In its bid to open up the hinterlands for investment, tourism and other socio-economic activities, Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson disclosed on Wednesday that the Ogbia-Nembe road would be completed in 2015.
Making this known during his ‘Thank You’ tour to Nembe Local Government Area of the State, the Governor at a civic reception organized in his honour at Ogbolomabiri, said the road when completed, will aside from boosting the economic profile of the State would address security challenges being faced by the people of the area.
The Governor was received by a pack of notable personalities such as, his second in command, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, (rtd), former Military Administrator of Ebonyi and Delta States, Navy Captain Walter Feghabo-Amain (rtd), Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange and top Government functionaries from the area.
He praised the people for preserving their rich cultural heritage and announced a donation of N10m for the promotion of culture in the area.
His words, “What I’ve seen today reminded me of how much we as a Government even needs to do in terms of working closely to preserve, propagate and even export and expose this very beautiful aspect of our lives that very often we don’t show enough. I want to commend you all and also assure you that in this business of preserving culture, you have me as an active partner.
‘Let me also use this opportunity to thank His Eminence, the Amanyanabo and his council of chiefs for inducting me into your very respected Sekiapu cultural group. I am in support of any aspect of our culture that does not infringe on God’s sovereignty over His creation.
“A short while ago I had announced a regime of support for the preservation of the cultural heritage and monuments in Nembe Local Government Area. And I have directed the Chairman of Council to liaise with the Commissioner for Culture and Ijaw National Affairs to see to it that all those aspects are supported and preserved and even documented for posterity. I will even do so in Brass to preserve the White Man’s Grave and other relics that we have there.”
Earlier, at separate meetings with the Ogbolomabiri and Bassambiri Councils of Chiefs, Governor Dickson restated his administration’s commitment towards strengthening security in the State and implored the people to cooperate with Government in that regard.
On infrastructural development and other concerns raised, he said, “ we are doing a few things in Nembe as you all know but there are several things coming that you do not know which you will know very soon because when we say something, we do it. We don’t say things that we are not ready to do like others do just to play to the gallery. A number of things are on the pipeline; we have started implementing some and in no distant time, most of the concerns raised will become things of the past”.
In their separate remarks, the Amanyanabo of Nembe, King Edmund Daukoru and the Secretary of Nembe-Bassambiri Council of Chiefs, Chief Ayebaesin Edeoghotu-Omo commended the Governor for the visit and stressed the need for more concerted security efforts on the waterways particularly in the Oluasiri area.
Describing the issue of illegal bunkering and sea-piracy as disturbing, King Daukoru said the kingdom has been battling the menace through communal efforts.
He said, ‘we are ready to partner with you even in the area of security. The youths have apprehended people in the past but when they are handed over for investigation and prosecution, very little happens.
Speaking in the same vein, Chief Edeoghotu-Omo submitted, ” we reiterate that the bravado which is being displayed by the marauders along the creeks becomes more worrisome as they are often assisted by the JTF to perpetrate their nefarious activities unperturbed.
In a welcome address, the Chairman of Nembe Local Government Council, Hon. Eminah Bioghoemi Benneth lauded the Governor for his development strides in the area including the release of funds for the completion of the Unity Bridge linking Ogbolomabiri and Bassambiri communities.
Some of the achievements of the council as disclosed by the Chairman include; reconstruction of staff quarters in Nembe city, construction of auditorium at Emina-ama and access road to the council secretariat in Bassambiri and completion of primary health centre at Okipiri.
Among other pressing demands, he called on the Governor to prevail on Niger Delta Development Commission to complete the Nembe shore protection and sand filling projects in Ogbolomabiri and Bassambiri communities.
Highlight of the thank you tour was the commissioning of Governor’s lodge and access road to the police station as well as inspection of general hospital and on-going mini-sport complex at Ogbolomabiri.
Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
27/11/2013
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