Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has offered another round of automatic employment to holders of a doctorate from the state.
This time, the governor extended the privilege to Ijaw people from other states including Delta, Ondo, Edo, Rivers and Akwa Ibom, according to a statement by Daniel Iworiso-Markson, commissioner for information and orientation.
The statement on Friday said Governor Dickson announced while inaugurating the Committee for the Employment of PhD holders across the entire Ijaw land.
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The governor said those to be employed would be deployed to the various state-owned tertiary institutions including Niger Delta University, University of Africa, Bayelsa Medical University, College of Education, Bayelsa State Polytechnic, and others.
Iworiso-Markson explained that the employment of PhD holders, which also covers those in the diaspora, is part of ongoing efforts of the Restoration Government to reposition the state education sector and make it more viable.
He pointed out that following the inauguration of the committee headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Kemela Okara those who are interested could apply through the committee for immediate employment.
The commissioner disclosed that all PhD holders in the state civil service would also be deployed to lecture in the tertiary institutions where their services would be better appreciated.
According to Iworiso-Markson, the employment of PhD holders will boost tertiary education in the state and help to develop the capacity of undergraduates in the different higher institutions.
His words: “This is another clear statement we are making in our resolve to reposition our education sector for greater productivity. There is no doubt that Governor Dickson has delivered in that critical sector. We believe strongly that this automatic employment will bring about academic excellence in our tertiary institutions.”
Meanwhile, the state government has condemned attacks on and killing of journalists across Nigeria on the occasion of the 2019 World Press Freedom Day and called on governments at all levels to protect journalists as they carry out their legitimate duties.
Iworiso-Markson, who said this in a statement on Friday, stressed that this year’s event reminded all of the critical role played by journalists in the development of the nation’s democracy.
The administration sees journalists as critical stakeholders hence have been working with them to enthrone peace, stability and progress, he said.
It is in recognition of their role and importance that since inception, the Restoration Government has supported them to effectively carry out their duties and operate without hindrance, he said.
He argued that Bayelsa State could be adjudged one of the safest states for the practice of journalism and assured that the government will not relent to sustain the current peaceful atmosphere for them.
He stated: “This year’s World Press Freedom Day reminds us again of the critical role journalists play in the development of our democracy. For the Government of His Excellency the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, we see journalists as key stakeholders. That is why we have always worked with them to achieve peace, stability and progress.
“We condemn as a government the attack and killings of journalists in other parts of the country by forces of darkness. We call on governments at all levels to continue to protect journalists as they go about their legitimate duties.”
On the forthcoming local government and governorship elections in the state, Iworiso-Markson appealed to journalists to be objective in their reporting even as he described the July 27 and November 2 elections as crucial.
“The coming local and governorship election in the state is crucial. We use this opportunity to appeal to journalists in the state to be fair and balanced in their reports of the elections,” he stated.
The commissioner also expressed worry over the increasing cases of fake news in the country.
