Contrary to claims by its detractors, the Bayelsa State Government says its efforts at revamping the education sub sector of the State are yielding positive results with over 300 projects ready for commissioning across the State.
The State Commissioner for Education, Chief Salo Adikumo disclosed this during a solidarity visit by members of the Bayelsa State Contractors Association who also used the opportunity to confer an award of excellence on Governor Seriake Dickson for his developmental strides in the educational and other sectors.
The group led by its Chairman, Dr Kurogha Awolowo, also bestowed a similar award on the Commissioner and the Executive Secretary of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Comrade Walton Liverpool. Responding, Chief Adikumo expressed gratitude to the association for the awards, noting that the gesture would spur the Governor and the other recipients to do more to boost the educational sector in the state.
Going down memory lane, Chief Adikumo pointed out that the education system in Bayelsa was in a sorry state with inadequate and grossly dilapidated school infrastructure when the present administration took the reins of governance. He maintained that it was in realization of this disadvantaged educational status of the state, that the Restoration Government swiftly declared a state of emergency in the sector.
According to the Commissioner, the policies and programmes of the Dickson-led administration in the sector such as the free and compulsory education at the primary and secondary levels as well as scholarship schemes have started impacting positively on the State.
He described Government’s achievements in education as unprecedented, stressing that about 85% percent of projects embarked upon have been completed. Making reference to criticisms levelled against the administration, Adikumo said, “Those who say such things do not mean well for the state.
The dilapidated structures (school buildings) were there before we came in and nobody talked about it when some people including some of them that are criticising us now were in Government. No right thinking person in this State will say that the administration of Seriake Dickson is not doing well. The evidence is there for anybody to verify because we don’t tell lies.
“In less than two years, the Government has built headmasters’ residential quarters in almost all the communities where there is a primary school in this state. We are also building 8 model secondary schools, one each in all the Local Government Areas in addition to the 25 with boarding facilities that we are constructing in every constituency.
He explained that, Government has just commenced the distribution of another set of dual desks and books to schools across the State, adding that appropriate steps are being taken to address complaints raised on the sizes of the free school uniforms.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Contractors Association, Dr. Kurogha Awolowo cited the purposeful and development-oriented leadership style of Governor Dickson as reasons for the award. He said the association embarked on an assessment tour to all the Local Government Areas and was amazed at the level of development projects taking place in every nook and cranny of the State.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Vice Chairman of the Association, Mr. Ebiye Zikenah, the Chairman posits that, “The Association swung into action by touring the eight Local Government Areas to observe and confirm the claim and criticisms of few persons over the radio and rumours that Government is not working but sleeping. But surprisingly, we were amazed with the numerous projects both completed and ongoing in the State that deserve commendation”.
Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
24/01/2014
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