Launch

Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation•Blog•Launch

Category: Launch

10th year anniversary lecture and foundation launch in memory of His Excellency, late Patrick Yakowa

Today I attended the 10th year anniversary lecture and foundation launch in memory of His Excellency, late Patrick Yakowa, former Governor of Kaduna State who died in a tragic crash in Bayelsa in 2012.
How time flies!
When I learnt of the event and received the invitation, I felt duty-bound to attend.
His Excellency, late Patrick Yakowa was an older colleague of mine and an elder brother who died while attending a burial ceremony in Bayelsa State. It was my responsibility as governor to manage all the events relating to the retrieval and conveyance of his remains to Kaduna state after which I led a state delegation on a condolence visit to his family, the Government and the people of Kaduna State.
He passed alongside General Owoye Azazi, the first 4-star general in Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation. That day remains very sad in the annals of Bayelsa, Kaduna states and across Nigeria.
I thanked his widow, Her Excellency, Mrs Amina Yakowa for her untiring efforts in keeping the family and the flag of his legacies flying.
I thanked the Chairman of the occasion His Excellency, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, former governor of Kaduna State, one of those who discovered, supported and gave the opportunity to His Excellency, late Patrick Yakowa to thrive in public service as he did.
I also thanked all the traditional rulers, Gen. Agwai, Ministers and other dignitaries for coming and prayed God Almighty to continue to stand by the Yakowa family.
I stated also that we in Bayelsa; the government, leadership and people will continue to support and pray for the Yakowa family.
I promised to personally convey this event to the government of Bayelsa State and expressed confidence that the government and people of Bayelsa will continue to show solidarity.
All Nigerians should draw appropriate lessons from the life of His Excellency, late Patrick Yakowa especially at these trying times where he taught inclusiveness, simplicity, humility, respect for people and consensus building. He was a unifier, not a divider and Kaduna State and Nigeria at large needs more Yakowas.
The Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation pledges to support the Patrick Yakowa Foundation with the sum of 3 million naira while the letter to the governor of Bayelsa state His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, who was not aware of the event but whose goodwill message is embedded in mine, shall be personally forwarded for appropriate attention.
The Yakowa family and the people of Kaduna State should know that we in Bayelsa appreciate their friendship which His Excellency, late Patrick Yakowa died servicing and together, we will continue to build bridges of understanding and unity in a fair and all-inclusive Nigeria.
May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace and may God continue to strengthen his wife, Her Excellency, Mrs Amina Yakowa and the entire family. HSD

Book launch of the LetterMan

I was at the book launch of the LetterMan to honour and support Mojeed, a thorough professional who has done a great Job in compiling some of the letters of former President Obasanjo.
Former President Obasanjo is an iconic leader in Nigeria, Africa and around the world and I thank Mojeed for providing additional insight into the workings and mind of this great man.
As a supporter of history and in particular, Nigerian and African history, I believe that Nigerians do not write or read enough about their history and Mojeed’s work throws more light into some of the complex jigsaws in our country’s march towards nationhood and the roles those key personalities have played.
It is good to preserve our history and knowledge and pass it on to generations unborn. This was why after I visited the Olusegun Obasanjo library (OOPL), I was further encouraged to preserve materials relating to my service as governor in the library owned by my foundation, The Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation (HSDF), the launch of which was kindly chaired by former President Obasanjo himself. The library will have this book in it and the Foundation is purchasing 50 copies with the sum Two Million Naira.
I recommend this book to everyone and I challenge Journalists to undertake more research into the lives and activities of our leaders as Mojeed has done.

OFURUMAPEPE CUP: NDORO COMMUNITY WINS CURTAIN RAISER AS DEPUTY GOVERNOR, SENATOR DICKSON, DR SINGABELE, CALL FOR HITCH FREE COMPETITION

Ndoro Community, in the Ekeremor Council Area, has progressed to the next round of the maiden edition of the Senator Henry Seriake Dickson Football Tournament, also known as the Ofurumapepe Cup, after a vital one nil victory over Tamo-gbene Community, in the opening fixture of the tournament.

From the blast of the whistle, Ndoro proved they were the better side, as they were often found at the danger area of their opponents, and missing several opportunities in the process.

However, their efforts paid off in the 35th minute when a clearance from the defence line found Ego Ebilayor, who beat his marker comfortably, and lobbed the ball over the napping goal keeper from Tamo-gbene, Fadiki Tam.

There was another opportunity for the leaders which was wasted. But Tamo-gbene’s best opportunity came ten minutes later, but the shot went wide.

Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who was represented by the Youth and Sports Commissioner, Hon. Daniel Igali, said the state is on the right path, as far as sports is concerned, following the achievements recorded in the sector, especially under the present administration, adding that the Ofurumapepe Cup will also yield positive result, in the nearest future.

Chairman of the ceremony, Dr. Peter Singabele mni, while declaring the competition open, lauded the sponsor, Senator Dickson, for his thoughtfulness in organising the competition, expressing optimism that the next set of talents that will make the state proud, would emerge from the tourney.

Sponsor of the Ofurumapepe Cup, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, who was represented by the member representing Sagbama Constituency three, Hon. Salo Adikumo, was elated with the turn out of indigenes of the community, adding that the Senatorial District would be agog throughout the competition, as he also called for fair play from participating teams, and peaceful condu6 of the communities.

Other guests at the office kick off, were member, representing Sagbama Constituency one, Hon. Godbless Oyinke, Special Project Commissioner, Hon. Ekisah Sinkumo, Special Adviser on Community Relations, Hon. Keku Godspower, among others.

Actions continue on Sunday in Aleibiri, as Tietie gbene takes on Ayamasa at 1pm, and Angawegbene tackles Isampou at 3pm, whereas in Ekeremor, Oweigbene takes on Tamu-Ndoro at 1pm, and Beautiful gate tackles Amabulu at 3pm.

In Egbema Angalabiri, Aghoro 1 tackles Bilabiri at 1pm, while Orobiri lock horns with Agge at 3pm