February 27, (THEWILL) – Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has explained that his decision to continue some policies initiated by his predecessor was driven by the need to sustain the state’s development trajectory.
Speaking at the Education Development Trust Fund Interventions and Graduation Ceremony of the Diri Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Programme in Yenagoa on Wednesday, Diri commended former Governor Seriake Dickson for introducing the EDTF, describing it as a visionary initiative that deserved to be expanded.
Diri emphasised his administration’s commitment to human capital development, stating that a viable private sector independent of government was essential for the state’s economic growth.
As part of the event, 2,850 beneficiaries of the third batch of the skills acquisition programme were presented with starter packs and essential tools.
The trainees had undergone a five-month training in various vocations, including paint making, solar installation, electrical works, shoe production, soap making, cosmetology, fashion design, and catering.
“This empowerment scheme is one initiative we will sustain to reduce dependence on government.
“We want a Bayelsa where the private sector thrives, and you are the ones who will drive that transformation,” Diri said.
The governor urged the beneficiaries to put their newly acquired skills to good use and cautioned against selling their starter packs. He also directed the Technical Adviser on Entrepreneurship Development to track the performance of beneficiaries.
Diri further commended the Executive Secretary of the EDTF, Dr. Alice Atuwo, and board members for their dedication, noting that the fund had been expanded beyond scholarships in model schools to include technical colleges.
He instructed the Commissioner for Education to ensure the completion of technical colleges in Southern Ijaw and Nembe Local Government Areas before the end of the year.
As part of the event, the governor, alongside the EDTF, presented Honorary Ambassador of Education Awards to notable personalities, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Governor Dickson, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, and Chief Fred Agbedi. Others honoured were former NDDC Managing Director Chief Ndutimi Alaibe, Maj. Gen. Allison Isaiah Allison (retd.), Arc. Reuben Okoya, and retired Commissioner of Police Mrs. Diseye Nsirim.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Dr. Jonathan, represented by former Education Commissioner Dr. Tobias James, described the recognition as a testament to their contributions to education in Bayelsa and pledged continued support for inclusive and accessible education.
In her remarks, EDTF Executive Secretary Dr. Alice Atuwo noted that the fund, established in 2017, initially sponsored students in five model secondary schools, which has now increased to 11.
Similarly, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship Development, Mrs. Charity Ken-Godwins, highlighted the administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, revealing that 814 beneficiaries graduated from the programme in 2021, 815 in 2022, and 2,850 in 2023.
She further disclosed that while the governor had approved the training of an additional 800 Bayelsans in 2023, over 9,000 applied, with 3,500 ultimately selected and trained.
Ken-Godwins stressed that the programme had instilled a sense of self-reliance and entrepreneurship among beneficiaries, positioning them for sustainable economic growth.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
