BDGS EMERGES FIRST ON BAYELSA ROBOTIC CHALLENGE, 2024 CONTEST
Bishop Dimeari Grammer School (BDGS), Yenagoa has claimed the overall first position after a Robotic Challenge contest between the students of the various Model Secondary Schools while, Sports Academy Asoama and Ijaw National Academy (INA) took the Second and third position respectively, sponsored by the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF in partnership with Odyssey Education Foundation with the view to promote Science, Technology and innovation in the educational sector.
The Robotic Challenge Contest was conducted at the DSP Alamieseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House Yenagoa as part of efforts by the EDTF to avail students the opportunity to build their scientific knowledge to solve problems.
In her opening remark, the Executive Secretary EDTF Dr. (Mrs.) Alice Atuwo, expressed gratitude to the Odyssey Educational Foundation partnering the Trust Fund for their Technical Support in the training of students in Technology. She explained that, the training in Robotic was to equip the children with technological skills and providing solutions to problems. Dr. Atuwo further noted that, through the student’s passion for Robotic, it will attract the transformation of industries as well as improve the standard of living and development of society. She commended Governor Douye Diri for sustaining the EDTF to support the revamping of the educational Sector.
Declaring the Robotic Challenge open, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Professor, Nimibofa Ayawei, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Service Bureau, Mr. Anthony Ikobo applauded the EDTF for the immense support towards the development of education in the State. Professor Ayawei stated that, in order to acquire the needed skills, technology should be prioritized in the schools to achieve the desired objectives towards improving the standard of education. He further emphasized that, the Robotic Challenge Programme should be made an annual event to train students with different strata of technology, noting that, science and technology was the driving force in the society while urging the students to take the programme seriously to increase their innovation to better themselves and Bayelsa State.
In his remark, the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Okene Simon Peters appreciated the EDTF for their vision in introducing Science and Technology in the School System as part of efforts towards implementing government policies and programmes in the educational sector. According to him, government had placed utmost emphasis of Science and Technology in the School System which should be prioritized in the scheme of things to attract positive development in Bayelsa State. He urged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the Robotic training programme to guarantee their future and make the State proud stating that, through Science and innovation, Bayelsa State will stand tall among their peers in the world.
Also speaking, the Acting Chairman, EDTF, Professor Francis Sikoki stressed that, the mandate of EDTF was to support the upgrading of education at all levels both in the Primary, Secondary and Tertiary institutions as well as to provide therapeutic measures to prevent deterioration of the education programme in the state. He explained that, the core strategic plan of EDTF was to promote ICT, Technovation, Artificial Intelligence as well as Robotic in the schools to enable the student acquire the needed Technological knowledge towards ensuring the development of the society. He used the opportunity to appreciate Governor Douye Diri for his immense support and encouragement given to the Trust Fund while assuring the EDTF’s readiness to continue to do their best to justify the confidence reposed in them.
In his key note remark, the member, Representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Hon. Fredrick Agbedi, expressed gratitude and commended the EDTF for their passionate efforts towards the introduction of technological programmes in the school to improve the development of education to digitalize the economy of the state. He also commended the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson for his dexterity towards the establishment of EDTF as well as lauded Governor Douye Diri for the passion towards ensuring the sustenance of the Trust Fund to continue to support the implementation of deliberate policies and programmes in the educational Sector. Hon. Agbedi further noted that, the introduction of digital technologies in the School system was aimed at equipping children with different skills to enable Bayelsa State operate the best digital economy in the society. He urged the benefiting students to take advantage of the Robotic Programme to better themselves as well as to impart the knowledge not only in Bayelsa State but to attract international patronage to ensure Ijaw Nation was recognized in the world. He used the opportunity to call on all Bayelsans, business moguls, captains of industries, IOCs, stakeholders to contribute to the Trust Fund towards ensuring the provision of quality and affordable education for Bayelsa children.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rules Council, His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo who was represented by His Majesty, Charles Awoba, expressed delight and appreciation to the EDTF for the outstanding programme in the educational Sector. According to him, the EDTF had made enormous contributions towards the development of education in the State while urging them to ensure the digital technological programmes should cut across all facet of education both in the urban and rural areas in Bayelsa State. He described education as the engine room for societal development and appealed to the EDTF to continue to promote education with a view to place Bayelsa State Education System amongst the top best in the future to attain international recognition.