THE
NEW BREED OF BAYELSA YOUTH
Bayelsa
state is gradually wearing a new look following the emergence of Governor
Seriake Dickson with his restoration agenda. Youths
from the various Local Government Areas of the state are also gradually keying
into the agenda.
Gone
are those days when the Niger Delta and indeed Bayelsa State was characterized
by youth restiveness, militancy and other social vices. The
youths of today are more than never before determined to take their destinies
in their hands to ensure a brighter future.
Similarly,
the erstwhile begging culture of Bayelsa youths which got to a height at the
inception of democracy in nineteen ninety –nine is no longer in vogue. Most
of these “ I am loyal youths “have come to realize the relevance of the
Biblical saying that there is no food for the lazy man.
The
slogan “ am loyal and committee” often used by youths to curry favour from
their political victims is equally disappearing from the political scene,
giving way for a through breed of serious and determined youth.
Perhaps
this among other necessities informed the establishments of a non –governmental
organization known as Restoration Youth Network(REYNET), which is poised to
change the mind set of Bayelsa youths and re-orientate them for a better
tomorrow .
Convinced
that restoration is assured for youths in the state REYNET has keyed into
government’s development policies in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies
(MDAs). This
way, it believes that youths in the state will be better empowered for a better
tomorrow.
It
is also the resolve of REYNET to bring youth groups together under a common
platform, and speak in one voice on issues that affect them and the society at
large. As
leaders of tomorrow, REYNET believes youth could be self-reliant, by being
focused with a vision and rallying together to achieve set goals.
The
NGO believes this can be achieved with little assistance and less emphasis on
pecuniary expectations. The
present flood crises which ravaged most parts of the country with its attendant
devastation, was a litmus test for the REYNET group.
As
a committed youth vanguard, REYNET came all out to compliment the efforts of
Bayelsa State Government in the area of medical services to the internally
displaced flood victims.
The
group though with a lean purse has traversed most coastal communities in five
local government area of Bayelsa state so far, rendering medi-care and giving
succor to the needy. The
body is doing this at a time when all Bayelsa are expected to be their brother’s
keeper and do all they can to lessen the burden of their neighbours.
It
is believed that the organization would continue their humanitarian service to
other impacted communities in the state. This
step is imperative to encourage other youths in the state to emulate the kind
of selfless gesture of REYNET. Indeed
the NGO has proved to be worthy and a good example for youth ambassadors of Bayelsa State.
SUPPORTING THE BAYELSA
PROJECT
When General Sani Abacha Magnanimously created
Bayelsa State on October 1st 1996, not many across the country were
comfortable with the decision.While
there was wide spread jubilation amongst the Ijaws of the Niger Delta those
with different views were disappointed.
Although,
different schools of Though may hold different opinion about what motivated
Abacha, but Bayesians still acknowledge this feat as heroic. For
the pioneers of agitation who vehemently fought against marginalization and
championed the cause of resource control and self determination, history will
continue to make them as reference point.
Only
recently in a bid to immortalize Abacha and to celebrate the sixteen years of
Bayelsa State, Governor Seriake Dickson
while inauguration the Ijaw House, named the Multi-purpose Hall and then new
commissioner’s Quarters Opolo after him.
Abacha’s
dream was to alleviate the plight of the people and attract even development by
giving the people a sense of belonging. Sixteen
years down the line, the state is grappling
with problems of underdevelopment such as roads, affordable health care,
education and water.
This
followed the dynamic policies and programmes namely; Navy Captain Philip Ayeni,
Caleb Olubolade, Police Commissioner Daura and Colonel Edor Obi all worked to
kick-start the development of the state.
The
emergence of democracy in nineteen ninety-nine heralded the administration of
Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha as first executive governor who laid the
following for the development of the state. Some
of his projects include the Niger Delta University, the five hundred bed
hospital and a host of others.
President
Goodluck Jonathan barely spent one year and few months before a national assignment
came calling. Jonathan
completed the new secretariat annex, the Ekole bridge, five star hotel, new
Governor and Deputy Governor lodes.
Chief
Timipre Sylva also did his best before he left the office. However,
the present government led by Chief Seriake Dickson has assured Bayelsans that
all abandoned projects would be complete and new ones commerce.
The
aim is to restore confidence that is fast eroding by consolidation on past
achievements. Governor
Dickson’s transparency initiative to produce accountability and strict
adherence to due process is unprecedented.
In
the area of education, one billon naria has been earmarked to give scholarship
to deserving students in tertiary institution to PHD level, while emergency has
been declared in primary and post primary schools.
The
award of contracts for the three senatorial roads, continuation of five star
hotels, health and water scheme, is a pointer to grater thing s to come.
It
is in this regard that a non-governmental organization, Restoration Youth
Network (REYNET) was formed out of collective interest in the state.
Already,
the organization is willing to compliment the efforts of government in area of
youth empowerment, skills acquisition, and public enlightenment sports development
by promoting talents, women and girl child education.
While
REYNET commends the efforts of the founding fathers especially those who have
contributed immensely to the creation of Bayelsa State, there is need for more
synergy.
The
call is for other youth groups in the state to collaborate with REYNET in
actualizing this vision as the era of coming out only during election should be
a thing of the past.
It
is also imperative for all Bayelsans both at home and in Diaspora to bring
their wealth of experience to bear in the Bayelsa project, if the dreams and
aspirations of heroes past must not be in vain.
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