2016 INDEPENDENCE SPEECH BY THE CHAIRMAN OF BRASS LGA ON THE OCCASION OF 1ST OCTOBER, 2016 AT TWON-BRASS.

INDEPENDENCE SPEECH BY THE CHAIRMAN OF BRASS LGA ON THE OCCASION OF 1ST OCTOBER, 2016 AT TWON-BRASS.
Protocol:
My good people of Brass Local Government,
Today is a remarkable day; not just because it is Nigeria’s Independence, but because it is also the 20th Anniversary of Bayelsa State.
As some of us are aware, this year is very significant to all of us in Brass Local Government Area, in that the LGA was created in 1976 in the old Rivers State, which makes us 40yrs.
We have undoubtedly come a long way, as one of the foremost LGAs in the country. 40yrs is not 4yrs. Besides, even a child that was born 40yrs ago is expected to be well developed and have some material achievements in his or her life.
We may not be where we are supposed to be, but we are certainly not where we were 40yrs ago. Hence there is every reason to celebrate this day, and be thankful to God.
When we came onboard April 8th this year, the perpetrations of sea pirates and abductors reigned unabated. This gave us great concern, knowing fully well that the security of lives and property remains the cardinal objective of government.
Thus we swung into action, pooled resources, got all stakeholders involved, and made sure there is synergy between the various law enforcement agencies in the Area.
Our efforts are obviously paying off, and our waterways is getting free from sea robbers. In fact, there has just been one reported case of sea pirate attack in the last four (4) weeks. Still, we are committed to utterly forestalling such malicious attacks in our waterways.
In a bid to boost economic activities, we embarked on the construction of a 54-shopspace ultra-modern market at Sangana. It was just yesterday that I inspected that project, and I can categorically telling you that, that market is 90% complete. And, God willing, I will commission it two weeks’ time.
It might interest you to know that, we are renovating the Corpers lodge at Ogbokiri. Similarly, we have also refurbished the Women Development Center at Ewoama, and furnished it with computers and sewing machines. Very soon, our women will be trained on various skills in order to be self-sufficient.
Furthermore, we have commenced the construction of toilet facilities in all the Ten (10) Wards in the LGA. I am personally following up these projects and would ensure their timely completion.
Already, we have paid off the backlog of salaries we inherited, and would definitely see to it that all outstanding ones are paid. It is quite unfortunate that the current economic downturn is taking a heavy toll on government. However, in keeping to the promise I made in my inaugural speech, I will not treat workers’ welfare with levity.
Let me also inform you that the Council is concurrently embarking on two road projects at Egweama town. And they will be through in no distant time.
The continuous erosion in Twon-Brass has become worrisome. It is against this backdrop that my cabinet and I are working out modalities to ensure that the shore, especially at Shidi-Ama and Kemmer-Ama, is well protected.
I intend to properly resettle them the people of Liama. But that cannot be done without building some basic infrastructures that would attract people to the place. I have, therefore, instructed the Works Department to ensure the immediate rehabilitation of the Primary School in the community.
For some time now, drug abuse and other delinquent behaviors have destroyed the lives of many young adults in our communities. I said to myself “Brass LGA youth must be free from such debilitating vices.”

So in order to remedy this ugly trend, the Council will undertake a sensitization programme that will educate our youthful population on the need to shun vices and put their energy into more productive activities.
In the same vein, government will partner with the private sector to make sure a great number of our youth are given the leverage to be empowered.
Let me use this opportunity to thank all Council workers for your understanding during the verification exercise. As you are aware, the verification became expedient because of the payroll fraud that have, over the years, characterized the civil service.
I want to assure you that my team and I will not be complacent in our drive to leave a better Council than we met it. Judge me by this: I will only embark on projects that will impact the average person in the LGA; and no stone will be left unturned in accomplishing this.
To my brilliant students and pupils that came out to celebrate our anniversary. I want to encourage you to keep working hard. Remember I was just like you: young, and I also marched, maybe even better than some of you. Who knows, one of you here could be standing to take the salute in the years to come.
I want to sincerely thank all of you that came out here to celebrate this memorable day. It is my prayer that the good Lord grant you journey mercies back to you respective homes.
As you go back home, I want you to have faith in us. Brass LGA is in safe hands. And we will definitely deliver on our mandate.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Long live Bayelsa State!
Long live Brass Local Government Area