Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation•Articles by: adminplus

Author: adminplus

Sen Dickson showcasing the report of the Bayelsa Oil and Environmental Commission

On Wednesday, 30th October 2024, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson attended the International Conference on Environment showcasing the report of the Bayelsa Oil and Environmental Commission that he instituted as governor.

Giving his speech, he said: They had rendered an interim report to me in 2020 before I left, and I know that by 2021/2022 they submitted their final report which was presented in London in the House of Lords.

I was delighted that they came to make a presentation of the final copy to the State, which has formally adopted it at the State Executive Council. I thanked my Lord, the Chairman and all the Commissioners, and all those who supported the work of the Commission and I am happy that the governor and the State government are continuing with this important assignment.

While the conclusion of the report is a milestone, a lot of work still has to be done. It requires careful team-selection as I did in sourcing renowned, qualified people across the world; and then it requires courage to push through the various aspects; we all need to give support to the state government as they lead in this with our support.

I congratulate Bayelsa, and I call on all the Governors of oil-producing States, and the people of the Niger Delta generally, to rally round and use this report as a basis for our quest for a safer environment. All of us must rise up for Bayelsa and the Niger Delta and fight against environmental terrorism, which the Commission has clearly found to be a genocide.

Sen Dickson participated in a panel discussion on Climate Change

Title: The Urgent Need for Climate Action: A Recap of the National Climate Council Panel Discussion In a powerful show of support for climate action, Sen Henry Seriake Dickson had the privilege to deliver a goodwill message and engage in a thought-provoking panel discussion on climate change, hosted by the National Climate Council. With climate change increasingly impacting ecosystems, economies, and communities, the call for immediate, coordinated action is now louder than ever.

The Need for Collaboration and Support

During his address, He emphasized the importance of widespread sensitization, collaboration, and support for the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC). Established by legislation, the NCCC plays a crucial role in aligning Nigeria’s climate action with global standards and commitments. However, realizing the goals outlined in the Climate Act requires commitment from all stakeholders.

The President’s Role: Activating the Nigerian Climate Fund

In line with the urgency of climate action, we are united in calling for the President to operationalize the Nigerian Climate Fund. This fund is designed to provide critical financial resources to address climate impacts and accelerate initiatives that reduce emissions and enhance climate resilience across Nigeria. Moreover, the activation of the Nigerian Climate Council, which the President will chair, is essential to ensure that climate policy is seamlessly integrated into national governance.

Integrating Climate Policy Across Ministries

Climate action is not limited to one sector; it demands an all-encompassing approach. I urged the President to engage all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in aligning with the NCCC’s mandate. Climate resilience and environmental sustainability must be priorities in each sector’s agenda, from agriculture to infrastructure, ensuring a unified approach to mitigating the impacts of climate change.

The Role of the National Assembly

As legislators, the National Assembly is fully committed to doing its part. We are prepared to support and, where necessary, amend legislation to ensure that climate policies and actions are robust and effective. Our collective responsibility as lawmakers extends to monitoring, funding, and facilitating policies that can lead Nigeria toward a sustainable future.

Conclusion

The fight against climate change requires unity, dedication, and immediate action. Through a coordinated effort between the government, private sector, and citizens, we can build a climate-resilient Nigeria that not only addresses environmental challenges but also leverages green opportunities for sustainable growth. Now is the time to act, and I am optimistic that, together, we can make a lasting impact.

Sen Dickson: Building Capacity for Climate Action: Highlights from the Senate and House Joint Committee Workshop on Ecology and Climate Change

Today, Sen Dickson had the honor of chairing a capacity-building workshop for members of the Joint Committee of the Senate and House on Ecology and Climate Change. This event was made possible through the collaboration of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and the Foreign & Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) of the British High Commission. The workshop underscored the urgency of climate issues and provided valuable insights into our role in fostering environmental resilience.

Understanding Climate Change: Insights from Experts

The workshop featured enlightening lectures from renowned experts on the impacts of climate change, helping committee members gain a deeper understanding of this critical issue. These sessions covered various aspects of climate science, from the risks of rising temperatures and extreme weather events to the economic and social consequences for communities across Nigeria. The knowledge shared served as a reminder of our responsibility as lawmakers to champion sustainable policies that mitigate climate risks and prioritize ecological health.

The Importance of Capacity Building in Climate Legislation

As climate challenges grow more complex, capacity building within legislative bodies is essential to drive informed policy-making. Workshops like these equip members with the knowledge and tools necessary to craft effective legislation that addresses climate change, supports ecological resilience, and aligns with global environmental standards. This foundation is key to shaping policies that will guide Nigeria toward a sustainable future and protect vulnerable communities from the adverse impacts of climate change.

