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Tag: Daniel Iworiso-Markson

  • Dickson applauds accreditation of 10 courses in NDU

    Dickson applauds accreditation of 10 courses in NDU

    Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa has applauded the leadership of the state-owned Niger-Delta University (NDU) for securing full accreditation of 10 courses by the National University Commission (NUC).

    Dickson made the commendation when the Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Samuel Edoumiekumo, presented to the governor the NUC’s 2017 May/June Accreditation report in Yenagoa.

    Dickson said in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, on Thursday in Yenagoa, that the government had released N200 million to enhance academic activities in the institution.

    He said he had directed the vice chancellor to liaise with the state Ministry of Education for the release of the balance of N21 million.

    “This government will spare no effort and resources, working with the university team, to ensure that NDU becomes one of the best universities in the country.”

    Dickson urged students seeking admission into universities in the country, to consider NDU, adding that the state government would continue to support the school to enhance learning.

    Earlier, while presenting the report, Edoumiekumo said the accreditation of 10 programmes was a feat in the institution’s history.

    According to him, some of the accredited courses are Law, Medical Laboratory Science and Mechanical Engineering.

  • Bayelsa backs FG’s decision to set up modular refineries

    Bayelsa backs FG’s decision to set up modular refineries

    The Bayelsa Government on Wednesday applauded Federal Government’s decision to set up modular refineries, saying it was a good move to fortify the nation’s economy.

    The commendation is in a statement by Mr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Seriake Dickson.

    Iworiso-Markson stated that Dickson made the commendation at the ongoing Oil and Gas Trade Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, United States of America.

    Dickson said that the refineries, when established, would go a long way to make jobs available for the teeming youths not only in the Niger-Delta but Nigeria at large.

    The governor expressed optimism that the refineries, when fully on stream, would curb the illegal refining of petroleum products and reduce casualties associated with it.

    He noted that the government of Bayelsa was fully in support of the establishment of the modular refineries.

    “We have fully embraced the move; the Bayelsa Petrochemical and Refinery Company Limited is ready to partner with willing investors to ensure that the refineries are established and running.

    “Bayelsa, being the home of oil and gas in Nigeria, provides strategic investment opportunities, as well as conducive and secure environment to drive investment in that sector.

    “The state’s participation in the OTC is strategic, as it will afford us the opportunity to meet and leverage on prospective investors on various opportunities provided by government.

    “Bayelsa has abundant gas feedstock to power the modular refineries.

    “It is interesting to note that we already have more than enough gas in abundance to deliver the three modular refineries; the state is good to go.”

    On security, the governor assured prospective investors that investments would be fully secured and allayed fears expressed on threats to destruction of pipelines.

    Those at the OTC event were Sen. Foster Ogola and Hon. Fred Agbedi, Chairman House Committee on Gas.

    Others are Hon. Henry Ofongu, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Serena Dokubo-Spiff, the Bayelsa Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Commerce and Industries and Mr Kemela Okara, the Chief Economic Adviser‎ to the governor.

  • Dickson, Bayelsa mourn, death of first military leader

    The people of Bayelsa State and their Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, have been thrown into mourning following the death of the state’s first Military Administrator, Navy Capt. Philip Ayeni.

    Dickson in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, condoled with the immediate family, the Government and people of Ekiti State over Ayeni’s death.

    The late Ayeni, who was the pioneer Military Administrator when Bayelsa was created by the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha in October, 1996, reportedly died last Thursday, after a protracted illness.

    Dickson described Ayeni’s death as untimely, painful and devastating, saying it happened at a time, the state was beginning to reap the benefits of the policies he initiated as the administrator.

    He said though, the tenure of Ayeni was cut short by his health challenges, he meant well for the state and had genuine intentions to put the Bayelsa on a sound, progressive and worthy pedestal.

    Dickson said successive administrations had continued to build on the plans, policies and programmes of Ayeni to give Bayelsa its pride of place.

    He recalled that, in appreciation of his pacesetting roles and sacrifices, the state government recently built, furnished and presented a befitting residential apartment to Ayeni at his country home in Ekiti.

    He said: “To us in Bayelsa State, Retired Navy Captain Philip Ayeni remains one of our heroes, because it takes a lot of courage, sacrifice, commitment and genuine love for a people, to be able do the little, he did at the time.

