₦airaland Forum

playboy19:
No source? Looks like a farce to me.

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Letter of withdrawal from the Bayelsa East Senatorial Race

I thank God and the good people of Brass, Bayelsa East Senatorial District who offered me the golden opportunity four years ago to represent them and the state in the Senate, Nigeria’s highest lawmaking chamber.

It is without doubt that I have tried to discharge my duties as a legislator and representative of my people creditably to the best of my ability so far.

My voice has been very loud on the issues that matter to our people and our country at all time.

My support to our party, my people and state government is unquestionable. I am humbled that the national leadership of my party supported by the State chapter in appreciation of my efforts offered to support my reelection to the senate to continue my service.

I have also intensified consultations in the last couple of week in the course of which I have come to realize an existing local rotational arrangement of over 20 years beginning with the late Great Chief Melford Okilo, by which arrangement the Senatorial seat rotates per local government area among the three councils for four years in the Senatorial District.

Even with the support of my party at the National and state levels with the full backing of my state government and leadership, as a man of honour interested in the well being of my people, I hereby announce my withdrawal from the Senatorial race.

I do not want whatever reason to appear to have used my privileged
position and influence to do anything that other than the well-being and the stability and the good of the people.

I am in all of these for the people, not for my self.

Once again, I thank the former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebelo Jonathan, the National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, my colleagues in the Senate and Governor of Bayelsa State, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson for their support and encouragement.

I also thank the leadership of my Senatorial District and state, for for being there for me.

I thank Specially the people of my constituency for their trust and confidence in me to serve and represent them in the Senate.
By trusting me with this mandate, I have come to know them and our people even better, an experience I will never forget for the rest of my life.

I am indeed grateful to My darling wife, my children, other members of my family for their support and prayers. I appreciate the efforts of my hardworking campaign staff for their support and dedication.

Again, I thank the leadership of the party for their continuing support. I also assured the party of my availability and readiness to serve at any capacity when the opportunity comes.


Best Regards


Senator Ben Murray Bruce

Government Special Announcement

Following cases of devastation and incidents of flood ravaged communities currently being witnessed across the state, His Excellency, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, Governor of Bayelsa State has set up an Emergency Response Team under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, with representatives from: Navy, Air Force, Army, DSS, NSCDC, SEMA, SA Security

Residents in the state who are affected by the flood in their communities are encouraged to call the following emergency lines 07006464644, 08025814636, 08110413567 and 09037582261.

Please, call our team, who are on standby to receive your call 24/7

Signed:

Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation

FLOODING: BAYELSA GOVERNMENT CLOSES ALL SCHOOLS
...COMMENCES DISTRIBUTION OF RELIEF MATERIALS TO AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

The Bayelsa State Government has directed immediate closure of all schools in the state as a precautionary measure to avoid loss of lives in the current flooding in the state.

The decision was reached at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the State Governor, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, who also set up a special committee to facilitate prompt and effective response to the flood emergency in the state.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said in a statement on Saturday that the highest decision making body in the state also directed the Ministry of Health to set up an emergency health response unit in the state to mitigate the effect of the flood on the people.

Iworiso-Markson said that the Emergency Health Response Unit of the Ministry of Health was designed to monitor and prevent the outbreak of diseases like cholera during the period covered by flooding in Bayelsa.

According to him, the Director of the State Emergency Management Agency briefed the State Executive Council on the flood situation and said that the agency would kickstart the distribution of relief materials to affected communities on Saturday.

The commissioner advised the Bayelsa citizenry not to panic as the government was making all efforts to secure lives and properties in the state.

He said that a large number of communities in virtually all the local government areas were seriously affected by the flooding especially in Ekeremor, Sagbama, Ogbia, Southern Ijaw and indeed all the eight local government areas.

He said, “The Bayelsa State Executive Council has directed immediate closure of all schools including private institutions in the state as a precautionary measure to avoid loss of lives to severe flooding in the state.

“The Government has also set up a Special Committee to coordinate activities relating to the flood which has affected several communities in the state.

“The State Executive Council also directed the Commissioner for Health to set up an Emergency Response Unit to monitor and prevent the outbreak of diseases like cholera and others associated with flooding.

“The Director in charge of SEMA briefed the State Executive Council on the flood situation and said that the agency would commence distribution of relief materials on Saturday.

Government is taking all measures to secure lives and property; the good people of Bayelsa should not panic.”