Strengthening Partnerships for Climate Action

The success of this workshop was due in large part to the collaboration between PLAC, the FCDO, and the Nigerian government. Such partnerships are vital in fostering an environment where knowledge exchange, technical support, and strategic guidance converge to strengthen climate policy efforts. Sen Dickson extend his gratitude to the experts who shared their insights, the members of the joint Senate and House Committee, and other government officials who participated. Their commitment to enhancing their understanding and engagement in climate issues is a positive step forward for Nigeria’s environmental agenda.

Moving Forward: A Commitment to Continued Learning and Action

This workshop marks just the beginning of what Sen Dickson hope will be a series of ongoing educational initiatives. With every session, our capacity to address climate and ecological challenges improves, enabling us to make more substantial contributions toward sustainable development. As policymakers, we have a duty to ensure that our policies not only address immediate climate concerns but also lay the groundwork for a resilient future.

Conclusion

Addressing climate change is a responsibility that requires collaboration, education, and proactive policies. The insights gained in this workshop reaffirm our commitment to enacting impactful legislation and partnerships. With continued capacity-building efforts, we are well-positioned to drive Nigeria’s journey toward environmental sustainability.

Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation Announces 2024 Education Support Program Beneficiaries

The Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation is pleased to announce the beneficiaries of its highly anticipated 2024 Education Support Program. This initiative reflects Senator Henry Seriake Dickson’s enduring commitment to investing in education and human capacity development. We extend our deepest gratitude to Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the Chairman of the Foundation, for his unwavering support and dedication to education, as well as for maintaining the education grant program over the years through the Foundation.

The 2024 edition of the Education Support Program aims to provide educational assistance to deserving students from Bayelsa State. We are proud to present the list of beneficiaries selected for this year’s program:

CATEGORIES OF THE HSD-ESS 2024

  1. Bayelsa West Senatorial District
  • Sagbama:                         150
  • Ekeremor:                         150

Total                                                               300

2. High Flyers (Bayelsans on First Class & 2nd Class Upper Standing)

  • University of Africa Toru-Orua (UAT): 129
  • Niger Delta University (NDU):   51
  • Bayelsa Medical University (BMU):   48
  • Federal University Otuoke (FUO):   25
  • IJB College of Education (IJBCOE):   25
  • Bayelsa State Polytechnic (BYPOLY):   25
  • Federal Polytechnic Ekowe (FPE):   25

Total                                                             328

3. Candidates on Master’s Degree Programmes

  • Sagbama: 46
  • Ekeremor: 33

Total                                                               79

4. Candidates on PhD Programmes

  • Sagbama: 29
  • Ekeremor: 16

Total                                                               45

5. Nigerian Law School Beneficiaries

  • Bayelsans the 3 Senatorial Districts             80

And Others

 

CLICK VIEW LIST OF BENEFICIARIES HERE:

 

 

THE HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON FOUNDATION PRESENTS

SEN. HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON (HSD) EDUCATION SUPPORT SCHEME PUBLIC PRESENTATION

DATE: SATURDAY, 13TH JANUARY, 2024

VENUE: KING KPADIA MEIN SQUARE, TORU-ORUA, BAYELSA STATE

TIME: 10:00AM

ORDER OF PROGRAMME

  1. Arrivals
  2. National Anthem
  3. Opening Prayer
  4. Welcome Address by Chairman, HSD Education Support Scheme: Prof. Barclays Foubiri AYAKOROMA
  5. Opening Remark by Chairman of the Occasion: High Chief Fidelis AGBIKI
  6. Motivational Talks
  7. Remark by Royal Father of the Day: HRM King Seiyifa KOROYE, Pere of Tarakiri Kingdom
  8. Keynote Address by Special Guest of Honour: H.E. Sen. Henry Seriake DICKSON, Senator Representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District
  9. Presentation to Beneficiaries
  10. Response by Representative of the Beneficiaries
  11. Vote of Thanks: Secretary, HSD Education Support Scheme, Dr. Akpoebi ADESI
  12. Closing Prayer
  13. National Anthem
  14. Group Photographs
  15. The End

Sen Dickson showers thousands of Bayelsans with Christmas gifts

Senator Henry Seriake Dickson distributed gifts to the representatives of various communities in Bayelsa West Senatorial District on Thursday, 28 December 2023, in Yenagoa, the State capital.

