Former Head of State commissions National Academy in Bayelsa

A former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, on Thursday commissioned the Ijaw National Academy in Bayelsa, saying that the edifice is good for national development.

The inauguration ceremony was performed at Kaiama, Kolokumo/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

Gowon said education was pertinent to the society and should be encouraged, urging the citizens of the state to take advantage of the school to build the future of their children.

He commended Gov.Seriake Dickson, building the school.

“I must congratulate the state governor once again for this tremendous edifice you have put in place for your people.

“Your contribution to education in the state will continually be appreciated.

“I believe this is good for future generation.

“ I, therefore, urge the young people, especially those already in school, to make good use of the structure to better their future, the entire Bayelsa and the nation.”

In his remarks, Dickson said the school was built to provide a platform for the mind and soul for a better tomorrow.

Dickson said the target was also to prepare young people to fit into the competitive society, adding that education is a priority in his administration.

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“This is for the unity of the Ijaw people. We have 1,000 students already, 900 are from Bayelsa while the other 100 were selected from other Ijaw speaking states in the country.”

The governor urged all stakeholders in the state to support his educational development initiatives to move Bayelsa and Ijaw nation forward.

Also speaking, Dr Edwin Clark, Chairman of the occasion, also commended the building of the school aimed at promoting quality education within and outside the Ijaw nation.

Clark, who identified poor education as bane of Ijaw people, urged the students to be focused in their education as future leaders.

“You must agree with me that without education, there will be no meaningful development.

“We must do away with politics and never allow party differences retard the good developmental plans of Gov. Dickson.

“I urge you, the governor, to continue to use your leadership to unite the Ijaw nation,” Clark said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Gen. Gowon had also on Wednesday commissioned the new office of the governor and his deputy.