From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State government has honoured former president, Goodluck Jonathan as an Ambassador of Education for his contribution to the development and growth of education in the state.
Also honoured were the former governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Ndutimi Alaibe, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, Fred Agbedi, Rueben Okoya, Major General Allison Isaiah Allison, and Commissioner of Police, Diseye Nsirim.
Diri who presented the awards during the Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) Interventions and Graduation Ceremony of the Diri Skills Acquisition and Empowerment at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre used the occasion to commend his predecessor, Senator Dickson, for his vision in establishing the EDTF.
According to him, his administration continued with some of the policies of his predecessor in order to enhance the development of the state.
Diri declared that he would continue to invest in human capacity building in order to develop a viable private sector in the state that is independent of government.
He explained that even if the government built all the bridges and roads, it would not take the place of empowerment and building of capacity of Bayelsa youths.
“I consider this empowerment scheme as one aspect of this administration that we will continue to do so that our people will not be government-dependent. We will have a state that the private sector can develop and you are those that will develop the private sector,” he said.
Diri implored the graduates not to sell the starter packs but rather put into practice the skills acquired to improve their lives and actualise the government’s vision of building a sustainable future for them.
The governor directed the Technical Adviser on Entrepreneurship Development to conduct a key performance index on beneficiaries of the scheme.
He equally appreciated the EDTF Executive Secretary, Dr. Alice Atuwo, and members of the board for their hard work as well as those that have supported the fund.
Responding on behalf of the awardees, Dr. Jonathan, who was represented by a one-time Commissioner for Education, Dr. Tobias James, described the award as a recognition of contributions to the growth and development of education in the state and pledged to continue to advocate for accessible and inclusive education for all.
Dr Alice Atuwo, in her remarks, said the EDTF was established in 2017 and took over the sponsorship of students in five model secondary schools, which has increased to 11.
Also, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship Development, Mrs. Charity Ken-Godwins, said since 2021, the Diri administration has been transforming the lives of the youths through various empowerment programmes.
“In 2021, 814 students graduated from the skills acquisition programme. In 2022, another 815 benefitted, and today we are celebrating the graduation of 2,850 trainees who acquired skills in leather works, fashion design, cosmetology, and other areas. These skills will instill in them a sense of self-reliance and entrepreneurship,” she said.