BAYELSA RECEIVES N24.16 BN PARIS CLUB REFUNDS
...SAYS LOKPOBIRI’S N800 BN DEBT CLAIM DISGRACEFUL

The Bayelsa State Government has announced the receipt of N24.16 billion from the Paris Club debt refund.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Markson Iworiso-Markson made the disclosure in a statement on Monday.

He said that the State Governor, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson had directed immediate payment of two out of the outstanding three months salary arrears to workers and four out seven months pension arrears in the state.

Iworiso-Markson described the recent N800 billion debt claim by the Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr. Heineken Lokpobiri, as disgraceful and unexpected of a person occupying his exalted position.

He said that it was queer and indeed sad that a Minister could quote wild debt figures with the intent to mislead the public and discredit the government.

The commissioner said that while the state government got N21.94 billion, the local government areas received N2.22 billion.

He stressed that the state government decided to make the Paris Club Debt public in consonance with the prevailing policy of transparency and accountability for which administration is reputed.

He explained that the government would commit N8 billion of the total receipts to the payment of outstanding salary arrears and pension.

On the issue of the N800 billion debt claim by Lokobiri, Iworiso-Markson, said that the unsubstantiated figure was inconceivable as it conflicted with the authoritative figure from the Debt Management Office which put the state debt portfolio at N123 billion.

According to him, while the government was dedicated to the continuous execution of big ticket projects, it condemns in strong terms the deliberate misinformation of the public with the intent to score non existent and impossible political advantage.

The commissioner challenged Lokpobiri to inform Bayelsans of the number of projects he had attracted to the state as minister whose party was in control of government at the national level.

He said, “The Debt Management Office, (a federal Institution) in its June 2018 report stated that the debt portfolio of the state was N123 billion. This figure includes contingent liabilities which included contract payments and pension obligations.

“While the government is making every effort to achieve massive developmental strides in every area, government wish to condemn the unguarded statements of some highly placed individuals.

“The recent unsubstantiated statement of the Minister of State for Agriculture that the State is owing N800 billion is disappointing of someone of his high office and indeed disgraceful. As a minster for agriculture, he needs to inform Bayelsans of the impact he has made even in his local government area.

“We advise Lokpobiri to educate himself or engage a brilliant young graduate to assist him.”

The Commissioner recalled the recent rating by BudgiT, a budget transparency advocacy group sponsored by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which placed Bayelsa among one of the three most fiscally stable states in Nigeria.

He stressed that the Budgit rating was a confirmation of the responsiveness of the state government and its efforts and policies in promoting transparency, accountability and prudent utilization of the scarce resources of the state in spite of its low internally generated revenue.

ENDS...

Flood: Gov. Dickson sympthizes with victims, directs release of N50 million for relief materials

...says Bayelsa will overcome disaster

Bayelsa State Governor, The Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson on Wednesday expressed concern over the flood situation in the state, describing it as another pathetic disaster.

The governor who was shocked by the gory images and reports of the flood immediately directed the release of N50 million for the purchase of relief materials for victims of the disaster.

A statement by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson said the governor gave the directive during a meeting with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and chairmen of the local government councils.

Gov. Dickson stated that the money is a quick intervention for the victims to be provided with some succour and asked officials of SEMA to work with the council chairmen for the distribution of the relieve materials to the victims to ameliorate their plights.

Gov. Dickson who deeply sympathized with those already affected, assured that everything will be done to ensure that the situation is kept under control and promised to embark on an on the spot assessment to affected areas.

The governor also directed the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu to mobilize health officials to provide immediate medical intervention in order to avoid any possible outbeeak of epidemic caused by the flood.

He called on those who reside in flood prone areas to immediately vacate and move to more safer places or the camps that are being set up by SEMA, insisting that no life must be lost.

The governor emphasized that the proactive steps are being taken considering the commitment of the government and requested SEMA to furnish him regularly with details of the situation.

He maintained that the government is on top of the matter and will surely overcome it as a state just as it did in 2012 and called on Bayelsans to support the efforts of government as disasters like flood are not man made.

Vice Chairman of Ogbia Local Government Council, Mr. Ebinyo Turner has given assurance that the Council will put every resource at its disposal to mobilise Ogbia women to key into the safe motherhood programme.

Mr. Turner gave the assurance when the Safe Motherhood Sensitisation Sub-committee for Ogbia paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Ogbia town.

