The Bayelsa State Government rounded off its 3-day Investment and Economic Forum at the weekend in Yenagoa by signing Memorandumof Understanding with Proton Energy for the construction of 500mgw power plant and N25 billion SMEs development fund with the Bank of Industry, Mainstreet Bank and the Bank of Agriculture in Yenagoa.
Also, the government has entered into pacts with Ostertrade for the establishment of ceramic tiles, glass and tomato paste and beanscanning industries, the Federal Ministry of Communication Technology and 4 media organizations, comprising Channels Television, Africa Independent Television (AIT), Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) and Silverbird.
The Minister of Communication Technology, Dr. Omobolaji Johnson signed on behalf of the Federal Government, while Secretary to State Government, Professor Edmund Alison Oguru and Information Commissioner, Deacon Markson Fefegha signed on behalf of the state government.
Describing SMEs as a critical aspect of the state’s economic plan, especially the diversification from the oil and gas sector, the governor urged the people of the state to key into the SMEs programme for the creation of wealth and job opportunities, stressing that, the era of dependence on political patronage was no longer sustainable.
Allaying the fears of the people, especially the business partners over the management of the SMEs fund, Hon. Dickson said governmenthas put in place, measures to closely monitor the would-be beneficiaries of the SMEs for effective management of the fund.
In another development, Governor Dickson has presented some certificates of occupancy (C of Os) to Julius Berger Plc and other individuals, adding that, government underscored the importance of the land title document in addressing the issue of access to business finance.
In her remarks, the Minister of Communication Technology, Dr. Omobolaji Johnson said, Bayelsa has been chosen for what she described as a smart state to increase its level of internet connectivity, as 20% of the state is yet to be covered by mobile signal.
She commended the state government’s huge investments in security, noting that ICT is a critical component in the development of any economy, with great potential for job creation.
On media partnership, the state government explained that the deal was aimed at promoting effective dissemination and management of information concerning its activities.
Lead speakers and panelists at the forum include Chief Timi Alaibe, Mrs. Diezani Alison Madueke, Mr. Uche Orji, Miss Ivana Osagie, Managing Director of Notore Chemical industries, Regional Manager South-south Operations Bank of industry, Mr Balarabe Musa.
Dignitaries that attended the forum include Ministers of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Steve Oru and Minister of state for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.
Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State