Bishop Dimieri Grammar School, (BDGS) Yenagoa has lifted the trophy for the Bayelsa Robotics Challenge 2024 organised for 12 Model Secondary Schools in Bayelsa.

The competition sponsored by Bayelsa Education Development Trust Fund (BEDTF) involved the deployment of robots to solve peculiar problems in Bayelsa.

The students demonstrated the ability of robots to predict and give early warning signals on perennial flooding, check vandalism of oil facilities, security surveillance and evacuation of flood victims amongst other applications.

The Bayelsa Sport Academy at Asuama in the state came second while Ijaw National Academy in Kaima took the third position.

Speaking at the event on Friday in Yenagoa, Dr Nimbofa Ayawei, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), urged the participating students to get involved beyond the contestass technology has become key driver of economic growth in the current dispensation.

The SSG noted that given the importance of robotics students in the state cannot afford to take the back seat in their approach towards technology and innovations give their enormous benefits.

Ayaowei, who was represented by Mr Anthony Howells, explained that the state was harnessing the benefits of technology to uplift educational systems in the state.

He commended BEDTF and its partners, Odyssey Educational Foundation, for initiating such a problem solving programme skills to students of boarding schools in Bayelsa.

In his contributions, Dr Gentle Emelah, Commissioner for Education who spoke through Mr Okene Simon-Peters, Permanent Sectary, Ministry of Education, restated the state government?s government commitment in making artificial intelligence training available to enhance learning across the state.

He called on the participants to utilise the knowledge gained to be employers of labour in the future whilst he equally applauded the BEDTF implementing the technology-driven education policy of the state to the letter.

Earlier in her remarks, Dr Alice Atuwo, Executive Sectary of BEDTF, said the students showcased an impressive performance with the different problem solving projects designed by them.

She emphasised on the impact the students will make to the advancement of their immediate environments and the society at large.

Master John Freedom of the Bishop Dimemieri Grammar robotics team said contest has made the students to imbibe the rigorous process of the design, assembly and deployment of robots to salvage the state from its peculiar problems.

The event was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, including King Bubaraye Dakolo, Chairman, Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council represented by King Charles Owaba, Obanobam of Ogbia Kingdom.

Also in attendance were Hon Frederick Agbedi, representing Saghama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Prof. Francis Sikoki, Acting Chairman BEDTF, amongst others.

The high point of the event was the presentation of trophies to the winning schools and gifts to some of the participants who showed exceptional prowess.

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