1. BAYELSA STATE
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
(BY - SEEDS)

2. FOREWORD
Bayelsa State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (BY-SEEDS),
like the National Economic Empowerment Strategy (NEEDS), is aimed at laying a
solid foundation for sustainable poverty reduction, employment generation, wealth
creation and value re-orientation. Poverty is a riivaging economic and social
phenomenon that manifests in the inability to acquire the basic necessities of life
needed for a decent living, in low self-esteem, in dependency syndrome, and in the
absence of the means of self-actualization. We have made modest socio-economic
progress in the past five years and will leave no stone unturned to turnaround the
economy of the state.
BY-SEEDS is the State's Medium -Term (2005-07) Plan for prosperity. It is
driven by a vision that aims to make poverty in the State a thing of the past. The
Government aims to make reforms and in the process empower the people and the
private sector, which is currently very weak, to create jobs and generate wealth. It
is expected that greater discipline, accountability and transparency would attend
Government business, and that systems, structures and procedures, would be put in
place to ensure greater value for money. The value re-orientation imperatives of
BY-SEEDS would aim to enthrone truthfulness, righteousness, holiness, hardwork,
loyalty, integrity, probity, self-reliance, justice, discipline and respect for
constituted authority and elders.
The preparation of BY-SEEDS witnessed an unprecedented level of consultation
across various stakeholders in the State to guarantee acceptability. Therefore, all
concerned must assert ownership and jealously guide the implementation of the
Strategy, monitoring and evaluation of BY-SEEDS. We would also encourage the
Local Goveminents in the State to rise up t the challenge of preparing the L c l
o oa
Government Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (LEEDS) to
complement the effoiis of the State in auaining a thoroligh going, hoiistic and rapid
development of the state.
Wc believe tha the resolve of all of us and the supporl and guidance of God,
our concened and coileciive efloiis to build a bmer and just Bayelsa State will be
c r o w d ibh S M ~ S S .

3. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Forward
Preface
Executive Summary
PART ONE
BACKGROUND AND IMACRO-ECONOMICFRAMEWORK
1.1 Planning in Nigeria and Bayelsa State
1.2 Bayelsa State Development Challenges
1.3 The Ultimate Objectives and Priorities of BY-SEEDS
1.4 The Vision, Values and Mission
1.5 Moral and Spiritual Development
1.6 Unemployment, Inequality and Poverty Reduction
1.6.2 DSP Economic Empowerment Scheme
PART TWO
HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENTIEMPOWERING PEOPLE
2.1 Education
72 Health
.
2.3 Housing
2.4 Water Supply and Sanitation
3.5 Environmental Planning and Protection
3.6 Information, Culture and Tourism
2.7 Women, Youth and Social Development
2.8 Infornlation and Communication Technology (ICT)
PART THREE
GROWiXG THE PRIVATE SECTOR

4. PART FOUR
KEFORMING GOVERNMENT AND ITS INSTITUTIONS
4.1 The Public Sector in the State
4.1.2 PoliticaYCivil Service Reforms
4.1.3 Public/Civil Service Reforms
4.2 Budgetary Reforms
4.3 Due Process
4.4 Public Debt Management
4.5 Security, Peace and Justice
4.6 Managing Confiict
PART FIVE
PLAN FINANCING AND IMPLEMENTATION
5.0 FINANCING THE PLAN
5.1 Sources of Funding
5.1.2 Federation Account
5.1.3 Internally Generated Revenue
5.1.6 Eliminati~ig Wastehl Expenditure
5.1.7 Loadcapital Market
5.1.8 External Financing
5-19 Publiflrivate Partnership
5.2 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
5.2.2 Independent Monitoring and Implementation Committee
5.2.5 Internal and Public Progress ReportsReviews
5.2.10Communication Strategy
5.2.1 1 Conclusion
APPENDIX 1- Bayelsa State 2005 Capital Expenditure

5. PREFACE
Bayelsa State Economic Empowerment and Development Suategy (BY-SEEDS) is
our home-grown mustard SEEDS planted for the growth, development, peace and
prosperity of Bayelsa State. BY-SEEDS sees development as improvement in the
material, physical, mental, moral and spirituai quality of life resulting from rising
real incomes and wealth, the reduction of poverty, unemployment, unjustified
inequalities and injustice; the provision of better food, housing, health, education,
and security of life and property; high self-esteem, self-respect, self-confidence
and self-reliance; increased keedom of choice and ability to determine one's own
destiny or self-determination.
Self-reliance is the healthy confidence in one's own abilities and efforts to achieve
one's set objectives without depending on others. No independent nation or state
can claim to be h e if it is exploited and dominated by others and does not have
the power to determine its own destiny.
In a globalizing world village, increasing interdependence among countries and
states is inevitable. But interdependence becomes dependence, domination,
oppression, marginalization and internal colonialism when a State is almost totally
dependent on external factors to meet most of its basic needs. Despite the
inequalities and disparities in the distribution of power, wealth, r e s o w . and
status, Bayelsans will take the bull by the horns and pull themselves up by thzir
own bootstraps and become self-reliant and self-respecting citizens.
With rich human and nawral resources, especially oil and gas, Bayelsans should
not be poor, if they acquire and use judiciously their rightfid share of oil wealth,
tbork conscienfitiously and ensure productive and distributive justice and equity.
Enhanced production and equitable distribution is imperative because anywhew an
urtprodwciive kisurely class lives in lwury while the productive w o k force
The swat of many staketaoiders went in t ihe preparaaion of BY-SEEDS plan.
o
The Xlinasq of Budget and Gconomic Pdanning, charged with the rapmibiiity of
pialm~ng.conunencd s o & on Bayelsa State Roiling Plan ( 2 0 4 - 2006) before
h e idea oPSEEDS uas n a o o d in 2004.