He said no effort will be spared in mobilising the women of the local government area, considering the importance of the programme.

While commending Governor Seriake Dickson for the people-oriented initiative, he charged the Ogbia sensitization sub-committee to ensure that the message was taken to the nooks and crannies of the local government area.

Speaking earlier, Chairman of the sensitisation sub-committee, Ogio Ipigansi thanked the vice chairman for the warm reception and assured him that the committee will do its best to cover the entire local government area.

In her remarks at the safe motherhood awareness session, a traditional birth attendant (TBA), Mrs. Amiebi Robinson, called on government to recognize the important role they play in healthcare delivery and integrate them into the programme.

At Oloibiri Town, the woman leader spoke on the need for urgent renovation of the health center in the community while a participant at the sensitisation session, Mrs. Roseline Sambo called for the sustenance of the programme, even after the life span of the present administration.

At Opume community, the women, who were full of appreciation for Governor Dickson, appealed to the state government to post a resident doctor to the health center.

While speaking at all the communities visited, the leader of the team, Mr. Ogio Ipigansi highlighted the benefits of the programme to pregnant women, noting that it was part of a deliberate policy by government to bring down the high infant and maternal mortality rate amongst pregnant women in the state.
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The Paramount Ruler of Ekeremor town, Chief Agbodo Gbaseimor has cautioned women against possible abuse of the safe motherhood initiative.

Chief Gbaseimor gave the warning when he played host to the Safe Motherhood Sensitisation Sub-committee in his palace in Ekeremor Town, the headquarters of Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

According to the paramount ruler, women should not rush to register for the programme only to go elsewhere to have their babies delivered after collecting the goodies that come with the programme.

He also admonished the women to shun the temptation of attempting to register in more than one health facility in the hope of collecting the benefits twice.

Describing the initiative as a laudable one coming from a Governor with a passion to improve the lives of the people, the traditional ruler advised the women to adhere strickly to their scheduled appointments with the health facilities where they registered.

He assured the visiting team that the women of Ekeremor town will readily participate in the programme.

Speaking earlier, the team leader of the Safe Motherhood Sensitisation Sub-committee for Ekeremor, Amieyefa Yola had intimated the paramount ruler on what the safe motherhood initiative was all about and what the women stood to gain if they keyed into the programme.

At Isampou, the community Development Committee Chairman, Mr Perepamone Ogori welcomed the idea of the safe motherhood programme and lauded Governor Seriake Dickson for recognising the critical role women play in building the society and consciously working to improve their well being.

After the sensitisation session at Aleibiri, a participant, Mrs Ebikeme Yerinbuloukaemi wondered how the lofty ideals of the safe motherhood programme could be successfully midwifed by just two paid staff working in the community health centre and appealed to the government to post more health personnel to the hospital.

Responding to her question, the team leader of the Ekeremor sensitisation sub-committee, Amieyefa Yola said Gov. Dickson has already made available the sum of N1.2 billion to commence the building of one functional health facility in each of the 105 wards of the state and the upgrading of existing ones, stressing that as part of the package, additional health personnel would be employed.

In a brief visit to the health centre at Aleibiri, the head of the hospital, Dr. Emmanuel Nweizu said the government initiative was a good one but appealed to government to involve the State branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), who have the network to reach out to all doctors in the state

At Ayamasa, the woman leader, Mrs Selekakpo Perelade, commended Governor Seriake Dickson for introducing the safe motherhood initiative but charged the restoration government to fashion out health programmes that would cater for the peculiar needs of the aged mothers in the state.

In her contribution, the Head of the Department of Health, Ekeremor Local Government Area, Mrs Ebiere Joseph encouraged pregnant women to key into the safe motherhood programme for the overall well-being of mother and child.
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Bayelsa State government holds meeting with Christian leaders on the sensitization of safe motherhood initiative at Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha memorial banquet hall.

The deputy governor, Rear-admiral Gborigbiogha John Jonah representing Gov. Henry Seriake Dickson, in the meeting commends the effort of the governor for initiating the safe motherhood programme, while appreciating church leaders for honoring the invitation, he also thanks the Ministry of Information for their effort in ensuring the message of Safe Motherhood Initiative goes across the state.

The deputy governor, during his speech elaborates that in every field there are those who have been trained and it is always safe to go to the trained when troubled. He further encouraged church leaders to key into the programme by encouraging the women in their churches to go to health centers for ante-natal and other health related issues.

