By Samuel Oyadongha

Yenagoa—Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has inaugurated a 12-member executive council of the state Elders Consultative Forum, with a mandate to advise the government on diversification of the state’s economy.

Dickson, during the inauguration of the council in Yenagoa, said the move became imperative, due to the drop in federal allocation, which has slowed down the rate of developmental projects in the state.

He noted that the existing peace and stability could only be consolidated if there was increase in economic activities.

The governor noted that lack of job opportunities could bring about instability as most of the people depend largely on government due to the absence of industries to absorb them.

According to him, “There is wisdom in forming the council as things do not go wrong in every society that has elders, because of the important role they play in helping to develop our communities, state and country.

“This council will liaise with Ijaw National Congress, INC, Ijaw Youth Council, IYC and other bodies, as there is a lot to do towards mobilizing our people to interface with other parts of Nigeria in order to galvanize support for our people in the Nigerian project.”