6. In conjunction with UNICEF project team and desk officers, the Ministry which
coordinates UNICEF activities visited many communities and Local Government
Areas in Bayelsa State to determine their real developmental needs and
requirements and to profile available resources. Most of the data used in the
preparation of the BY-SEEDS document was collected by the Department of
Planning, Research and Statistics of the Ministry. Toward the end of the
preparation and production of BY-SEEDS document, the Regional Master Plan
was presented by NDDC to the State Governor and his executives. Consequently,
important aspects of this Master Plan as they relate to the State were isolated and
incorporated into the SEEDS document.
Following the inauguration of a twelve-member BY-SEEDS Committee, the State
House of Assembly, the Executive Council, Special Advisers, Permanent
Secretaries and top government functionaries, academicians, Local Government
Chairmen, traditional rulers, labour unions, women leaders, student unions, NGOs
and other opinion leaders were invited to a seminar on BY-SEEDS to brainstorm
on the way forward for the State. Usehl, insigkfirl and far reaching contributions
and suggestions were made at the seminar.
As a follow up to this seminar, letters were sent to carefully selected intellectuals,
industrialists, politicians, traditional rulers, opinion leaders and all Local
Government Chairmen questing inputs for the preparation of BY-SEEDS. The
suggestions received and contribution of several consultants who produced well-
researched papers in specialized areas e ~ c h e d SEEDS document. Also, all
the
government Ministries, Parastatals, and agencies in the State were requested to
prepare their respective SEEDS documents and all produced written plans or
proposals for the consideration for the BY-SEEDS committee. On completion, the
draft plan was sent to the Ministries and Parasiatals for any amendments.
The SEEDS Cmm~itlee was split into four Subcommimea namely: Economic,
Social. Environmental and General AdministdonJPubiic Service Reforms to
guarantee a bolisric, systematic and comprehensive approach. All the Sub-
conualiatoes wrked asidwusiy. resfarched and consulted relevant sakehoiders t
o
in iiae Appesadix deserve special anunei~dation.The drafiing and coconsultation
process w s ccoodiia;atpd by Professor Gesiye 5. Angaye, the Honourable
Coinmwitner for Budget aid h n o n l i c Planning and Chairman of the BY-
SEEDS Conzm~ttee.

7. Special thanks go to His Excellency, Chief DSP Alamieyesigha, the Executive
Governor of Bayelsa State, whose financial, material, intellectual, and moral
support made the work of the Committee much easier and faster.
We appreciate His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the Deputy Governor of
Bayelsa State, Rt. Hon. Boyelayefa Debekeme, the Speaker of the State House of
Assembly, Members of the House of Assembly and the State Executive Council,
NDDC, UNDP, several consultants, government functionaries, traditional rulers
and opinion leaders, who made valuable contributions to the growth and
development of BY-SEEDS.
May the Almighty God meet the needs of all who sowed the SEEDS to meet the
basic needs of Bayelsans.

8. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Despite the concerted efforts in the past five years to improve the standards of
living, the development challenges facing Bayelsa State are still daunting. These
include food insecurity, mass unemployment and poverty, inequality, high
illiteracy and superstition, inadequate infrastructure, relatively weak private and
public sectors, inclement climate, social exclusion and injustice, sense of
deprivation, despondency and powerlessness to determine their own destiny or
achieve self-determination. Hence Bavelsa State Economic Em~owermentand
Development Strategy (BY-SEEDS) seeks an all round poli&al, economic,
physical, mental, psychological, moral and spiritual development of Bayelsans
The fundamental challenges at this stage of our development is to govern
effectively in the public interest and provide electricity, water, roads,
transportation, communication, science and technology, education, health care,
food and shelter, and raise self-respect, self-reliance and the ability to determine
their own destiny; and reduce poverty on a sustainable basis.
7Ite vision of BY-SEEDS is
To build a prosperous, peaceful, jusf, heul~hyand sey-reliant State with equal
rights, dufies and briglrt opportw~ities fire present and future generations
for
~lrroughlife eradicatior~o poverty; hunger, disease, ignorance, illireracy and
f
superstition resui~ii~g a iriglriy educated, science and tecimology-oriented
in
citize~rg we// equippd with approp~iufe mnchinery, skiils and entrepreneursl~~j~.

9. projects and programmes. A key target of BY-SEEDS is to reduce government
expenditure by at least 20 per cent by the year 2007.
A three year medium term expenditure framework aimed at a balanced budget
stabilization strategy to foster greater fiscal discipline will be adopted.
Arbitrariness in the area of project selection for inclusion in the budget would be
avoided by anchoring the content of the annual budget on the programmes, projects
and policies as contained in the BY-SEEDS. Regular quarterly reports on the
budget will be prepared for all stakeholders.
Improved Public-Private Partnership is imperative for poverty reduction, wealth
creation and the generation of employment opportunities. Therefore, a strong
public-private partnership will be encouraged to foster a strong private sector-
driven economy with the government as an enabler, facilitator and regulator,
Government will invest heavily on inhtructure such as electricity, transport, and
water.
BY-SEEDS is comprehensive in the sectors it has considered and for which
strategies have been formulated in furtherance of the Social Charter. People will be
empowered through improved education, health care, housing and employment
generation.
Specific sectoral strategies have been formulated in the areas of Agriculture and
Rural Developmmt, Small and Medium Scale Industries, oil and gas. On the basis
of comparative advantage, capacity to generate employment opportunities and the
potential to grow the state's economy and other strategic considerations, the
folloming industries would be promoted:
Petroleum Refinery
Petro-Chemical industries
Gas uiiliza~ion industries
inorganic f e d i z e r pducrion
Glass indusuy
Fsh-canning indusuy
Animal imds hadusuy
* Gasri ProcesIng industry
Palm oil processii~g iradustq
Pi m hemel oii processing indusw
am
* Soap ansl~ufacluring a d w q
i
S gar procebing utdusuy
P J J iniumy
~