Rear-admiral John Jonah advises the commissioner for health, saying the attitude of health workers towards work should be addressed. In addition he encourage all to follow the leadership of the governor because he is a leader with focus and that it is the determination of the governor to make sure life is better for all.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Daniel Iworiso-Markson appreciates the church leaders for coming to the meeting and also urged them to encourage pregnant women in their various churches to go to any government health center near to them for ante-natal registration and other issues relating to health.

The commissioner speaking further, stated government does not wish to loose any expectant woman anymore.

Commissioner for Health, Professor Ebitimitula Etebu applauds the commissioner for information for his effort in making sure the message is spread abroad the state and also advises church leaders to ensure women no longer die of child birth.

Speaking further, he informs church leaders about the desire of the governor to know the cause of death of any women. He also encourages all leaders to join force with the government to make sure no woman dies.

Pastor S. S. John Peters, Special Adviser to the governor on religious matters in addition appreciates church leaders for their timely arrival and also commends the effort of the ministry of information for their invaluable role in the safe motherhood initiative campaign.

Dr. A. A. Igbafe, Consultant Obstetrician, Federal Medical Center Yenagoa, during his lecture advises church leaders to encourage pregnant women to go for ante-natal, organize health talks so they have better understanding about the implications of not going to hospitals. According to him, ministers of the gospel should understand that women are women and need to be handled by professionals. In addition, he encourages church leaders to take action in the area of advising pregnant women to visit hospitals, health centers, adding that churches should raise welfare by financing expectant mothers during the process of child bearing.

In conclusion, Dr. Igbafe also encouraged church leaders to preach more about family planning, saying, according to WHO women will live longer with less birth.

After the lecture from the doctor, a session of question and answers was observed allowing church leaders to ask make further clarifications on the matter.
By Robinson Agaga

...tasks Christian Leaders to encourage pregnant women on medical procedure

The Bayelsa State Government has taken its safe motherhood campaign to churches with a call on Christian Leaders in the state to engage their members on the benefits of the initiative.

At a meeting with the Christian Leaders on Tuesday in Yenagoa, the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd) said the government is fully determined to ensure that the Safe Motherhood message gets to every pregnant woman in the state.

The Deputy Governor disclosed that the Restoration Government will continue to engage critical stakeholders on the need to reduce the rate of infant and maternal mortality in the state.

He explained that it is the duty of the government to provide reachable health facilities for pregnant women but it beehoves on them to avail themselves of the opportunity to use the facilities.

Jonah thanked Governor Seriake Dickson for the initiative and also praised the Commissioner for Health and his Information and Orientation counterpart for spearheading the campaign to save the lives of pregnant women and their infants.

"I am impressed by other dimensions the Commisioner for health is using to reach out to people, I also want to thank His Excellency for this safe motherhood initiative. In this case we need to tell our people the importance of this scheme so that they will know what to do and where to go. I want to also appreciate the Commissioner for Information for the mass sensitization.

On his part, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson said the meeting is a follow up to the charge by Governor Henry Seriake Dickson during the first summit on Safe Motherhood, that no life should be lost as a result of child birth.

Iworiso-Markson added that to show his commitment, Dickson has made financial provisions for pregnant women, approved the establishment of health centres in different wards across the eight local government areas with well equipped facilities and the right personnel.

He enjoined the Christain Leaders to partner with the government to sensitise pregnant women, and assured of the readiness of his ministry to visit any church irrespective of its location to disseminate the safe motherhood message.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health Prof. Ebitimitula Etebo said pregmant women in Bayelsa die due to lack of knowledge and insisted that it must stop.

He further said that as much as there are traditional belief system, women need to embrace the opportunity given by the government to ensure that mother and child is safe, healthy and sound.

"We are saying that every pregnant woman should go to health centre closer to them. As the sensitisation and the campaign is going on, all pregnant women should ensure that the registration process is done.We are not just doing this for the safety of our mothers but we are also doing that to ensure that our children stay alive.

"We are also given money to traditional birth attendants for referring pregnant women to the hospital. In addition to the monthly N3000 by the governor, you will be given N2000 for registering and another N2000 for antenatal. Once you have registered the scheme, everything from early pregnancy till point of delivery will be taken care of".

In their separate remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, Pastor Samuel John Peters and the Government House Chaplain, Bishop Doutimi Egbegi encouraged pregnant women to do what their doctors say and never be afraid to go for Cesarean Section if the need arises.

