Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, on Wednesday, offered automatic employment to Isaac Aladeogo, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) of Batch A serving in the state.

The employment was in recognition and appreciation of his outstanding art works, including his current portrait of the Governor with Ankara fabrics.

A statement signed by the Governor's Chief Press Secretary, Francis Ottah Agbo, said that Dickson announced the automatic employment in Government House, Yenagoa, shortly after Aladeogo presented the portrait to him.

The Governor said the artist would resume work in the Ministry of Culture and Ijaw National Affairs upon the completion of his one year national assignment.

He said the government was employing the Corps Member to help mentor young Bayelsa artists in nurturing their creative potentials to serve as a source of livelihood. Aladeogo is reputed for sculpting the tallest junk sculpture in University of Benin which is also the tallest in Africa.

While describing Aladeogo, who is a graduate of Applied and Fine Arts from the University of Benin, as a role model for the youths, Governor Dickson observed that, his art works would promote the aesthetics of the state and inspire creativity among the youths.

His words: “You will be in charge of a group that will mentor young artists. In the course of my visiting schools in some communities, I have received a number of presents, art works and so, a number of such persons should be put together, under you to enable them learn from you and tap from you to earn a livelihood.”

Responding, Aladeogo expressed appreciation to Governor Dickson for his magnanimity and promised to add value to the aesthetics of the state.

The Corps member noted that, he was inspired by Governor Dickson’s penchant for running an all-inclusive government, as well as his love for the ordinary people and God to embark on an art work on the Governor.

Aladeogo promised to build a junk art work at the Ox Bow Lake, Yenagoa that will be taller than the one in University of Benin.

In an interview with newsmen, the Commissioner for Culture and Ijaw National Affairs, Hon. Austin Dressman said, Governor Dickson had always encouraged young people to develop their talents and would continue to support the creative industry in the state.

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