10. Concerted efforts will be made to enable small and medium-sized enterprises
(SMEs) to overcome their financial, technological, managerial and marketing
problems.
The expectation is that with focused, single minded and selfless attitude to the
implementation of the programmes, projects and policies of BY-SEEDS, the State
would witness an unprecedented era of rapid growth and development.
PART 1
BACKGROUND AND MACRO-ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK
1.1 PLANNING IN NIGERIA AND BAYELSA
Development planning in Nigeria started during the colonial era with the
Ten-year Plan of Development and Welfare for Nigeria, 1945 - 1955.
Nigerians did not participate in its formulation. The plan was revised in 1951
to cover the five-year period 1951-56 primarily to take cognizance of the
constitutional development - Nigeria becoming a federation in 1954, and
take account of rising costs.
The 1955 - 60 Economic Development Plan which comprised five separate
development plans (Federal, Northern. Eastern and Western Regions and the
then Southern Cameroons) was revised in 1958 and extended to 1962.
Pos-independence development planning in Xigeria began with the F i t
Iiational Development Plan (1962 - 1970) which was followed by the
Second National Development Plan 1970 - 1974 ( h e r extended to 1975).
Then came the Third National Deselopment Plan (1975 - 1981) which was
an exa~emelyambitious one programmed to launch Nigeria into industrial
~&c-ofYaad suminable development This was an era of profligacy, waste
nn
a d comp~ion because it was the beginning of the oil boom and doom.

11. between annual budgets, rolling plans and the perspective plan the thereby
minimize plan distortions. However, plan distortions persisted and the
rolling plans and the associated annual budgets became mere ceremonial
documents as the various governments operated as though these plans did
not exist.
The first attempt at developing planning by Bayelsa State government was
the three-year rolling plan 1997 - 1999 which merely listed some projects to
be executed during the plan period. The plan was reviewed at the end of
December, 1997 and quot;rolled overquot; to the following Rolling Plan period 1998
- 2000. The State was preparing the Rolling Plan 2004 - 2006 before the
introduction of the National Economic Empowerment and Development
Strategy (NEEDS).
1.1.2 NATIONAL EOCNOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND DEVELOPlMENT
STRATEGY (NEEDS)
The Federal Government of Nigeria produced and launched its medium-tern
development strategy or plan titled National Economic Empowerment and
Development Strategy (NEEDS) in May, 2004. The goals or aims of NEEDS are
wealth creation, employment generation, poverty reduction and value re-
orienlation. The four key strategies to achieve the goals are: reforming the way
government and its institutions work, development of the private sector,
implementing a social charter for the people and re-orientation of the people with
an enduring new value system.
The aim of reforming government is to right size, re-structure, re-professionalize
and strengthen govemnent and public institutions, eliminate waste, inefficiency
and corruption, and ensure greater transparency, accountability and efficiency in
the delivery of services to the people.
Gobemne~al needs to provide the enabling environment for the rapid growth of a
resilient bibrant ad competitive private ssctor that could become the engine of
grm731and deelop~nent The key-elements of this strategy include infra&ctural
ineeiopment rsgecaa11> c l e c ~ c i t ywaterOrranspon and comnunication; promotion
,
of q-~cdaure, sml3 ad medium d e enterprises; medium and large conunercial
fanas. piamuons. and indusinal congiomerates; oil ard gas, and such services as
iuurism. ax, ~UIIUTC, and i s ~ f o n n a ~ i d c m m m i c a t itechnolog.
m

12. moral rectitude, respect for elders and good traditional values and culture; equity
and care for the weak, destitute and vulnerable.
The Social Charter refers to the contract between the people and the government
which recognizes their rights, duties and responsibilities and promises to deliver to
them basic needs of life. These needs include improved supply of electricity,
potable water, food, housing, basic education, primary health care, women and
youth empowerment, participation in decision-making, child protection and
strengthening, peace and security of life and property.
In addition to the four strategies highlighted above States and Local Governments
are to design and implement their respective State Economic Empowerment and
Development Stratem (SEEDS) and Local Government Economic Empowerment
and Development Strategy (LEEDS) consistent with the broad policy thrust of the
NEEDS Agenda.
States and Local Governments receive about half of the federation account, so
changes at these levels are equally important for the achievement of the reform
agenda. Besides, there is much overlap in the responsibilities between Federal,
State and Local Governments so policies and programmes are more likely to be
effective if they izr complementary and co-ordimated. Therefore, Bayelsa SEEDS
will be anchored on the broad federal policy guidelines, goals and strategies but
will take cognizance of the peculiar problems, needs, resource and endowment,
baseline conditions and the vision of the State.

13. 1.2 BAYELSA STATE DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES
Bayelsa State, created out of the old Rivers State on October 1, 1996 by General
Sani Abacha is one of the thirty-six States in Nigeria. The name
Ba-yel-sa is derived &om the three acronyms BALGA for Brass Local Government
Area. The three local Governments formed a Senatorial District for the Federal
Senate at t 1979 national elections. Since then, Brass Local Government Area
k
has been subdivided into Ogbia LGA, Nembe LGA, and Brass LGA. Yenagoa
LGA of 1979 has become Southern Ijaw LGA, Kolokunla IOpokuma LGA, and
Yenagoa LGA. Thus the State has eight Local Government Areas namely: Brass,
Ekeremor, Kolokuma~Opokuma, Nembe, Ogbia Sagbama, Southern ijaw and
Yenagoa Local Government Areas with Yenagoa Town as the State Capital. The
hventy four (24) newly created LGAs in the year 2000 have been converted into
development areas or centers.
Bayelsa State comprises mainly people of Ijaw ethnic nationality who are found
also in Rivers, Delta, Ondo, Aha-Ibom and Edo States. There are also Ogbia,
Epie-Atisa, Isoko, Urhobo and zarama-Engenni speaking communities in Bayelsa
Stzte.
Bayelsa State, located in the heart of the Niger Delta is dissected centrally by
longitude 6 degrees East, and Latitude 4 degrees 30 minutes North. It is bounded
on h e East by Rivers State, on the North and West by Cdta State and on the South
by the Atlantic Ocean. Bayelsa State covers a total land area of 9,656 square
kilometers of which 8,453 square kilometers is riverine, full of lakes, creeks,
skainps and marshy land.
Although Bayelsa Slate is a main producer of petroleum in hiigeria, agriculture is
the mainstay of h e State Economy. Agriculture provides food, employment and
inmme for the increasing population and taw materials for indusuies. The main
occupatzons of h e people ae fanning, fishing, raphia palm tapping and local gin
distrliery, lumbering, cawe-cming, huntins weaving and gathering of 03 palm
i~uits.snails, e k The w n - f m n secondary occupations inciude trading, d e s
rs-
md.:::g, carpeniry. rnasoiuy. W i n g , gold smilhing, food vending bicycle and
aulo repam.
ha> h)??eisalas also cmnpio~ed teaches, civillpblic servants and workers
m as
In ~n&&~a? m:nmcsciai esiabkshments. It is w o w
aiad note that most of the
mpk~?Ly% ~ndustr~itlw r k s are engag& in P o Haurowt i d other paits 01
i ~
2 ~ g e ~due 10 i d of iadustT;1esi the State.
ia n

