Dickson employs 335 professionals

Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson has offered automatic employment to 336 professionals.

Of the 336 beneficiaries, 102 PhD holders drawn from the state and other Ijaw-speaking communities were employed as lecturers in the state-owned tertiary institutions.

A statement by Dickson’s media aide, Fidelis Soriwei, said Dickson presented employment letters to the beneficiaries at the weekend.

Other beneficiaries included 60 medical doctors, 54 masters’ degree holders and 119 first class graduates.

Dickson said his administration was working hard to lay a solid foundation for a flourishing knowledge-based economy for the state.

He said: “It takes a number of years for this kind of investment to mature. We are building schools and capacities, and in about 20 years or so, we want to see top qualified Bayelsa professors in every field.

“We will create a fund to take care of publications for all those who have PhD to enable them produce more PhD holders. In the last seven years, we have been building educational infrastructure, awarding scholarships and employing. There is no doubt that we have done our duty, but the job of consolidating the gains lies with you. We expect the 102 PhD holders to become professors in the next couple of years.”

Read Also: Nobody can take Bayelsa governorship by violence, says Dickson

Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Special Employment Committee Kemela Okara was convinced that the beneficiaries would add value and increase productivity in the state workforce.

Commissioner for Education Jonathan Obuebite hailed Dickson for keeping to his promise to turn around education. According to him, the feat achieved in the education sector under Dickson was exemplary and inspiring.

Dickson has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for reappointing Boss Mustapha as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

A statement by Soriwei, described the reappointment as “well deserved”.

The statement reads: “I congratulate Mr. Boss Mustapha on his reappointment as Secretary to the Government of the Federation. This appointment is not surprising as the SGF carried out the vast responsibilities of his office efficiently with respect and dignity deserving of such a high office.

“I also praise the President for this appointment, which is a recognition of the exemplary efforts of the SGF. I wish Boss Mustapha success in this particular position and in his future dealings.”