford his school fees anymore, forcing the young Seriake to drop out of  Secondary School to join his mum  do menial jobs in search of fees, before returning to school and therefore making him to miss some terms. Such very modest beginnings could not have presaged a successful future, but it’s yet another proof that one’s circumstances at birth are merely accidental and may be overcome by dint of hard work and conviction in the strength of the human spirit.

    From that humble background, Dickson enlisted in the Nigerian Police Force in 1986 after completing his secondary education through the skin of his teeth! Buoyed by the dream for knowledge, he applied and gained admission in 1988 into the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, to read law. Graduating with a degree in law in 1992, he would later earn his Bachelors in Law from the Nigeria Law School, Lagos, in 1993, and earned his call to the bar the same year.

    Upon graduation in 1993, he was appointed a cadet Assistant Superintended of Police in 1994, which necessitated a training at the Nigeria Police Academy in Kano. But in the course of the training, he soon took a decision that baffled family members who had long dreamed of seeing their son decorated an officer – he voluntarily withdrew his service after close to a decade, to practice law.

    At a period when it was not fashionable to join the Alliance for Democracy (AD), he was elected its Bayelsa State

    Chairman between 1990 and 2000 and led the party to a resounding victory in the 1999 general elections, producing the Senator and member of House of Representatives representing Bayelsa West and two members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly representing Brass. These victories were so profound because aside the South West, Bayelsa was the only state where the AD cruised home to such big victory. It was in recognition of Governor Dickson’s feat that he was elected National Legal Adviser of the AD and held the position between 2000 and 2002.

    But Dickson who at this juncture, was deeply rooted in the Ijaw struggle, dumped the AD and defected to PDP when the former backed the Onshore/ Offshore dichotomy suite instituted by late Chief Bola Ige, an AD leader and then Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

    The suite was believed to be antithetical to resource control and the Ijaw national interest Governor Dickson was appointed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Bayelsa State from 2006 to 2007 by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and was later elected the member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State in the House of Representatives where he made his mark in the sands of time, sponsoring many bills which have since been passed into law, chief of which was the amendment of the Evidence Act, the first since 1954. He was re-elected in 2011 but resigned to stand election for governor, was overwhelmingly elected and sworn in on February 14, 2012.

    The rise and rise story of this philosopher-king is the stuff of legends and could indeed be a source of inspiration for all Bayelsans to rise above the limiting circumstances of their environment and birth to accomplish their dreams. So there is no doubt that Governor Dickson has earned his stripes. And as he turns 51 on January 28, it’s safe to say that it’s morning yet on creation day! •Agbo, Special Adviser to Governor Dickson on Media Relations wrote in from Yenagoa via francisagbo38@ gmail.com