14. Bayelsa State is rich in natural resources which include mineral deposits - crude
oil, gas, gravels, sand, ceramic clay; forest resources - mangrove timber, iroko,
mahogany, and Abura; cashltree crops - oil palms, mangoes (ogbono), rubber,
coco-nut; food crops - cassava, rice, yams, coco-yams, plantains, bananas, sugar-
cane, vegetables and fruits; marine and freshwater fisheries resources, extensive
brackish water lagoons, creeks, rivers and lakes. Therefore, the greatest potential
for future industries in Bayelsa State lies in the fields of agriculture, fish
processing and petro-chemicals.
In addition to the natural resources, Bayelsa State is blessed with abundant human
resources that can be mobilized for the development of the state. By the 1991
census, the total population of Bayelsa State was 1,121,693 comprising 584, 117
(52.i%) males and 537, 576 (41,7%) females. The distribution of the population
among the eight local government areas is as shown in the Appendix.
With an assumed population growth rate of 2.83 per cent the projected population
of the state in 2004 is about 2.2 million. Due to the high population growth rate,
Bayelsa is faced with the problems of high youth dependency ration which include
the burden of child care and the provision of education, health care, housing and
employment opportunites.
The State has a short supply of skilled manpower but surplus unskilled labour
which requires a comprehensive programme of human resources development and
utilization to reduce mass unemployment, poverty and illiteracy.
The State BY-SEEDS will be greatly influenced by the above-mentioned human
and n a r d resources, the development challenges and opportunities facing the
slate-
1.3 THE ULTIMATE OBJECTiVES AND PRIORlTlES OF
BY-SEEDS
The overriding goal of BY-SEEDS is the i~nprovementin the standard of
h i n g oh &e people and place Bayelsa among the developed States of
Nigeria and the uorld. The specific objectives woven around h e major goal
are 3 s foliows:

15. Achieve higher levels of self-sufficiency in food production and other agro-
based raw materials.
0 Relevant Education and appropriate skilled manpower development,
especially in science, engineering and technology.
0 Improved health care delivery service.
0 Improved supply of infrastructure (roads, electricity, water, transportation,
telecommunications etc.)
Promotion of the private sector to create income and employment
opportunities.
Greater self-reliance and increased participation of Bayelsans in the
ownership and management of productive enterprises.
Promote gender equality.
0 Equitable distribution of income and weaiih.
0 Laying a solid foundation for a self-reliant, industrial development and
promotion of Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) for economic
diversification to minimize the dependence on oil.
0 Rural transformation and development.
0 Effective and efficient good government.
0 The attainment of self-determination.
0 High moral and spiritual development.
Improved agricultural productivity and production is necessary for food security,
employment and income generation, and provision of raw meriais. Relevant
education and appropriate skill acquisition will aid individual and Stale
development, curb unemployment and underemployment. Adequate provision of
economic and physical infmtructuru: such as electricity, water, roads,
transportation, telecommunications, etc will improve the performance in almost all
sectors of rhe economy.
Xlmdacturing, especially small and ~nedium enterprises ( S W ) will be accorded
hi& pricari@ in order to diversitjl the economy and minimize Ihe dependence on
oil. H a l & and homing which are h i c necessities of life will also receive
aypropriaie naphasis

16. BY-SEEDS has not left out the ways to seek and see the Kingdom of God so that
all other things, include good health, prosperity and happiness can be attained by
Bayelsans. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God and enjoy the
healthy, happy and heavenly life here and hereafter.
1.4 THE VISION. VALUES AND MISSION
In the Year 2000 Bayelsa State Foundation Budget, His Excellency Chief D.S.P
Alamieyeseigha Ph.D. (JP) stated thus:
Z envisioned a State that will experience substantial
development having been opened-up by a network of
roads in the State Capital and the rest of the state. I
dreamt of a State wirere the people's standard of living
would be raised through the provision ofpotable
water, electricity, housing, heal ti^ care deiivery, improved
educational infrastructureand increased niunber of schools
as well as deveioptnent of a virileprivate sector, all of which
are non-erkteni now.
Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha's vision in the year 2000 entails the development of a
socio-economic system in which the basic needs of all Bayelsans are satisfied
through he actions and activities of all Bayelsans. Development is about the
efforts of the people to improve their lives so the development of Bayelsa State is a
noble task that must be done by Bayelsans.
The goal is sustainable development which implies, among other things,
sustainabilily in production and consumption relating to all economic activities in
order to optimize ecologically sound use of resources and minimize waste.
Realizing the long-term eHects of present actions, the challenge of sustainable
development is to meet the needs of current generations and improve the quality of
heir b e s wihout compro~nising ability of future generations to meet heir
the
o - m needs.
1.1.1 THE VISION AND MISSION
prrsml dnd jwrw-e generations &rough ldPe d c a i j o n of poveQ, hunger,
ulacrx>, ~ginmxe.superstilion and b a s e radiing in a highly e d u c d