    “And from the available facts and records, he would have done a lot more, but for the health challenges that abruptly ended his tenure and clearly his good intentions too for our state.

    “So, for a such a leader and personality, my government and indeed, the people of Bayelsa State will stand shoulder to shoulder with his family and the government and the people of Ekiti State”

    He pointed out that, the beautiful and wonderful story of Bayelsa State would never be complete, without the pioneering legacies and efforts of Ayeni, adding that, the Government and people of the state would remain ever grateful to him.

    Dickson assured the government and people of Ekiti of the continued support of Bayelsans and prayed for God’s grace to guide, protect and  strengthen the deceased family.

     

  • Dickson orders perm secs, others to submit payrolls

    Dickson orders perm secs, others to submit payrolls

    Bayelsa State Government has restated its determination to carry out far-reaching reforms in the service, towards eliminating payroll and other fraudulent activities.

    The decision was line with its ongoing efforts at repositioning the State public service for effective service delivery.

    Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said this was why government set up the various staff verification teams as well as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry for the State public service and the Rural Development Authorities.

    The statement quoted the governor as directing all permanent secretaries, heads of the parastatals and extra ministerial departments as well as principals and headmasters, to submit their staff nominal rolls, indicating the date of first appointment of each staff and current grade level.

    He also urged them to “submit the staff payrolls, indicating the authentic monthly salary for each staff, within one week, stressing that, non compliance with this directive would be met with stiff disciplinary measures.”

    Iworiso-Markson said, “The permanent secretaries, heads of parastatals and heads of extra ministerial departments, principals and headmasters, have been strongly advised to sign the required documents personally and take responsibility for every information or data submitted in this regard.

    “The permanent secretaries and heads of parastatals and extra ministerial departments are expected to submit their documents to the office of the Head of Service of the State, with principals to submit same to the Chairman of the Post Primary Schools Board, while headmasters are directed to submit same to the Executive Secretary of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).”

    The state government also used the medium to appeal to all workers of the public service to be patient, as efforts were being made to ensure that, all genuine public servants were paid their salaries.

  • Dickson behind crisis in our Party, says APC

    Dickson behind crisis in our Party, says APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), Bayelsa State chapter on Monday accused the State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, of being the brains behind the crisis rocking the party in the state.

    APC in a statement signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Panebi Fortune, said there was an underhand dealing between the suspended Chairman of the party,  Chief Tiwe Oruminighe and Dickson.

    Oruminighe and few membes of the state Executive Committee have been directely attacking the state leader of the party, Chief Timipre Sylva, accusing him of selling appointments to his cronies.

    Dickson in the heat of the crisis released a statement purportedly supporting the faction of the APC Executive Committee led by Oruminighe.

    The party said: “It has become compelling for us to expose the under hand dealings between the governor, Hon Henry Seriake Dickson and the suspended state chairman of the APC, Chief Tiwei Oruminighe alongside two of his accomplices.

    “In the last few days, the state and indeed the entire nation has witnessed the outright misdemeanour on the part of the suspended party and two members of the state exco. As a party built on the principles of discipline, justice and fair play, 25 out of the 31 member state exco of the party supended Orunimigha and his co-travellers for gross indiscipline and misconduct.

    “However, our attention has been drawn to a statement laced with lies and outright misinformation purporting and insinuating financial dealings between two leading lights in our party, that is our leader, Chief Timipre Sylva and the Hon Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri prior to the appointment of the latter as minister. We find these lies very disgusting and ignoble, hence seen as the ranting of a bunch of misled ingrates.

    “But our curiosity is that the statement emanated from one Daniel Iworiso-Markson, chief press secretary to Governor Dickson. The question of who is behind the suspended chairman and his ‘boys’ does not need to be asked. What rather baffles us is the rationale behind this incredulous act of anti party and unconscionable desire for monetary gains in the name of politics.

    “We wish to state unequivocally that the entire membership of the ‎state exco aside the suspended trio of Oruminighe, Julius Eddy and Daniel Marlin is solidly behind our leader, Sylva as well as the minister of state. We call on the relevant security agencies to unravel the source of the attached email statement from Iworiso-Markson”.

  • Bayelsa releases N200m for bursary

    Bayelsa releases N200m for bursary

    The Bayelsa State Government said yesterday it has released N200 million for the payment of bursary to its students in institutions of higher learning across the country.

