By Chibuike Nwabuko
Abuja (Sundiata Post) — Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, was at the weekend honoured with a doctorate degree in Public Administration by the Maryam Abacha American University of Niger in Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic.
The institution which is the first English-Speaking University in Niger Republic bestowed the award on Dickson for his outstanding leadership in governance, particularly for providing effective leadership in managing the delicate issue of cattle rustlers and herdsmen in the State, which has become a model across the country.
He was also commended for changing the culture of governance to emphasise service, creating relevant institutions to make government accountable and effective as expected in a democracy through the enactment of relevant laws to guide good conduct, instituted innovative policies and programmes to usher in development.
According to authorities of the institution he was equally recognised for his effort in creating opportunities for his citizens and largely inspire them to believe that they can, as well as build a state, where everyone can live life more abundantly.
Also they opined that the governor was particularly lauded for his courage in leadership and his effective management of scarce resources to deliver on his Restoration Agenda in the last five years.
The award was received on the governor’s behalf by the Secretary to the State Government, David Serena Dokubo-Spiff, who thanked the institution for the prestigious honour and regretted the inability of Dickson to personally received the award due to pressing state matters.
The SSG was accompanied on the trip by the State Commissioner for Education, Deacon Markson Fefegha, Col. Bernard Kenebai (rtd) and Tonye Isenah of the State Assembly.