17. science and technology-oriented citizenry, well equipped with appropriate
machinery, skills and entrepreneurship.
The main mission of BY-SEEDS is to lay a solid foundation for the attainment of
the above vision and make Bayelsa State economically prosperous, politically
peaceful, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and physically/spiritually
healthy and happy. The desire to make quick money without working is a common
disease in the country and it should be cured through value re-orientation. It is the
restoration of the dignity of labour, hard work, equity, transparency, accountability,
and eradication of corruption that will ensure peace, progress and prosperity for all
Bayelsans.
1.4.2 THE CORE VALUES
Therefore, the core values of BY-SEEDS include truthfidness (as IzonlIjaw means
truth), professionalism, dignity, of labour, honest, hard work, efficiency,
excellence, discipline, patriotism, probity, accountability, self confidence self
respect, self-reliance, equity, social justice; care for the weak, destitute, vulnerable,
youth and women; respect for constituted authority, elders and good traditional
values and culture; religious tolerance, moral rectitude, holiness and righteousness.
When the righteous rule, the people prosper, rejoice and enjoy.
Improved public-private partnership is imperative for poverty reduction and the
creation of wealth and employment opportunities. But the private sector is very
weak in Bayelsa State because of poor intkstructure (electricity, water, roads and
communication), low access to and the high cost of finance; poorly defined
property rights and ineffective enforcement of contracts; lack of skills and
enrrepreneursllip; policy inconsistencies, corruption, poverty and decades of
deprivation and neglecL Therefore, government has to provide the enabling
enviromnent for the private sector to thhive and prosper.
1.43 DlVh'E LEADERSHIP
1 ioel er. go enmeat i e l f is dependent mainly on s ~ t u t o q
revenue dlocations
tram d ~ federa1 goernnlent for sun i d When manna, the monthly revenue s m
e h
nas not descended Croa11 ,lal?ja, Bayelsm, like 1Re ismelites, cry to God for f d
&ad od~erbasic a~eeds.Ironically, &e bulk of the natiodizsd oil revenue being
shared is d e n d from Ba3elsa State. Thus, B a y e l m survive under oppressive
Pharaohs b3 111~ grace of God. Wihout ( 4 divine force guiding h e
3 the of
J T J ~ or Ifat Pmer above rlii i%r;r+x% ;Jme iessw external and internal p w m
.

18. would have driven the brave Bayelsans guarding their oil wealth to drown in their
oil wells or in the Atlantic Ocean and taken over their oil-rich lands and seas.
Therefore, Bayelsans, will imbibe the core values of BY-SEEDS and also put God
first before government and the private sector in their development agenda.
Bayelsa State Economic Empowerment and Development Train will be led by
God, fuelled by Government and the public sector and driven by the private sector.
GOD BLESS BAYELSANS
TO BUILD BETTER BAYELSA
AND GIVE GOD THE GLORY OF ALL LANDS
In the hands of God Almighty
And by tke creeks and rivers of Bayelsa,
Bayelsans can't be captured as captives,
On the shoulders of God,
And on top of the sky-high oil rigs,
Bayelsa shall climb and rise
To capture her God-given rights.
Pollution of our air, water and land
-- -
we oecry and cry when we remember
The good golden days of our dear fatherland
Abound with food, fresh fsh and clean water
When hunger and uneii~ployment were unknown in Bayelsa
Bayelsans have suffered and sacrifice much
To keep rjigeria one and the rest of Nigeria rich
We have sown enough SEEDS
We can no longer collect crumbs from i n t a d colonialists
It is time to reap ihe ripe hits from m e federalism
'To regain her pride. p c e and prosperity
And give God 'The Gloy O Ail Lands.
f

19. MORAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
The role of religion and morality must be examined in a development strategy that
will be led by God. Religious and moral beliefs and practices could help or harm
individual and State development. Max Weber claimed that Protestant ethic in
America which emphasized the pursuit of individual salvation through hard work,
saving and investment led to capitalism and economic growth, while orthodox
Hinduism which stresses contemplation restraints rather than stimulates business
activity.
Political instability and poverty in Nigeria have also been attributed partly to
religious beliefs, bigotry, intolerance, other worldliness, unproductive religious
practices and l o x morality, resulting in religious riots, destruction of life and
property, increased crime, gender disparity and corruption. Thus improved moral
and religious standards could help promote peace and progress.
Central to Bayelsa traditional religion is the widespread belief in a Supreme Being
called Tetne arau (She who creates), zibo arau (She who gives birth) and
IVoyengi or Wanyingi (Our Mother). Thus God is conceptualized as a female who
created the universe. To Ihe Epie-Atissa, God is Iziba (Lord) and among the
Ogbia and Nembe, God is called AY'ba (the protector who creates man and also
takes away life at will) and Ayiba respectively.
God is regarded as a spirit and there are no images or visible representations of
God. She is powerful, just, loving, beneficent, omniscient, omnipotent and
omnipresent who rewards the righteous and punishes wrong doers.
Traditlond religionists *orship different clan, town, compound and individual
diwni~ies, deities, gods, goddesses, ancestral or guardian spirits who are alleged to
rmard those die uphold Ihe moral code and punish hose who vioiate i t The
punrsllsnent may take the form of poverty, misfomme, sickness and death, while
&e reuards include prosperity. good head& and long life- h is claimed that God
nard? inrenrnes in the day to day affairs of men on earth so the ancestors m v e 3s
fuardlans ofuad~tjond ralorality.
Llaa> Bayisms are raon Chistiaras and the spread of Christianity and w a r n
edu~alaonhave diiwid dw power of traditional religious belie& and pradces.
hewhclzss, wane so-caiied Chn&ns practice reiigious p l d s m by mnsulmg
oracles during m e r e sichess or dlmess, wide traditiold religiomsts a h indulge
19