In his presentation, a consultant Gynaecology at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Dr. Andrew Igbafe explained the major causes of maternal and infant mortality to include, Bleeding, Hypertension, Obstructed labour, complications during labor, unsafe abortions, among others.

Dr. Igbafe who advised the Pastors to always encourage their pregnant church members to go for ultra sound said: "Pastors should only do their job as pastors and let the Doctors do their job as Doctors. Not when we tell them to do this, you turn and tell them to do another thing. Please ministers of God when we are in church, let us leave the issue of health to health practitioners in the church.

"I want to quickly tell Pastors, Let us not equate our faith with the faith of members in the church. When you tell them to pray also tell them to do the needful with regards to medical checkups.

"No pregnant woman should complain about money because the governor has taken care of the monetary aspect. All you need to do is carry yourself to the hospital and leave the rest for the doctors.

The meeting had in attendance over one thousand clergymen and the State Chairmen of the Christain Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria(PFN).

https://web.facebook.com/moibayelsa/photos/a.262287134130949/673912739635051

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Daniel Iworiso-Markson welcomes the NDHS crew to the Information House and appreciates the effort of the organization for providing demographic data for the nation. In his remarks, he states why it is important to care about the population of Bayelsa state and that the reverse will be a disaster. He further noted saying, a planned family is a healthy family.

Mrs. Gloria Izonfuo the leader of the team and the Federal Commissioner National Population Commission, explains that the program will be carried out in all the local government areas of the state and will include a random selection of households in the local governments. She further stated the survey will include men aged 15-59 years, women aged 15-49 years and children from 0-71 months. Izonfuo says, blood samples will also be taken for health records.

Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu, the Commissioner for Health, also remarked that the essence of the press briefing is to create a platform for all parties involved in the exercise to ask questions in areas where they may need clarification regarding the survey.

...13 persons buy form for one constituency

No fewer than 100 persons have picked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nomination form to contest the September 13, 2018 State House of Assembly Primary in Bayelsa State, the party chairman, Hon. Cleopas Moses has said.

Out of the number, 13 of those who purchased the form are from a single constituency in the state.

Hon. Cleopas Moses said the development confirms that indeed the PDP is a choice party and still remains the most formidable platform to win any election come 2019.

He spoke in Yenagoa on Saturday, during a live interview programme monitored on the State owned radio station, Glory FM also known as Radio Bayelsa.
https://web.facebook.com/moibayelsa/posts/672307689795556
"I know the number I brought, to shock you I didn't bring less than 100 forms, I thought there will be remnant but I sold all out. I needed to call the National Organization Secretary to send more forms across to me. So its clear that PDP is the best party to be as far as Bayelsa State is concerned" he said.

The PDP chairman advised all the aspirants to do their homework as nobody will influence the choice of the people to elect a popular candidate.

According to him, the party has learnt from its mistake of imposing candidates against the wishes of their people, adding that it was what led to its poor outing in the last general election.

"Anyone that is aspiring for any of those 24 seats must know that it's not a do or die affair. You must have a spirit of sportsmanship. At the end of the exercise it is only one person that will win.

"Those that are aspiring before time should note that if 10, 13 persons pick form from one constituency, it's only one person that shall win, people should prepare their minds to be good losers because there's no way all of them will win, its impossible.

"Our National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus has warned that this is a re-branded PDP where things shall be done according to guidelines and constitution of our party as well as the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. There shall be no form of imposition, if people buy form they must go for primaries.

"Those who are aspiring should know that consultation and understanding are still part of democracy. For me, I am an unbias uumpire and I remain so. And let me say this to you, on the point of sincerity, I don't know who will emerge to be the flag bearer of my constituency.

"I have crossed my heart to be a free and fair umpire in this process. That is my covenant and my bond with my party members, to be impartial to a fault and I want Bayelsans and my party members to note me for that. I appeal to followers and supporters to respect the process and we will go by the rules.

"Anyone going in for the contest too must be prepared to respect the rules and you know just like in a football match when a player disrespect the rule, he will be fined, there will be penalty, there will be red card, there will be yellow card, and he won't play football.

"I don't wish anybody to be given any form of red card, that means there must be decorum because this party under the leadership of Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson have been taught how to respect rules. This is the new PDP in Bayelsa State where decorum and discipline are our number one watch words

"Bayelsans know that this is the only exco as far as PDP is concerned in Bayelsa State that has come this far. Getting to 3 years on board, no division, no issue of rancor, no infighting, we are not separated, we are united together for one reason to advance the course of PDP and to ensure that all elective offices in Bayelsa State are won by our party".