Cash, rice, and cooking oil, were distributed to over Ten Thousand of his constituents as part of the 2023 outreach programmes of the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation.

The programme that has been on for years was to alleviate the economic hardship of his constituents in Bayelsa West Senatorial District.

“I am aware of how hard the times are. No matter how hard the times, we can help each other participate in the festivities that end the year,” Senator Dickson had said in an interview earlier.

“We have held this programme for years and 2023 would not have been different”.
The items were delivered inclusively, ensuring that a certain number of women, elderly people, youths, and special cases were accommodated in every community.

Chairman of Bayelsa West Youth Congress, BWYC, Comrade Ebide Brown appreciated Senator Dickson’s gesture. “We are happy that our Senator has reached out to his people. He has shown again that he is a father to all and this gesture will go a long way to enable our people in Bayelsa West to join in the celebration,” he said.

While thanking the former Governor for donating the rice and cash to them, the Ekeremor Co-ordinator of BWYC, Alhaji Letugbene prayed God to bless him and restated the people’s commitment to Senator Dickson.

“This gesture by our leader and father brings so much joy and smiles to the faces of our people. Remember that this period is one that we are supposed to show love and Senator Dickson has done just that. The people love him and are grateful to him for remembering them during the yuletide,” he noted.

Making the presentation of the item, and cash, Mr. Jeff Ebimobowei-Amasuomo said Senator Dickson had shown he was aware of the plight of the people and remained committed to assuaging their pains even during the festive period when people ought to be celebrating.
He described Senator Dickson as a father and leader who is dedicated and committed to the welfare and upliftment of his people, saying little wonder he was giving quality representation at the National Assembly.

Receiving the bags of rice and cash gifts on behalf of their communities, Barr. Billy Tobiyei, former Ekeremor Local Government Area Chairman, Barr. Awipi Odudu, Hon. Ebiowei Miller, Chairman, Opuokede Creek Rural Development Authority, Hon. Omoku Pena and Mr. Jonah Gede thanked Senator Dickson for extending his benevolence to Bayelsa West.

They emphasised that the philanthropic gesture by Senator Dickson, who they fondly refer to as The Ofuruma Pepe, The Great White Shark, had placed him in their hearts perpetually. At the same time, he called on other individuals from the area and State to emulate him.

Senator Dickson had at different engagements with the people and thanked them for their support for him, the Governor, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during the recent elections in the State. “Thank you for standing with us during the elections. The story would have been different without your support,” he had said.

Senator Dickson, whom his successor Governor Douye Diri has praised for his exemplary maturity and leadership that stabilised the politics of the State, as against the succession turmoil in other places, also thanked his constituents for peace in their various communities and asked them to maintain it.

Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation Announces 2023 Education Support program

The Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its 2023/2024 Education Support Scheme, continuing Senator Henry Seriake Dickson’s long-standing commitment to investing in education and human capacity development. Application forms for the Senator Henry Seriake Dickson Education Support Scheme 2023 are now available for collection.

The scheme aims to provide educational support to deserving students from Bayelsa State. The beneficiaries for the 2023 edition will include 300 undergraduates from Bayelsa West Senatorial District, 300 undergraduates from Bayelsa State studying in various universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education within the state, who have achieved first-class or second-class upper standing. Additionally, the committee will consider other eligible candidates, including 100 students pursuing Master’s degree programs and 50 PhD candidates.

The Screening Committee, composed of esteemed professionals, will oversee the selection process. The committee members are as follows:

– Prof. Barclays Ayakoroma (Chairman), Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Africa, Toru-Orua
– Prof. Tawari Fufeyin (Co-Chairperson), Deputy Vice Chancellor, Hensard University, Toru-Orua
– Prof. Christine Odi (Vice-Chairperson), former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Niger Delta University
– Dr. Akpoebi Adesi (Secretary), Registrar, University of Africa, Toru-Orua
– Prof. Peter Ayunku (Member), Dean, Faculty of Management Science, Niger Delta University
– Dr. Tam Azorbo (Member), Acting Head of Department, Theatre & Film Studies, University of Africa, Toru-Orua
– Dr. Sunday Abraye (Member), Acting Head of Department, Theatre Arts, Niger Delta University
– Mr. Bolou Resident (Member)
– Mr. Moses Atti (Member)
– Comrade Tamarapreye Kings (Member)
– Miss Hope Asanakpo (Member)
– Dr. Stella P. Ugolo (Member), Chairperson, Bayelsa State Teachers Registration & Certification Board
– Aaron Richard Pereyei (Member)
– Comr Emi Egbe (Member)

Interested students can obtain the application forms free of charge by contacting any of the committee members listed below:

– Bolou Resident: 0706 630 9531
– Moses Atti: 0813 805 5261
– Hope Asanakpa: 0907 371 8193
– Kings Adueze Jnr: 0906 403 6562
– Aaron Richard Pereyei: 0903 914 7290
– Comr Emi Egbe: 0901 331 3092

The deadline for form submission is Tuesday, 2nd January 2024.