20. in religious promiscuity by seek;& a w o r in prayer houses and church gathering
in periods of serious crises.
This lack of strong faith, belief and principles is partly responsible for the decline
in morality because people are not spiritual steadfast. While Christianity seems to
have minimized the fear and alleged power of the gods and ancestors to punish evil
doers, only a few Christians have imbibed the good moral teachings of Christianity
and other faiths to shun evil, do good and love God and humanity.
1.5.1 RELIGIOUS POLICY AND STRATEGY
The Nigeria Constitution allows fkeedom of worship and there should be no
state religion since Nigeria is a secular state.
Religion should remain mainly a private affair between the individual and
hisher Creator.
0 However, individuals and religious groups could be given equal assistance
by Government, where necessary, to attain their spiritual and moral
aspirations which are in consonance with the State development goals.
0 The core moral values and principles of SEEDS such as hard work, honesty,
discipline, patriotism, accountability, self-reliance, social justice, religious
tolerance and righteousness should be taught in all religious and cultural
organizations and schools.
Religious intolerance, bigotry and rioters should be severely and promptly
dealt with.
Bayeisans inus1 turn away from idolatry and superstitious beliefs that attribute
poverty, sickness, death, barrenness, business and even election faiiures to
witchcraft, juju and the anger of the gods. Such beliefs and thoughts a
de&imenlal to hard work, productivity and progress because as man t h i so he is
a d he reaps rrhat he sows in the mind or on the land Positive thinking, right
lia ing, m e Lnowledge and belief in ihe Power greater than dl Powers cast away all
superstition a d fear and pave the way to p r o p s .

21. The love of money and power appears to be the root of most evils. Nations and
individuals that climb through crude and cruel means to the pinnacle of power and
wealth are hardly happy and secure, and could incur the wrath of God any time and
tumble down from grace to grass. Wealth, power, blessedness and happiness are
only combined when the riches and power are rightly acquired and used properly
to promote public good. Happiness is the reward we receive for rendering selfless
service to others, that is, the Almighty and humanity. We have to recognize the
Greatest Power above all powers and render selfless service to all creatures and the
Creator because prosperity, good health and happiness are the result of a
harmonious adjustment of the outer and inner being of a man with his total
spiritual, psychological and physical environment or surrounding.
To enjoy good health, prosperity and happiness, all Bayelsans should therefore
shun all negative and corrupt practices, do good, love God and humanity and turn
to the worship of the true Teme arm, Zibo arau, Iziba, Aziba, Ayiba, Wanyingi
and Woyengi, the Almighty God and Power to lead them to win the war on
hunger, illiteracy, disease, oppression, marginalization, underdevelopment,
unemployment, inequality and poverty.
1.6 UNEMPLOYMENT, INEQUALITY AND POVERTY
REDUCTION
Unemployment, inequality and poverty reduction are the big challenges facing
~ a ~ e b a nDespite decades of d&lopment efforts, both the gap between the poor
s.
and the rich countries and the ineaualities within states or nations have widened.
Poverty simply means inadequacy of income to meet such basic needs as food,
shelter, clothing, edu&on, health-cate, etc.
Poverty leads to mainutrition, sickness, illiteracy, unemployment, low status of
omen, i~umoraiity,crime, exposure to environmental risks, limited access to
assets, social services, and political po~er.Unemployment and poverty lead t o
ps>choiogical disorders. depression, despondency, suicides and divorces. W l e
rria~?iep e i t > causes emy, jealousy and selfdepreciation, mass unemployment
and pers~stentpooeq could lead to socio-poiidcal unrest and revolution. Thus,
w ~ r m p i o ~ m e ninquality and poverty have econoniic, social and political
~,
mplizal~m.
II is a pardox tl,ai pas) pre~aikw a ~ o i a n rich Bayelsa Siate and, indeed,
i a
ille Sgcr tlelm Kegom. Accordmg to b e WorM Bank Report (19951, per capita

22. income in the Niger Delta region was below the country's average of US$280.
Similarly, health indicators are low, lagging far behind the national average.
Fatality rates from water-borne diseases, malnutrition, and poor sanitation are also
high. The quality and quantity of housing and infrastructure are deficient in much
of the region. Only about 20 to 24 per cent of the rural communities and less than
60 per cent of urban communities have access to safe drinking water.
Transportation is often difficult and expensive and less than 20 per cent of the
region is accessible by good roads, even in the dry season. Severe socio-economic
deprivation has stood in sharp contrast to the huge oil wealth of the area, creating a
paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty. Bayelsa State is the least developed in
the Niger Delta Region so its development indices are even lower than the
Regional averages.
1.6.1 CAUSES OF POVERTY AND INEQUALITY
Some of the main causes of poverty in Bayelsa State include, inter alia:
The deprivation of the traditional means of livelihood that is, fishing and
farming by oil explomtion and environmental degradation.
Inadequate infrastructure (electricity, water, roads, etc) low savings and
limited investment in industrial and economic growth have constrained
labour absorption in the nonagricultural sector.
0 Inadequate, irrelevant or inappropriate education and training and lack of
skills and capacity have exacerbated unemployment and poverty.
0 Maladministration, cormption and mismanagement of resources have made
many to wallow in abject poverty while a few lead luxurious lives
Natural and man-made disasters such as communal conflicts, oil pollution of
fishing grounds and farm lands, crop failures, flood and erosion tend to
increase poverty.
Unproductive attitudes, beliefs and habits of pluposelessness, wastefulness
and excessive procreation, and superstitiom beliefs that attribute poveity,
sickness. ole& lack of promotion, barrenness, business and even election
iaiiures to i itchcmfi and the anger of the gods are deariinentai t hard work,
o
productivity. and progress, and t a d to peIpetuate poverty-
* Disnimixition, do~nina&n, oppression and wpak politid power have
depriied tfae state of aiurble peiroiwm revenue hat codd have beem d
to diet latie ptedy-

