Business
Bayelsa Pays N6bn On Contracts …As NYSC Loses 8 Members
Bayelsa State Government, has released the sum of N6 billion to three construction companies for the completion of the three senatorial road projects in the state.
At the presentation of the cheques in Yenagoa, Governor Seriake Dickson, urged the contractors to give the people quality jobs.
The governor also signed two bills passed by the state House of Assembly into law.
The presentation of the N6 billion to the contractors marked the commencement of infrastructural development under the new administration in Bayelsa State.
The breakdown of the funds shows that N2billion was released to Julius Berger for the construction of Yenagoa-Oporoma road, representing the Central Senatorial road project, N2.5billion for the construction of the Sagbama/Ekeremor road in the West Senatorial road to Setraco and N1.5billion to China Construction and Company, for the Etegwe–Tombia road.
The Commissioner of Works and Infrastructure,Mr.Lawrence Erudkapo,said the three multinational construction companies were carefully selected based on their proven integrity and that the Etegwe-Tombia road would be built with eight bridges.
In his remarks, Governor Seriake Dickson,said the construction of the roads would open up the riverine communities for development.
He said the government was committed to transforming Bayelsa State.
The Governor also signed two bills recently passed by the State House of Assembly into law.
The new laws are the Bayelsa State College of Arts and Science Re-Establishment Law 2012 and Bayelsa State Thanksgiving Day 2012.
Governor Dickson said the College of Arts and Science would now take-off from the Science Secondary School along Okaka Road after an upgrade of facilities.
He renewed the commitment of the present administration to develop the education sector.
Earlier, while presenting the bills in company of other lawmakers,the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr.Kombowei Benson,said the legislature would work hard to support the executive arm to succeed in its task to transform the state.
Meanwhile, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Delta State has said that five of its corps members who served in the 2011 Batch ‘B,’ lost their lives during the service year.
The state Coordinator of the scheme, Mrs Vivian Omeruo, disclosed this yesterday in Asaba at the passing out parade of 2011 Batch B corps members.
She, however, said that their deaths, which occurred “through various unfortunate circumstances, were heroic as they died in active service”.
Omeruo also said that 25 corps members were pencilled down for various sanctions ranging from repeat of service to extension of service for various disciplinary conducts.
She said that out of the 25 corps members, nine who absconded would repeat the service year.
The coordinator said the names of the nine corps members had already been forwarded to the National Directorate of the NYSC for ratification.
She said the remaining 16 would have extension of service for periods ranging from two weeks to four months.
In Jigawa, NYSC Coordinator, Mr Ishaya Dede, expressed satisfaction that corps members posted to the state were safe.
He said that recently, 200 corps members voluntarily re-deployed from neighbouring states to Jigawa because of the peace enjoyed in the state.
“Jigawa is a small state, yet we have more corps members now than Kano and some other states in the North.
“This is because some of them were re-deployed here for safety, good welfare and better facilities in our orientation camp,” he said.
Dede said that out of 1,500 corps members, who passed out, 12 of them received the state Governor’s award, while names of 30 others, who contravened the NYSC Act had been forwarded to the headquarters for further action.
In his remarks, Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa lauded the contributions of the NYSC in the state to the campaign against HIV and AIDS, polio virus and mass illiteracy among others.
In Bayelsa, the state NYSC Coordinator, Mr Abdulrasheed Abiodun, said three corps members died during the service year, while the services of 12 others were extended for truancy.
Meanwhile, 30 out of the 906 corps members, who served in Gombe State were honoured with awards, according to Mr Teryima Igyuse, the state Coordinator of the scheme.
He listed the award to include 20 certificates of merit and 10 certificates of commendation for participation in community development service.
He said the best female among the award winners received the First Lady Hajiya Adama Dankwambo’s award.
Igyuse said four corps members, who absconded from service would repeat the service year, while the service of two others would be extended.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