The Senator Henry Seriake Dickson Education Support Scheme, which successfully supported 600 undergraduates and Bayelsa State students at the Nigeria Law School in 2022, is sponsored by the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation (HSDF).

Successful candidates will be formally awarded the grants in January to assist them in their educational pursuits.

Signed,
Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation

Hensard University gets license from NUC to operate

Today, I was at the National Universities Commission where I joined 36 other Proprietors and promoters who were officially and formally presented with the certificate of registration of new private universities in Nigeria.
On behalf of the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation, promoters of the HENSARD University, I thank and appreciate Professor A.A Rasheed mni, and members of the NUC team for the meticulous job, and their dedication to the cause of promoting and deepening education in Nigeria.
The Hensard University, which is the first private University in Bayelsa State, will promote high academic, ethical and professional standards comparable to any university anywhere else. It will commence academic activities later this year and also run a robust pre-degree foundation school aimed at raising the standards of young people desirous of University education with links to several universities in Nigeria and abroad.
My lifelong commitment to supporting education and human capacity development is well known.
As governor, I built and established the University of Africa Toru- Oura, and the Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa (all buildings and facilities except the hospital building, which we renovated. I established the Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri, for the development of technical skills, the Isaac Boro college of education Sagbama, the international institute of Tourism development, Yenagoa, the Driving institute, Yenagoa, School of Agriculture Ofoni, sports Academy, Asuama, I granted monthly subventions to even Federal institutions in Bayelsa:10 million naira to Federal University Otueke and 5 million naira to Federal Polytechnic Ekeowe. I also built and introduced Boarding secondary schools with the Ijaw National Academy as the flagship, with free boarding, uniforms, books etc for the first time, I built headmasters and teachers’ quarters and many primary schools in various communities across the state.
While doing the above, we embarked on reforms to sanitize existing tertiary institutions and our infrastructural interventions and investments in Niger Delta University have made it look like a serious university, same goes for the School of Nursing and Midwifery in Tombia and the College of Health Technology, Otuogidi.
I introduced novel policies and laws supporting these innovations in the educational sector. Some of these are:
1. Educational Development Trust Fund, (EDTF)
2. Bayelsa Higher Education Students Loan Board.
3. The Teachers training and certification Board.
4. Board for Science and technical education (to promote and formulate policies on science and technical education in the state).
5. Bayelsa State right to education law.
Even at a recession, I granted employment to all first-class graduates of Bayelsa state and Ijaw origin to encourage them to pursue their academic careers in our various tertiary institutions and in the public service. I held regular meetings and annual dinners to encourage teachers and increase their morale as the most important workforce in the state.
I also built and handed over boarding schools with improved facilities to all the armed forces and security agencies in Nigeria, which is why the Army command secondary school in Ebedebiri started, a product of that partnership with the military and security agencies. I hope all the security services are following up and living up to expectations.
In our hunger for empowerment and advancement of human capital, our government granted unprecedented scholarships to various Bayelsans who had admission in various disciplines within Nigeria and some of the best institutions around the world.
For these initiatives and the impact our government made on educational indices, my efforts and that of my team received commendations from the country’s highest policy organ, the National Council on Education severally and other regulatory bodies and institutions.
I dedicated a lot of time, effort and resources to the promotion and deepening of frontiers of education, and human capacity building as I fore said.
I did all of these in a period of unprecedented national recession.
I did it because as I always say, no investment makes meaning as investment in education. Every other investment deteriorates with time but investment in human capacity building brings on the contrary, multiplier intergenerational effects.
As a result of my commitment even after all of these, in my current position as Senator, I have always directed scarce resources towards supporting educational advancement by way of scholarships, grants and other forms of support to students and institutions, and more of that will be unveiled even this year moving forward as I promised.
HENSARD University will give me an opportunity to continue to support and promote, education and the development of skills.
The HENSARD University is going to be a combination of academic training and practical professional exposure and work closely with the corporate world to ensure that skills are developed and our graduates instead of seeking for jobs, will themselves be the employers of labour.
HENSARD University will pave the way even in that.
I congratulate all members of the HENSARD team, members of the board of trustees and members of the project implementation committee.
once again my appreciation goes to the Federal Government, the Ministry of Education and the NUC for granting this license.
Parents, guardians and prospective students should await operational statements that will be issued by the management of the university soonest.
HSD.