23. aud determine the extent and distribution of poverty among the population.
Therefore, poverty will prevail until effective pressure from below is brought to
restructure the distribution of political and economic power in favour of the poor
masses.
Bayelsa State will not wait for pressure from below to redistribute power and
wealth. SEEDS insists that every Bayelsan has the right to adequate food, potable
water, shelter, clothing, basic education, health-care, security of life and property
and sustainable livelihood and jobs.
The most general strategy to alleviate poverty is the achievement of a rapidly
expanding and prosperous economy. While economic growth makes income
redistribution easier and possible without mush adverse distributive effects, high
rates of economic growth and income per capita do not necessarily improve the
standard of living of the poor because the rich receive a disproportionately large
share of the increased income and product.
Therefore, Bayelsa State Government will optimize the use of its resources to
effect real rapid economic growth and development coupled with radical
redistribution of income, wealth and power, adequate provision of basic necessities
of life, equal functional educational and employment opportunities; and create the
enabling environmental and iniixtructure for the private sector to become the
engine of growth.
1-63 DSP ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT SCHEME
in addition to the adequate provision of electricity, wvaler, education, health,
transporntion, communication facilities that will improve the lot of the poor, an
initial one hundred million Naira ( 0 , 0 , 0 . 0 .DSP Economic Empowerment
1000000)
Scheme will be launched to give interest t k e revolving loans, ranging h rn
M , 1 0 0 to i 3 0 0 0 0 to the poor with viable profitable small scale
00f.0 i0.0.0
enterprises.
The an~ount lorus to be given in cash or in kind and paid back within two y m
of
ill be delemaned by rhe e s ~ n ~ a l ecost and itipluie of the business. Laan
d
brneharies niil be properly screened to exclude the rich and people without
aable rntures and established businesses will lae well monitosed and given my
adz
n e c e s s a ~ ace.

24. The DSP Scheme will also give matching grants to individuals and communities
that embark on real self or community development projects such as communal
conveniences, halls, roads, electricity, water, education and health facilities.
The detail strategies to achieve these goals are discussed in subsequent sections.
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AGENDAfEMPOWERING PEOPLE
INTRODUCTION
BY-SEEDS is about the welfare of the citizens of the state. The education, health,
hoaxing, water resources, employment, happiness, self-fulfillment and general well
being are of immediate and urgent concern. The primary goal is not only to reform
the state's economy in order to boost economic growth but also to empower people
as a means of revitalizing the weakened social pillars which require placing people
at the center of development planning. Therefore hose aspects of the economy that
would impinge directly on the capacity of the individual to lead a hlfilling life
would be the concern of his Chapter.
EDUCATION
Mucation is a key to individual, state and national development. It equips
individuals wilh requisite skills, scientific and technological knowledge and
altitudes to secure gainful employment and escape the poverty trap. Besides, the
education industry is a multi-billion naira poverty alleviation enterprise, engaging
dlousands of academic and non-academic staK school administrators and others
who supply educational facilities such as school building, furniture, equipment and
stationery. It also provides productive leaning, sporting and other extra-curriculm
aciviaies for several energetic and restive students who would otherwise be idle
&00kin h e devil's workshop.
It is in ralzatron of Le facr daat the goals o employment generalion, wealth
h f
c r c m m , pot* reduction and value re-orientalion can be aaained and suslained
uuough aele~an~, efficien~ lunciiond education system that successive Bayelsa
and
a t e Cioxenunents have accorded high priority to education

25. enrolment of 27,203 and 730 teachers; one Technical College with 84 students and
8 teachers; 4 craft centers and 3 schools for migrant fishermen. There was no
tertiary education institution. But by 2004, Bayelsa State has 536 primary schools
with 474,290 pupils; 148 post-primary schools with a total enrolment of 48,357
and 2,480 teachers; one College of arts and Science and one tertiary institution.
Niger Delta University with a student population of 4,645 comprising 3,030 males
and 1,6 15 females.
In 2004, the State Government sent 150 students to Russia and 65 students to
Belarus to pursue degree courses in Agriculture, Engineering and Medicine.
With respect to educational administration, the Post-Primary Schools Board is
responsible for the management and supervision of the daily administrative
activities of secondary schools while the State Primary Education Board is in
ckzrge sf primary schonls. The Niger Delta University and the College of Arts and
Science are governed by their respective Governing Councils. All the schools
Boards and the Governing Councils have powers to appoint, post, discipline,
transfer and promote teaching and non-teaching staff but all are responsible to the
State Ministry of Education.
2.1.2 PROBLEMS AND CONSTRAINTS
In spite of the expansion in educa~ionalfacilities and increased enrolment, the
education sector is beset with the following problems:
Inadequate funding at all levels of education
0 Inadequate andlor dilapidated school buildings, classrooms, workshops,
laboratories, libraries, furniture and equipment at all levels of education
Dearth of mathematics, science and technoiogy teachers
Inadequate facilities and the dislike for technical and special education
0 Lopsided distribution of teachers due to the harsh tenain and desire of
teachers to live and teach in Yenagoa and its environs
0 Inadequate facilities for adult and N o n - f o d Education for people wbo
have exceedad the age iiruit for fom~al educaaion but would like to enrich
lhrir ~ I V Mb> hating soam education.
0 Lack of Audio-.osal Aids and Education Resourre Centres to wznpkment
iia~room iemiing aciraities and promote innovaiions in teaching methods
and cunjcuiuna deaelopment
Lmphasis on theorotjcai howledge at h e expense of technical, vocatiod
m d entxpreneuraal education

26. Ineffective school inspection and evaluative feedback due to poor transport
and conlmunication facilities and the resultant managerial and administrative
-
inefficiency.
0 Low staff and student morale, lack of incentives and motivation, leading to
high labour turnover, school dropout, failure and wastage rates.
High studendteacher ratio and increased workload of teachers
Incessant industrial disputes occasioned by non-payment of salaries and
allowances
Low moral and academic standards among students
Examination malpractice and cultism
Inadequate accommodation and social amenities for teachers especially in
the rural areas
The absence of fences which make the maintenance of security and
discipline very difficult
Non-avaiiability of official cars, buses and boats to facilitate school
administration
Inadequate land to accommodate inhtructural facilities, sports field and
practical agriculture
0 Lack of information communication and management system between
Yenagoa and the schools, and among schools
0 Almost total dependence on government for hnding higher education
0 Poor curriculum content delivery by teachers
0 H i h level of indiscipline among students, teachers and schoollinstitution
administrators
Double loyalty of teachersllecturers who engage in other jobs to the
detriment of their teaching tasks
Lack of basic administrative skills by school and educational administrators
Overcrowded classrooms in the urban areas
0 Peremial interferences of economic activities into the programmes of the
school qstem - many chiidren leave school to participate in lucrative
economic activities in heir conmumities and neighbowhood at c&
seasons in the >ear
The reianiel> high cost of providing educational infrastructure and services.