Ends....

PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY
Bayelsa State Chapter
State Secretariat, Dsp Alamieyeseigha Way, Ovom, Yenagoa.

28/08/2018

P.D.P PRESS RELEASE

The Bayelsa State Exco of the Peoples Democratic Party wish to profoundly express it's appreciation to its entire leaders, members, supporters and indeed Bayelsa citizens for their unfathomable expression of Love, support, care and solidarity to our Leader Rt. (Hon) Henry Seriake Dickson and his family on the sudden and painful demise of his mother (Mama GoldCoast Dickson)

It is our prayer that God give the First Family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The State chairman Hon Cleopas Moses Z. wish to inform those aspiring for election offices under our party (P.D.P) platform that sales of Forms has commenced at the State Secretariat for State House of Assembly Aspirants.
Hon. Cleopas Moses wish to inform our Party Members that the sale of form shall end by Saturday 1st of September 2018.

Hon. Cleopas Moses is using this medium to inform those aspiring for National Assembly Office such as Federal House of Representative and Senate to proceed to the party's National Headquarters in Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone Il to pay and pick up their nomination forms while submission of such collected and filled forms can be done through the office of the State Chairman at the State P.D.P Secretariat in Yenagoa.

In conclusion, Hon. Cleopas Moses advised aspirants and party faithfuls to check the party Notice Board for financial details and other vital information.

Signed:
Cleopas Moses Z.
(P.D.P STATE CHAIRMAN)
28/08/2018

https://web.facebook.com/moibayelsa/photos/a.246492672377062/670736889952636/?type=3&theater

The 1,000 graduates entrance examination into the Bayelsa Civil Service took place 21st of August, 2018 to 23rd of August 2018.

About 23,000 Bayelsans applied for the screening exercise; but only 12,000 graduates were shortlisted for the entrance examination.

The committee in charge of the screening and recruitment exercise led by Dr. Peter Singabele outlined reasons why only 12,000 names were shortlisted for the entrance examination.

*Discrepancies in credentials

*Fake certificates

*& Incomplete documents to mention but a few.

It is important to note that the recruitment process is strictly based on merit. No special consideration would be given to preferences of political appointees or other highly placed individuals.

The committee will act strictly on the instructions/directive of the Governor that only qualified graduates be given employment after the entrance exams and oral interview.

Also note, candidates who sat for the entrance examination should not be too excited or carried away by the seemingly easy questions.

In order to ensure that we have an effective public service with qualified civil servants, the committee will follow strict criteria and place under scrutiny other factors such as the following:

*Spellings
*Use of Gramma
*Punctuation
*Syntaxes etc. among other criteria.

Candidates should also take into consideration that there are specific questions related to discipline. All of which would be assessed before the final stage, which is the oral interview.

Only 1,000 qualified candidates will be recruited into the Civil Service.

The public should ignore rumormongers on social media who say that non-indigenes were also shortlisted for the entrance examination. All candidates shortlisted for the exams are Bayelsa indigenes ONLY.

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1) What is safe motherhood?

Safe motherhood is all about promoting the health of mothers and newborn babies.

Put another way, safe motherhood means ensuring that all women receive the care they need to be safe and healthy throughout pregnancy and childbirth.

* Most maternal deaths could be prevented if women had access to appropriate health care during pregnancy, childbirth, and immediately afterwards.

2) Reason for initiating the safe motherhood policy

The policy was initiated because of the very high infant/maternal mortality rate in the state.

Every day, approximately 830 women die globally from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth.

With 814 deaths out of every 100,000 live births, Nigeria has the 4th highest maternal mortality rate in the world, next only to Sierra Leone, Central African Republic and Chad.

The situation of infant mortality in Nigeria is also not a pleasant one. With 69.8 infant deaths out of every 1,000 births, Nigeria is number 8 in the world in terms of high infant mortality ratio.

3) Objective of the policy

To reduce the infant/maternal mortality rate in the state. The Governor's wish is to ensure that no woman should die during pregnancy or child birth.

