Bayelsa Government says it is on course in its determination to reshape
the fortunes of the state for the benefits of all in terms of provision of
social amenities and, protection of lives and property.

The Deputy Governor of the state, Retired Admiral John
Jonah stated this in Yenagoa, Wednesday while briefing the press on success
story of the state for the past one year

Rtd Rear Admiral  Jonah said the Dickson-led
administration has made significant impact in the areas of security, Works and
Infrastructure, Education, Energy, Transport and Agriculture.

The Deputy Governor, who described security
as the primary responsibility of government, noted that the administration’s
huge investment in the sub-sector has also yielded some positive results.

According to him, the enactment of the Bayelsa
State Secret Cult, Kidnapping And Similar Offences Prohibition Bill 2012
coupled with government’s policy on zero tolerance to crime and criminality
have succeeded in making Bayelsa one of the safest states in the country.

He said the operations of the state security
outfit, code-named, Doo Akpor, would soon be extended to the hinterlands.

On Works and Infrastructure, the Deputy Governor
disclosed that over 17 key projects have been awarded, which include the Ekoli
bridge, Amassoma-Toru-Ebeni bridge, Toru-Ebeni-Ofoni  road, dualisation of
Issac Boro road, construction of the new secretariat annexes and the permanent
site of the National Youth Service Corps Orientation camp.

He enumerated the construction of the new complex
for the Traditional Rulers’ Council, Executive Council Chambers as well as the
new Governor’s Lodges in Sagbama and Nembe, which are nearing completion.

Rear Admiral John Jonah who mentioned the award of contracts
for the construction of 6 high profile roads in the state capital said
government intends to embark on the expansion of the Mbiama-Yenagoa road, which
requires demolition of structures and compensation as planned.

On Energy, he explained that the sum of N1.3
billion was released to enhance power supply in the state and currently the
state government is collaborating with its Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River
counterparts adding that about N2 billion has been spent in that regard.

The Deputy Governor said government would soon commence
the rehabilitation of the Gbarantoru-Sagbama 32 KVA line, stating that the
investment in the Energy sub-sector was not only to improve power supply but to
boost socio-economic activities in the state.

Commenting on the efforts made in Education, he
explained that N21 billion was allocated to the sector representing 16.8% of
the 2012 capital budget to enable the administration pursue vigorously its
ambitious and robust programmes.

Other efforts at improving the sector include,
re-establishment of the state College of Arts and Science, BYCAS, relocation of
the College of Education from Okpoama to Sagbama for purposes of accessibility,
establishment of Maritime academy at Okpoama as well as the disbursement of N1
billion for the post graduate scholarship scheme.

Rtd Rear Admiral John Jonah who also stressed the
administration’s readiness to implement the report of the Niger Delta University
Visitation Panel, however lamented the setback caused by the flood, which
affected the distribution of furniture and other educational materials.

On Agriculture, the Deputy Governor pointed out
that a memorandum of understanding has been signed with a foreign company for
the production of high quality Cassava, boost employment generation and food
security.

Identifying large-scale rice and fish production
as government’s area of priority, he noted that soft loans will be provided for
genuine farmers in the state.

Speaking further, Rear Admiral John Jonah
emphasized that a major reform in the transport sector was the ban on the
operation of commercial motorcycles, which has drastically reduced accidents
and incidents of robbery cases.

Describing its first year as a period of laying
foundation for development, the Deputy Governor said the achievements recorded
were commensurate with the resources and the environment occasioned by the
flood.

He therefore called for support from the people,
assuring that government would work hard to consolidate on its achievements and
take the state to greater heights