By Nathan Nwakamma
Leadership of the Bayelsa Intellectuals Forum has expressed satisfaction with Gov Duoye Diri’s achievements in the state and endorsed him for second term.
The group made its position known in a statement in Yenagoa, by its Publicity Secretary and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo on Monday.
The group, founded by the Chief Historian and Archivist of Bayelsa, Prof Stephen Olali, also passed a vote of confidence on the Diri-led administration.
Kiyaramo quoted Olali has expressing the group’s satisfaction with Diri’s achievements in the educational sector, human capacity development and employment generation initiatives.
Olali explained that Diri’s administration resonated with the prevalent peaceful and tranquil atmosphere in Bayelsa.
He said this was in addition to the many vital road projects connecting the rural areas, hence the body found him worthy to be re-elected,
He noted that a second term in office would enable the governor consolidate his legacy projects across Bayelsa.
He stated that the forum, a Non Governmental Organisation, had its membership cuts across all walks of life.
He said the group was composed of seasoned technocrats with the objective of bringing together people from all walks of life.
According to him, they include public service, academia, industry and civil society, to exchange ideas and learn from each other’s perspectives.
Olali explained that as intellectuals with diverse levels of intellectual prowess, wisdom and foresight who apply their intellect and forward-looking visions to the awakening society, the forum has been well abreast with the ongoing development strides by the prosperity administration.
The Chief Historian and Activists further noted that the organisation had always interfaced with stakeholders with a view to diverting the masses attention from what is unwise and wrong, to focus on what is righteous and good for society.
“The Forum recognises the three key factors in nurturing intellectuals: knowledge; ability and willingness to awaken society; and doing so for a noble cause or purpose.
“Bayelsa intellectuals have seen the need to use their capacities to contribute positively to steer society away from foreseeable negatively impacting results, not just for the past mis-directed efforts, but also for current and future inappropriate endeavours.
“As intellectuals, we have effectively and convincingly communicated the vision and policies of the prosperity administration to the masses for a better society through our regular professional engagements. “
He said that the forum will keep building on the universal and timeless values and apply its knowledge to shape and protect social standards and values.
”Together with the responsibility to awaken society, Bayelsa Intellectuals Forum constantly updates members on developments, because we believe that intellectuals are agents of change, particularly in those parts of the world where the unjust and aberrant behaviour are the norm,” he stated. (NAN)
