by Peregba Jerry
The Bayelsa State Government has commended the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) for its decision to site five developmental projects in Nembe and Ekeremor local government areas of the state.
Speaking while receiving the Executive Secretary of BCDA, Captain Jumaid Abdulahi, in Government House, Yenagoa on Tuesday, the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, described the decision as well thought out and responsive to yearnings of the Niger Delta people.
Ewhrudjakpo, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, assured the BCDA and the contractors of security and other forms of support to ensure a hitch-free execution of the projects in their areas of location.
He, however, urged the contractors to show understanding with their host communities, particularly the youths by engaging them in line with the local content policy of the Federal Government.
According to the Deputy Governor, most of the youths labeled as restive are actually not as being profiled but only seeking for opportunities to be engaged.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo emphasized the need for the central government to do more in terms of infrastructural development in the state in view of its contributions to the national coffers.
His words, “We are quite elated whenever the Federal Government agencies do the needful in our state. We are happy that the BCDA has actually come up with these projects targeted at these boundary communities.
“As a contractor, I want to assure you that there is no encumbrance at all. What you have to do is a little understanding with the boys because they are also looking for employment. Don’t bring everybody from outside. The ones you can engage in the community, engage them to execute your projects.’
Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the BCDA, Capt. Jumaid Abdulahi, thanked the Deputy Governor for the warm reception, noting that the visit was to officially inform the state government of the projects allocated to the state.
The Executive Secretary, who was represented by an official of BCDA, Mr Usman Christopher, listed Obrigbene in Ekeremor local government area as well as Ogbolomabiri and Okoroma in Nembe as host communities to the project.
The BCDA Executive Secretary was accompanied on the visit by officials of Glorious Deeds Nigeria Limited, one of the contractors to construct a comprehensive health centre in Obrigbene Community.
