Dickson emerges Vanguard ‘Governor of the Year’

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has emerged the Vanguard Newspaper Governor of the Year 2017, from the Vanguard Group, publishers of the Vanguard Newspaper.

A press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Francis Ottah Agbo, said the choice of Governor Dickson went through a rigorous process.

The editor of the newspaper, Mr Eze Anabasis, made the presentation on behalf of the Chairman of the Vanguard Group, Mr. Sam Amuka over the weekend in Yenagoa recently.

He listed good and purposeful leadership, transparency and developmental strides in the education, health, economy, security, infrastructure, among others as reasons for his selection.

Anaba said: “Sir this award cannot be bought with money, it was not a decision we took lightly, as Vanguard Newspaper nominations follow a rigorous process, which takes more than three weeks to reach a conclusion”

“Three things influenced our decision, your good and purposeful leadership, transparency and how you have not used the common excuse in your region, federal government`s neglect to underdevelop your people. Instead of waiting for the federal government to do everything for you, what you have done in education, health, and the massive infrastructure development shows that you can do anything through purposeful leadership.”

Receiving the award letter, Governor Dickson expressed appreciation to the Chairman of Vanguard Group, Mr. Sam Amuka, the management and staff of the newspaper for the honour.

Governor Dickson, who said the award is one among the first awards he had accepted from a news organisation, submitted that awards should not be lobbied for or considered on any other basis, rather than on merit.