EDTF HONOURS 11 AS HONORARY AMBASSADORS OF EDUCATION IN BAYELSA STATE
The Bayelsa State Education Department Trust Fund (EDTF), has honoured Governor Douye Diri, the former President of Nigeria, Dr.Goodluck Jonathan GCFR and former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson with Honorary Ambassadors of Education Award. Other recipients are Senator Emmanuel Paulker, Hon. Fred Agbedi, Dr. Godbless Azibapu Eruani, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe, Major-General Isaiah Allison-Allison, Arch. Reuben Bouluaowei Okoya, Campol. Diseye Nserim (Rtd) and Odyssey Educational Foundation.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Center in Yenagoa, Governor Douye Diri appreciated the EDTF for contributing towards the upliftment of education in the State. According to Governor Diri, he has sustained every good project and programmes inherited from the previous government as well as expanded others for continuity. He described the EDTF as one organ very significant to the people of the State while, commending the former Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson for his vision and courage towards establishing the Trust Fund in Bayelsa State. He further explained that, the establishment of the Trust Fund was to ensure the running of the Model Secondary Schools with the view of solving some educational needs in the sector adding that, it has been expanded to include the Technical colleges in the State. The Governor noted that, based on the Assured Prosperity agenda, it will enable youths to acquire more skills to be relevant in the society stating that, government has shifted its educational paradigm from paper qualifications to science and technical education, hands-on training and skills acquisition. He thanked the awardees for support the growth and development of education in the State.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary, EDTF, Dr. (Mrs.) Alice Atuwo lauded Governor Douye Diri for his vision in sustaining the EDTF to support the provision of quality and sustainable education to the citizens of the State. Dr. Atuwo explained that, upon inauguration in 2017, the EDTF was mandated to take responsibility of the Model Secondary Schools in the State. According to her, Five (5) schools were initially handed over to the Board which has expanded to eleven (11) schools with one each in every Local Government and a population of over three thousand students outside the additional four (4) Technical Colleges expected to take off soon. She stated that, the EDTF was operating through Committee system with experienced members that have added value to the system, providing good education to the people. The Executive Secretary also noted that, the EDTF was empowered to partner and seek collaboration with individuals and organisations as well as award Honorary Ambassadors of education to deserving person and organisations who partnered and contributed to the Trust Fund. She called on all stakeholders, individual, organisations and NGOs to continue to support the EDTF to ensure the provision of sustainable and quality education to the citizenry. Dr. Atuwo also appreciated all the awardees for their immense support to the EDTF.
Responding on behalf of recipients of the award, the former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who was represented by a former Commissioner of Education, Hon. Tobias James appreciated the Bayelsa State Government and the EDTF for honouring them with the award. According to him, the award was a tribute to the tireless and countless efforts of individuals who have promoted and advocated for the empowerment of future generations and promised to continue to advocate for all inclusive, accessable and quality education in Bayelsa State.
On his part, the acting Chairman of EDTF, Professor Francis Sikoki said the award was a way of saying thank you for contributing to the advancement of education in the State. According to Professor Sikoki, the fact that most awardees were in person and others represented, shows the importance recipients attach to the cause of improving education in Bayelsa State. He appealed to other well-to-do individuals, lovers of education and friends of the State to support the EDTF to enable more students to benefit from the Fund.