HSDF gives out grants to six hundred undergraduates of Bayelsa West Senatorial District

Yesterday, the Education Support Programme of my foundation, the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation (HSDF) gave out grants to six hundred undergraduates of Bayelsa West Senatorial District made up of Sagbama and Ekeremor Local Government Areas.
I thanked the organising committee led by Professor Barclays Ayakoromor and his dedicated team who went through over 2000 applications submitted online to carefully select the beneficiaries. However, as expected, not all applicants made it, therefore I call for understanding from students who applied and could not make it.
Meanwhile, I was encouraged by the huge show of interest and participation on the programme. My appreciation also goes out to the chairman of the occasion, High Chief Seiyefa Koroye, a retired university Don and his wife Dr. Mrs. Grace Koroye, a retired educationist also.
I thank the Regent of Tarakiri clan, High Chief Fidelis Agbeki and all the paramount rulers of communities in Sagbama and Ekeremor Local Government Areas including political leaders and top government functionaries who joined me and my wife at the programme. I was impressed with the peptalk by Professor Christine Odi, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Niger Delta University (NDU) and my cousin Mrs. Funkazi Koroye Crooks and the remarks by the chairman of the occasion as well as the royal father of the day, all of which is urged the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously.
I also emphasized my life long commitment to creating educational opportunities and I am glad to see the steady impact of the institutions created, policies initiated and implemented while I served as the Governor of Bayelsa State and the positive impact they are making.
Last year, the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation gave financial support to all Bayelsa students of the 2022/ 2023 session of the Nigeria Law school. Meanwhile, this support programme is targeted at undergraduates, a grant of ₦30,000 to 600 undergraduates which amounts to ₦18,000,000 will help them go back to school. It is not intended as a scholarship, rather the Foundation observed that the flood that ravaged the state last year destroyed the incomes and livelihood of many, thus, found the need to support the students to return to school as families try to get back on their feet.
I also announced that there will be a robust educational support programme part of which will be:
1. The Henry Seriake Dickson scholarship programme which covers the cost of tuition.
2. A merit based grant for students on First class standing.
3. An undergraduate educational grant such as this, lastly, a grant for postgraduate students will be unveiled later this year.
I urge all those who are interested to apply for the programme as we join hands to build a secure future.
I joined every other speaker to charge the beneficiaries to pay attention to their studies and develop well-rounded characters to justify the investment their parents, guardians and the foundation has made, admonishing them to abstain from drug abuse, cultism and other social vices that will destroy their lives.
HSD

Photospeaks: grand finale of the Pa Nanaye Dickson Wrestling tournament 2022 edition

Today, I marked the grand finale of the 2022 edition of the Pa Nanaye Dickson Wrestling tournament which the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation (HSDF) instituted in memory of my late father, Pa Nanaye Dickson.

The competition is essentially a grassroots and community-based tournament aimed at discovering new talents. It begins at the community level where the champions assemble at the constituency headquarters to compete for the constituency championship, thereafter all the champions will assemble at the Local Government headquarters to compete for the Local Government championship.

Today was the meeting of all these champions to select and give prizes to the overall winner and the runners-up. Meanwhile, consolation prizes were also given to all the participants.

The first prize was #500,000, the second #300,000, the third prize ₦200,000 and seven consolation prizes of #100,000 each were given to all the other participants.

I thanked the paramount rulers, especially that of Sagbama and Ekeremor Local Government, the Regent of Tarakiri, the High chiefs and the leaders who were present. I also appreciated the youths and women who turned out in their numbers to enjoy the event and the security for maintaining peace. I thanked the organising committee whose chairman was the Late Suoye Lokoja for their selflessness. I observed a minute’s silence in his honour and my foundation also presented a cash donation to his family.

The Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation needs the support and encouragement of all and is open to working with all to deepen the Ijaw traditional wrestling. I thanked everyone for being part of it, including the media for the real-time reportage.

While I congratulated all the winners, I look forward to hosting the 2023 edition of the competition by the grace of God.

Lastly, I called on the youths of the Senatorial District, the state and the Niger Delta to strive to be the best at their endeavours and abstain from cultism, drug abuse and other social vices that will ruin their lives.