Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State,  has been invested as an associate fellow of the Historical society of Nigeria.

The honour was conferred on him by the National executive of the society who called on him at government house in Yenagoa.

Speaking shortly after his investiture, Governor Dickson expressed gratitude to the leadership and members of the society for the honour done him.

According to the Governor, the appointment of Dr. Steven Temegha Olali, a member of the society as the Chief Historian was born out of the need to properly chronicle the policies and activities of government for posterity.

“History serves as a guide not just in the present but most importantly as a compass to the great unknown future.  And I wanted the history of this state, the history of our government and our activities, our potentials, aspirations as well as our  foibles imperfections to be properly recorded and put down in correct perspective that was why I look around for somebody who could help us do this not first for now but for posterity”.

Stressing the importance of history in human society, Hon. Dickson posited that unless a people have a clear sense of history their identity will be incomplete.

As part of efforts to foster cultural renaissance in the state, he said Friday of very week has been declared as Ijaw Cultural Day.

Governor Dickson also noted that efforts at making the study of vernacular in all primary and secondary schools in the state have reached an advanced stage.

While pleading support to the society, the Governor urged historians and other academics to redouble their efforts at promoting the growth and development of indigenous languages in the country.

Earlier in his presentation, the National President of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Akinwunmi had explained that the investiture was in recognition of Hon. Dickson’s contribution towards the growth and development of the society.

Prof Akinwunmi specifically commended Governor Dickson for appointing one of their members Dr. Olali as Chief Historian and Archivist of the Bayelsa State Government.

While appealing for the position to be made permanent through the creation of a historical bureau, Akinwunmi also called on the Governor to use his good offices to drive the process of making the study of history at primary and post primary levels of education in the state.

This, he said is achievable since education is on the concurrent list of the constitution of Nigeria.

Governor Dickson was decorated by the immediate past National President, Prof. Yakubu Oshefu.