Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson (left) his Wife, Rachael (right) with their quadruplet during the Governor’s 52nd birthday celebrations at Government House Yenagoa. Photo by Lucky Francis.

L-right: Bayelsa State Police Commissioner, Mr. Amba Asuquo Amba, Secretary to the State Government, Barr.Kemela Okara, the celebrant, His Excellency the Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson, his wife, Rachael, Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Kate Abiri and Hon. Monday Obolo-Obubou of the State House of Assembly jointly cutting the 52nd birthday cake of the Governor at Government House, Yenagoa. Photo by Lucky Francis.

The Governor of Bayelsa State, the Honorable Henry Seriake Dickson has oncemore reiterated his ban on lavish celebration of his birthday, the placements of advertorials and congratulatory messages on his birthday anniversary.

Rather than expend resources on his birthday, the Governor urged government appointees, relatives, friends and well wishers to channel such resources to worthy causes such as charity work. The Governor also said he had founded the Seriake Dickson Foundation, noting that those who are moved by the spirit of God to donate towards his birthday could do so to the foundation to help expand the frontiers of the profound ideals the foundation stands for.

While thanking God for clocking 52 years on Sunday, the Governor said he will continue to thank and serve God because of His kindness and mercies upon him and family. He said it was in appreciation of God’s favour on him and family that he had committed himself to the service of man, adding that he who “serveth man well serveth God well.”

He said: “When we devote our time as individuals and as a state to thank God, we are doing the right thing. Our lives are in the hand of God and the more we appreciate this the more He showers His blessings and protections on us as a people and as a state. Every success we have achieved in this state has the finger of God and we put so much energy and effort to put on ground all the programmes, infrastructure and the peace you enjoy today …because I believe he serveth God well that serveth man well…”

A statement signed by the Governor’s Spokesman, Francis Ottah Agbo noted that the Governor was speaking on Sunday during a church service at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa to mark his 52nd birthday anniversary. The Governor will round off the birthday anniversary tomorrow with his customary visit to the orphanage in Yenagoa where he will donate food items and interact with the children! The church service was attended by the Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Kombowei Benson, the State Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri, former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Peremabowei Ebebi, SSG Pastor Kemela Okara, members of the state Executive Council, top government functionaries, the clergy, monarchs and others!