4) Benefits of the safe motherhood initiative

* Free registration for antenatal

* Free insecticide treated mosquito net

* Free tetanus injection

* Routine immunization for the child

* HIV/AIDS screening

* Free delivery pack which contains among other things, 1 pack of baby wipes, baby soap, Vaseline jelly, sanitary pad, dettol, cotton wool, baby towel, mucus extractor, umbilical chord gel and some relevant medications

* N2,000 at point of registration & another N2,000 at point of delivery. (This 2nd N2,000 will be given ONLY if the woman meets the conditions of keying into the safe motherhood initiative by registering in a public health facility, attending at least four sessions of ante-natal, using the insecticide treated mosquito net and delivering in a government hospital).

* N3,000 monthly incentive throughout the period of pregnancy up to two months after delivery

https://web.facebook.com/moibayelsa/photos/a.246492672377062/661822224177436/?type=3&theater

The Safe motherhood policy is to ensure that pregnant women in the State (irrespective of States of origin) are adequately cared for to encourage safe delivery and drastically reduce infant and maternal mortality rate.
The policy provides:

Monthly stipends of N3, 000.00 per month for the duration of eleven (11) months to each pregnant woman who registers for the scheme.

Stipends of N2, 000.00 from the “Save One Million Lives for Result” partners, at the point of registration for antenatal and another N2, 000.00 after delivery.

“Save One Million Lives for Result” also provides free HIV/AIDS screening, tetanus injections, treated mosquito nets, and a delivery kit which contains first aid items needed by mother and baby.

Pregnant women in Bayelsa State are therefore urged to take advantage of the scheme, to secure their lives and lives of their babies
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The Governor of Bayelsa State, the Honorable Henry Seriake Dickson returns to Nigeria after the death of his mother, Mrs. Goldcoast Dickson, Mama Gogo in the United States. He was received on arrival at the Port Harcourt International Airport by the Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Senator Foster Ogola, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Konbowei Benson, former Perm Sec, Federal Ministry of Power, Amb. Godknows Igali, Chairman Governing Council, NDU, Prof. Steve Azaiki, members of the State House of Assembly and other important dignitaries.
May the Soul of the late Mrs Goldcoast Dickson Rest In Peace

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Pregnancy is a state of maternity that demands high financial cost during pregnancy and after child birth. The Bayelsa State Government has declared it's resolve to provide economic relief for pregnant women in Bayelsa State.

The fact cannot be contested that this period drains a lot of resources from the family. The demands for family survival and pregnancy cost coupled together, constitute a huge financial cost to the family. The high cost of consumables in the country further increases the burden of taking care of this set of women in our society.

Paying lip service to pregnant women is a disservice to them. Only a committed and sensitive government can boldly assume such responsibility, as it is herculean. Just recently, pregnant women in Ondo state were reported to have paralyzed activities in the state Specialist Hospital while protesting outrageous medical fees introduced by the State Government.

This salient issue can not be tackled with a wave of the hand. Investment in healthcare is consciously laying the foundation for a prosperous society. Governor Dickson's Safe Motherhood initiative is a testament of his human face policy to reduce the economic cost of pregnancy and thus make life more meaningful to pregnant women and their families.
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Safe motherhood involves a series of initiatives and practices that ensures women receive high level gynaecological attention in order to reduce mortality rate of women during pregnancy and after childbirth. This presupposes that there should be adequate and quality health care facilities and the needed skilled manpower in this sector.

The Bayelsa scenario presents itself with a sordid state of maternal mortality owing partly to the fact that successive governments have neglected this sector.

Also, cultural factors like relying solely on the services of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), poverty, low enlightenment and low levels of education etc. have all contributed to the high maternal mortality and infant morbidity rates.

Statistically, Bayelsa State has one of the highest maternal mortality rate in the country. 35 out of every 100 pregnancies end in miscarriages, while 20 out of every 100 childbirths result in death.This is abysmal and calls for urgent concern.
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The Restoration Government of Henry Seriake Dickson has declared a state of emergency in this sector to reverse this disturbing trend. The State Diagnostic Centre, and Drug Storage & Distribution Centre are available for Bayelsans. The Primary Health Centres as well are fully equipped. The State Specialist Hospital with the cardiovascular and stroke units is fully operational. Therefore, that there is quality healthcare delivery to ensure the success of the initiative is unquestionable.

Safe Motherhood Initiative is set up by the restoration government to give women primary attention in order to reduce child-maternal mortality.

Women are expected to take advantage of this Initiative by our caring and amiable 'talk na do' governor in order to practice safe motherhood and therefore guarantee the future and health of our people.