From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Government, on Wednesday, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to promoting partnerships with well-meaning organizations to further engender development in the education and health sectors of the state.
The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, expressed the determination when a delegation of the Kumbowei National Association (KNA), Bayelsa State Chapter, paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, acknowledged the pivotal role of socio-cultural organizations in complementing government’s efforts in the provision of essential services to make life meaningful in society.
While emphasizing that governments all over the world have protection of lives and property as their primary constitutional duty, the Deputy Governor said the Senator Douye Diri-led Administration would continue to push to expand the frontiers of educational development and improve healthcare service delivery in the state.
To this end, he declared readiness of the state government to work with serious-minded organizations, as government alone cannot substantially meet the socio-economic needs of the people.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo, who commended the Kumbowei National Association for their development-oriented initiatives and proposal, including an educational Scholarship Trust Fund and Community Health Outreach, assured them of government’s support.
He, however, advised the group to quickly make a detailed submission of its forthcoming Development Summit to government as well as rotate the hosting of the event among the various member communities to foster cultural integration and singleness of purpose.
His words: “We believe that socio-cultural organizations have important roles to play in the development of any place or society. And so, as a government, we are always willing and ready to encourage and support the ones that have clear and meaningful objectives.
“We believe that the existence of such organizations strengthen culture, community cohesiveness and also guide people. They initiate dialogue and give prominence to development, and wings to resourcefulness and entrepreneurial skills.
“We believe that we should aid them to fly and even fly very high…But let me also encourage you not to limit yourselves to cultural issues. I want you to take your education endowment fund and health programme very seriously.”
Earlier, the National President of the Association, Prof. Peter Ayunku, explained that the visit was to intimate the Deputy Governor with the aims and objectives of the KNA and solicit government’s support for the 2025 Kumbowei Heritage and Development Summit scheduled for this month.
Ayunku, who is a Professor of Banking and Finance at the state-owned Niger Delta University, lauded the Bayelsa State Government for its responsiveness and commitment to fostering partnership with community and youth-driven organizations, thereby promoting peace, economic empowerment and cultural preservation.
According to him, the upcoming summit is intended to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Kumbowei people as well as bring the youths and elders of the clan to a common platform for mentorship and dialogue.
The Commissioner for Special Duties, Bayelsa West, Mr Michael Magbisa, the Chairman, Sagbama Rural Development Authority, Chief Fred Dabirilagha, the Amananaowei of Sagbama Town, His Royal Highness Ojo Magbisa and his Tungbabiri Community counterpart, His Royal Highness Godbless Fetonbofa, among other notable personalities accompanied the National President on the visit.
