Bayelsa govt approves N2bn counterpart funds for SUBEB, SDG

The Bayelsa State Government has approved the release of N2 billion counterpart funds to the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The approval was given by State Executive Council at its 77th meeting at the Government House, Yenagoa.
Mr Jonathan Obuebite, the state’s Commissioner for Information, said shortly after the meeting that the release of the funds was in line with the government’s commitment to improving the standard of education and empowering youths in the area.
“’SUBEB and SDGs will each get N1billion,” he said.
Obuebite further said the approved sum as resolved in the executive council would take care of the state’s share of the counterpart funds and other developmental projects.
“With the approval of N1billion, most of the on-going projects, especially at the primary education sector are expected to be completed.
“Also with the sole aim of beautifying the Ox-bow Lake, Council also looked into the dredging activities at the Ox-bow Lake and has called on all owners of dredgers within that vicinity to immediately move out.
“This is a follow up of the notice sent out by the ministry of environment to all operators within the environment.
“Council announced the commencement of the fencing project that is billed to commence immediately at the Ox-bow Lake for security reasons,” Obuebite said.
He further explained that the council agreed to encourage Bayelsa people to take advantage of the free boarding school facilities provided by the government with five of its kind already in session.
According to him, in July, the sports academy in the state will become fully operational as directed by the governor.
Reacting to the allegation by the Association of Local Government Employees that Bayelsa was the most indebted state to local council workers having failed to pay up to 16 months salary, Obuebite said the state owed only nine months.
“No LGA is owing more than nine months’ salary except Ogbia that is owing 10 months arrears.
“But modalities are being worked out to off-set the backlog of salary arrears.
“The said publication (allegation) lacks fact as the situation on ground is different,” he said.