By SAM JONES
YENAGOA (Sundiata Post) – The Bayelsa State Government is planning to upgrade its sports academy at Asoama in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state to a full degree awarding institution.
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said the state government is also working to fullfil accreditation requirements by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for the academy.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant, Media, Mr. Doubara Atasi, on Monday said the accreditation was to enable the academy introduce national diploma programmes.
Meanwhile, the state government said it has earmarked the Polaku-Sabagreia Road project as part of its next set of big ticket projects to be executed to further open up the state for commerce, tourism and other socio-economic activities.
According to Ewhrudjakpo, the project, which has long been abandoned by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is being taken over by the state government due to its socio-economic importance.
His words: “The state government is already doing something about that Polaku-Sabagreia Road project. I hope you know that government has already taken over that project from the NDDC.
“We are very conscious of our responsibility to our people. As I said earlier, government has not exhausted its big ticket projects. So, I’m very sure you will soon see us commence work on that project.
“We know the importance of that road. So, all we need is your support as stakeholders, particularly support from our communities to ensure a seamless take-off and completion of the project.”
Speaking earlier, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state secretary, Mr Gesiye Isowo, underscored the importance of the Polaku-Sabagreia Bridge project, noting that when completed, it would not only link Yenagoa and Kolokuma/Opokuma communities but also reduce travel time.