    Governor Seriake Dickson, who spoke on a live media programme in Yenagoa, the state capital, said the funds were in the custody of the state scholarship board for disbursement.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the governor said the money so far released was the first tranche, indicating that the government was ready to provide more funds to ensure that outstanding bursary entitlements are cleared soon.

    He urged the students to be patient and cooperate with the board by complying with the processes to ensure a hitch-free payment of the allowance.

    Dickson said: “When I said I was going to pay bursary from last month, I kept to my word by releasing the first tranche of N200 million. So, your money is already with the scholarship board. I believe they are following their processes because we are a government of due process.

    “So, tell your colleagues to also follow all processes. This is because that is the Bayelsa we want to build for you the younger people. That is why we are re-organising this state to make it a better place for you people.

    “The money is there. By the time they finish, I will add more until all your bursary entitlements are settled. I count on you also be good students.”

    Besides the bursary allowances, the governor said the government was also keeping faith with the payment of inherited pension and 18 per cent minimum wage arrears, despite the dwindling revenues accruing to the state.

    On the efforts to tackle unemployment, Dickson explained that though it was a global problem, his administration was providing vocational training, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) development fund, among others, to address the challenge.

    The governor urged youths to take advantage of his administration’s empowerment programmes to get to work.

    He said the government alone could not absorb the army of unemployed youths in the state with the provision of white collar jobs.

    Dickson said: “I am not one of those politicians who would tell you lies. I will tell you what most people will not want to hear. The truth is that government cannot provide automatic employment for every available graduate and young person in Bayelsa State.

    “But let me assure you that we are concerned about the issue. There are some jobs that we have authorised. A number of people know that we have employed more youths in the last two years than a lot of other governments.

    “We have employed 200 youths as forest guides on the basis of equality of local governments. Do you also know that we have authorised the employment of science teachers? Do you know that a number of young people have been deliberately appointed into one office or the other to address this concern in the interim?”

     

     

  • Bayelsa denies Alamieyeseigha suit

    Bayelsa denies Alamieyeseigha suit

    Bayelsa State Government yesterday distanced itself from a suit asking the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release N1.4 billion and $1.3million recovered from former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha to it, with interest.

    A statement by Governor Seriake Dickson’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said the government was not part of the suit filed against EFCC.

    The government also disowned George Uboh, Chief Executive of Panic Alert Security System, who was reported to have filed the matter on behalf of the state..

    “The Bayelsa State Government denies the reports and stated categorically clear that, it did not mandate any individual or firm to act on its behalf to request or institute any suit against the EFCC.

    “We frow at the reports and called on the EFCC and the public to disregard the publications”, the statement said.

    The EFCC has refuted the allegation that it was trading with the money.

    EFCC’s spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren said, in a statement yesterday, that “the news reports about a matter said to have been filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, by George Uboh, ostensibly acting on the instruction of the Bayelsa State Government, is provocative misinformation and very cheap blackmail, to say the very least.

    “The commission wishes to state that it has not been served a copy of the purported processes and therefore cannot comment on a matter, which to all intent and purpose, does not have any known existence beyond the media reports. However, if and when the commission is served, EFCC will give an adequate legal response.

    “The commission seriously doubts that the Bayelsa State Government instructed the said Mr. George Uboh to act on its behalf, contrary to the claim of the busybody.

    “If however they did, then it is most unfortunate, because the highly defamatory allegations he has made ostensibly on their behalf cannot and will not shield Bayelsa State Government and it officials from ongoing investigations.

    If the goal of the purveyors of the reports was to make EFCC stop or soft-pedal in its intensive and extensive investigation of Bayelsa State Government and its officials, they failed woefully

    “The clearly noxious allegations that the commission is not only holding on to recovered funds of the Bayelsa State Government but also “trading with the funds by way of funds placement/fixed deposits” could only have been calculated to impugn the hard-earned credibility of the EFCC.

    “Let it be known that the sensational allegations, wild accusations and imputations contained in the scandalous reports strike at the very heart of EFCC’s values and rules of engagement and will not be allowed to go unanswered.

    “Those pushing this deliberate misinformation for whatever ends should therefore prepare to substantiate them.” Uwujaren said.

     

     

  • Oil well dispute: Dickson visits Rivers community

    Oil well dispute: Dickson visits Rivers community

    Bayelsa State Governor Chief Seriake Dickson yesterday visited Abonnema, part of the communities in Akuku-Toru Local Government in Rivers State, which has been in a long-drawn battle with Bayelsa over oil wells.

    Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, had given the ceding of oil wells in the area to a Nembe community in Bayelsa by the Federal Government as part of the reasons why he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    Dickson was accompanied on the visit by the supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus, Rivers State Chairman of PDP, Mr. Felix Obuah, Secretary to Bayelsa State Government, Prof. Edmund Alison Oguru among others.

    Dickson, in a move considered by many people as political, aimed at winning the hearts of the Ijaw speaking Rivers community to President Goodluck Jonathan, fraternised with the aggrieved chiefs and people of the Abonnema community.

    The governor who had paid a similar visit to the people of Buguma early this year, emphasised the need for Ijaw people to unite and build bridges of unity across the country.

    He said the ethnic group must speak in one voice in pursuance of their collective interests.

    A statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said the governor spoke when he paid a courtesy call on the Amayanabo of Abonnema, King Disrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel.

    Dickson expressed gratitude to the people for their show of understanding and maturity in handling the Soku-Oluasiri dispute.

    He said: “The first thing I will like to say is to appreciate you, your chiefs and indeed all the wonderful people of your kingdom for their show of maturity in handling some of the issues that have come between us as brothers.

    “You are all aware of the long-standing unfortunate disagreement between our major Ijaw brothers here and those in the Nembe clan, which dispute as you know predates even the creation of Bayelsa State. It is an unfortunate chapter in our history as Ijaw people.

    But the important thing is when disputes, which are inevitable in the course of human interactions take place, it is important that we have the right frame of mind and show understanding and maturity to move for an amicable settlement.”

    He said in line with his administration’s policy in ensuring peaceful co-existence among the Ijaw, his administration would do everything within its reach to achieve amicable resolution to the dispute.

    He emphasided the need for leaders in the region to close ranks and utilise the resources of Ijaw land to develop the region rather than cause disaffection among its kith and kin.

    He praised the people for complementing government’s efforts through self-help projects in developing their area and upholding the rich Ijaw cultural heritage.

    Dickson saluted them for supporting the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Replying, Bob-Manuel was quoted by the statement as expressing gratitude to the governor for his visit.

    He noted that the visit would go a long way in strengthening the bonds of unity between the people of Rivers and Bayelsa states.

    On the dispute, the Amanyanabo expressed satisfaction with the way the issue was handled by the President and urged other stakeholders to address the matter dispassionately.

    He used the opportunity to call on the Federal Government to prevail on the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) to complete ongoing land reclamation which according to him has suffered serious setbacks over the years.

    He said: “We went to the Aso Rock Villa and we had a very fruitful meeting with him. I was not shocked but impressed by his humility, candour and openness and we believe that these issues will be resolved amicably.”

    King Bob-Manuel also called for the resuscitation of a sea port that existed in the-colonial era to boost socio-economic activities and rehabilitation of the only girls secondary school in the area.

  • ‘Bayelsa is on course’

    ‘Bayelsa is on course’

    The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayesa State, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, spoke with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE on the activities of the administration and challenges of governance.

    How has it been managing the governor’s image?

    I think it has been an experience to work in the government at this level and it’s still stretching. Every day comes with different issues, small or big. We keep learning the peculiar intricacies of how government works and the communication management. Having said that, I think actually, the starting point is to commend our governor for assembling a crack team, very competent and professional.

    You’ll realize that the governor has the gift of spotting talents and using them to deliver the best results. This is not limited to the media. If you look closely, you’ll find a similar situation in the choice of people in other departments and agencies of government. Again, the governor is media savvy. He understands the workings of the media and the important role the media could play in any government.

    I think he laid a good foundation by first getting the right people and giving them the right support. I think we have to reckon with his intellectual disposition too and his curiosity to know himself without waiting to be briefed. The media team knows too well that they have both an intellectual and a strategist as a boss. And so, it is expected that working with him, you have to be at your best all the time.

    Does he find time to check what the newspapers are saying?

    Here is a governor who wakes up as early as 3 am every day to read all the newspapers online and the social media sites. So, tell me who are you, as a media aide working with him without striving to keep pace with him. More importantly is also the good deeds of the government.

