Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has announced a ban on advertorials and lavish celebration of his 52nd birthday.

Rather than expend resources on his birthday, the Governor urged government appointees, friends and well-wishers to channel such resources to worthy causes and charity work.

A statement on Sunday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Francis Ottah Agbo, noted that Governor Dickson gave the directive today during a Thanksgiving Service at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House.

He said he has floated the Seriake Dickson Foundation, noting that those who are moved by the spirit of God to donate for his birthday could do so to the foundation to expand the frontiers of the profound ideals the foundation stands for.

According to Governor Dickson, the foundation, which is aimed at supporting and helping the less privileged in the society in the area of literacy, maternal and child mortality, culture, tradition and language among others, will be unveiled, with a board to be inaugurated soon.

He said: “I’ve actually set up the Seriake Dickson Foundation, when the board meets very soon they will set out a date that anybody who wants to support no matter how small and entrust to the foundation.

“Even after office, I would like to use that foundation to still be of service to humanity and God.

“When the foundation details are put, anyway it pleases or touches your heart, because the foundation will support and expand literacy in all our communities, student, maternal and infant care, the promotion of our tradition for posterity.”

Dickson admonished the people to continue to pray for him and other leaders of the state as their prayers is key.

He prayed for love, peace stability and urged leaders at all levels not to see themselves as privileged but respect the people they are only to provide service to humanity and to God.

He admonished the people of the state to continue to pray for him and other leaders of the state as their prayers remain key to the success of his administration, while also praying for love, peace and stability, stressing that, leaders at all levels should not see themselves as privileged, but respect the people, as they are only to provide service to humanity and to God.

Wife of the governor, Dr. Rachael Dickson, who also paid glowing tribute to her husband, thanked God for his life and prayed God to continue to bless, preserve and honour him.

The Secretary to the Bayelsa State government, Barrister Kemela Okara, who described the Governor’s birthday as a great day, said birthdays are major milestones as they remind us of God’s goodness.

He stressed that Governor Dickson’s life is a testament of God’s love, blessings and mercies and wished him many more fruitful years.

Also, in separate remarks, Chief Judge of the state, Justice Kate Abiri, and Mr. Monday Obolo-Bobou, member representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 2, on behalf of the House of Assembly, congratulated the governor on his 52nd birthday and pledged to continue with the harmonious working relationship among the three arms of the Government to take Bayelsa State to enviable heights.

•Photo shows Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson (centre), accompanied by his wife, Rachael (2nd right) Hon. Tonye Isenah of the State House of Assembly (2nd left) Secretary General, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Alfred Kemepado (left), and a cross section of dignitaries on their way to the King of Glory Chapel, Government House Yenagoa for the Special Church Service to mark the Governor’s 52nd birthday, on Sunday.

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