    In spite of all these, however, I should let you know that information management in any government is usually hectic for obvious reasons. There is so much cynicism and distrust for the government. If you look at it critically, may be, the people may have a point here, which is a function of their past experiences. If a government promised A,B,C and failed to deliver on them, then, there’s a problem; there is the tendency for the people to believe successive governments may do same.

    So, it takes time and demonstrated integrity to overcome this as an issue we have had to contend with. As media aides to Governor Dickson, we are always on our toes. As I noted earlier, it is particularly difficult when you have to manage our kind of public here. We have a very virile public that is always probing every move and decision of the government. Too often, they can be goaded by some desperate and mischievous politicians.

    Do you have to constantly explain to the public government action?

    These politicians often take the advantage of their gullibility to sell lies and steer up needless rumours mostly against the government of the day. That’s our experience here.That’s why you hear of terrible rumours making the rounds in Bayelsa. But I’m happy to tell you that we are winning the war against rumour mongering. Thanks to Governor Dickson for the measures he has put in place to address the rumour malaise. The Bayelsa Information Management Committee set up by the governor is doing a fantastic job in this regard. Still, integrity in government is key here; doing what you promised you will do.

    I would like to refer you to the governor’s inaugural speech, when he said he will not play politics with security and development. Although that speech generally inspired hope, yet, others felt it was the usual sweet talk by politicians. You see, they never knew that Governor Dickson is not someone you can describe as your conventional politician. He meant what he says and, if you now relate what he said in that inaugural speech with what’s on the ground in the state today, you can appreciate the fact that the governor has matched words with action. Security has been effectively restored the various sectors of the state economy are on course.

    The first thing you must understand is that Governor Dickson is not frivolous about governance and indeed, any issues for that matter. If you have followed him and his restoration government, you will see a pattern, a consistency that has defined the administration. The governor doesn’t like doing things half-heartedly. If anything is being done, it has gone through a thorough process and planning and decision taken which will be followed to a logical end.

    How far has the administration delivered on its restoration agenda ?

    The ‘Restoration Agenda’ is a vision and I can confidently tell you the implementation is progressing steadily. The vision is to lay a solid foundation for rapid socio-economic development of Bayelsa State. I think we should commend Governor Dickson for keeping his words on security, which was basic to any proper and effective implementation of the whole agenda. Now, everybody takes security for granted ,compared to the situation we met on the ground.

    It is a remarkable achievement. After securing the state, then, other things have since followed; tackling the challenge of diversifying the economy of the state, whereby we can have major alternatives to oil and gas.The attention now is on tourism and agriculture without neglecting other areas in need of attention. Basic to the realization of dthe iversification is the provision of infrastructure like good roads, power, rail lines, airport and such other infrastructure that can help the cause of the government’s economic focus. In this regard, a lot has been done by the Restoration government.

    Already, a rail line is being constructed to link Yenagoa to Brass and to Agge, where we have a deep seaport. The establishment of the Bayelsa Development Investment Corporation (BIDC) is also of particular great importance which will help the state government to maximize its economic potentials in the future. For those who can see the implication of this economic enabler, the future is really great for Bayelsa State economically and of course it is in the best interest of the people.

    This is expected to arrest youth unemployment…

    There will be many good jobs in due course, good pay and enhanced living standard as government actualises the combined efforts in the diversification of the state economy.

  • Nigeria has no business importing fuel – Dickson

    Nigeria has no business importing fuel – Dickson

    The Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson, has said that Nigeria has no business importing refined petroleum products from other countries.

    Dickson, according to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, spoke while addressing a world press conference on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    The governor was in the ancient city to attend the 2013 African High- Growth Markets summit tagged: “the Emergence of an Aspirational African consumer,” organized by the Economists.

    “The governor noted with dismay the importation of refined products in spite of the magnitude of the barrels of crude oil being produced daily in the country,” the statement said.

    He expressed his administration’s readiness to partner with the Organized Private Sector (0PS) in building refineries in the state.

    The governor was accompanied by the state’s business class and notable politicians such as Ambassador Lawrence Ekpebu, the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief Sam Ateki and the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr. Ayakeme Massah.

    Dickson said the business posture of his administration has opened a vista of opportunities for investors in the oil and gas sector of the economy.

    He recalked how crude oil was discovered in commercial quantities in Nigeria at the ancient community of Oloibiri in 1956.

    He disclosed that the state was the second leading oil producing state in the country and called on investors to avail themselves of these opportunities.