27. reclaim and develop swampy building sites, and frequent repairs of building and
equipment damaged by flood and erosion.
2.1.3 POLICY THRUST
The policy thrust is to improve the quality, relevance and access to education and
enhance its contribution to individual and state development. Under BY-SEEDS,
government will improve the efficiency and productivity of academic and non-
academic staff through training and provision of adequate incentives. Emphasis
will be laid on staff through training and provision of adequate incentives.
Emphasis will be laid on science, technological, vocational, and entrepreneurial
and computer education. It will encourage active participation of the private sector,
NGOs, individuals, communities and companies in educational development.
The specific goals and objectives include:
Eradication of illiteracy through the implementation of the Universal Basic
Education (UBE) Scheme and the Non-formal Adult Education Programmes
0 The provision of qualitative and fimctional education for self-reliance and
self-employment
Linking education and training to labour market requirements
Upgrade Educational infrastructure to improve the productivity and
efficiency of the educational system
Emphasis on science, technology and computer literacy
Reducing the educational gap in the state by quot;leveling upwardsquot;, not
dowmwa& through the award of scholarships, bursaries and loaii to
qualified and deserving students
The involvement of the private sector, communities and non-govenunental
organizations @GOs) and beneficiaries in the provision of educational
facilities and services
r Eliminate gender disparity in education
2.8.4 EDUCATIONAL TARGETS
The specific large& are as follows:

28. Ensure that 80 per cent of educational institutions at all levels have
conducive teaching and learning environments
Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education by 2007 and
at all levels of education by 2015
Curricula review at all levels to meet the demands of technology-driven
economy
Ensure that 50 per cent the number of cases of examination malpractice in
educational institutions by 2007
Reduce the number of cases of cultism in educational institutions by 80 per
cent.
Increase the adult literacy rate from the current 57 per cent to 60 per cent by
2007.
2.1.5 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
The strategies to achieve the educational goals and objectives are as foIlovs:
Increase funding at all levels of educations
0 Renovate dilapidated school buildings, classrooms, workshops laboratories
and libraries
Provide adequate infrastructure facilities
Recruit more trained teachers and re-training of existing teachers and staff of
the School's Board.
Survey all schools to protect school co~npounds from encroachment
Encourage the training of Guidance Counsellors through in-service trainirlg
and solicit the active support of Educational and career Guidance
Counseilors in primary and post-primary schools
Construct fences for security and disciplinary purposes
Provide vehicles, buses and boats to ease transportation
Construct staff quaiters for teachers in all schools
Construct low-cost houses equipped with social ameaities around
edwational institutions to ease the accommodation problem of both staff
and s < d c u i i
Culrjcuia rebiew at all levels for relevance and t m e the needs of the
o et
!zbur imrhet
Pro lde approprnde lleext$osks and orher instnnclional maerials to reflect the
cumcuh
I;;nphasua training on ocalisnal, ~ h i c aand and~preneiKial
l skilk a d
caaapu1er i~teracy
Press f i r h e ~ ~ a b l d a m e ~ a t Federal Uni~7mity of Scieaace and
of ~
T i . i i m o h ~and a h l ~ a d m i to improve access to higher ealudon
c
28

29. Establish a Technical College of Education
Appoint only qualified and experienced educationists as Chairmen and
members of Educational Boards and Governing Councils
Establish three Technical Colleges
Sensitize and mobilize for active participation of all educational stakeholders
such as parents, local communities, private sector, Non-Governmental
Organizations, and vocational organization.
IntensifL educational campaign throughout the state to increase enrolment
and completion rates in all educational institutions in the State
Solicit the active support of Educational and Career Guidance Counsellors in
our post-primary institutions
Carry out effective monitoring and evaluation of all educational programmes
at all levels.
Intensilj campaigns against examination malpractice and cultism
Incorporate Module on Environmental education into the Educational
Curriculum
Incorporate HIV/AIDS education into the school curricula at all levels.
HEALTH
Health is a state of mental, physical and social well-being of an individual and not
just the absence of disease or infirnlity. It is a condition of being sound in body,
mind and soul. A healthy population is a economic asset since the assured supply
n
of strong and healthy labour force is an essential factor in development. Poor
health and nutrition and unhealthy environment lead to low life expectancy, low
productivity3 low incomes, underdevelopment and poverty. Poverty, in tum,
perpetuates ill-health because the poor ate unable to obiain adequate food, safe
drinking $am, shelter and health me. To turn the vicious circle of poor health,
poerty and underdevelopment into a virtllous circle of good hea!th, high income
aad susuinable deceiopment, Bayelm State Govermnent has in7ested heavily in
h e heal& sector.

30. four doctors who were on specialist training, the State Government recently sent
twenty-two (22) Medical Doctors for Post Graduate Training in Teaching in
Teaching Hospitals in Nigeria. In 2004, seventy-four (74) students were sent to
Russia and Belarus to be trained as medical doctors.
The College of Health Sciences was established in the Niger Delta University,
Anlassoma to produce qualitative staff for the health system. The facilities at the
General Hospital Okolobiri are being upgraded to provide specialist medical care
and to serve as a training centre for intern doctors and pharmacists. Facilities are
being upgraded at the State School of Nursing, Tombia to enhance teaching and
learning. The State College of Health Technology, Ogbia-Town will soon
commence activities. An ultra modem 500- bed General Hospital is under
construction in the State capital, Yenagoa.
The State established the Bayelsa Health Service Scheme (BHSS) and the Bayelsa
Ambulance Service (BAS) to address the problems of financing and access to
quality healthcare. Bayelsa Health Service Scheme is a health financial
mechanism in which a subscriber pays N200.00 a month and receives medical
attention freely at the point of delivery for the subscriber and four children under
the age of 18.
To check the menace of fake drugs the DSP series of drugs through contract
manufacturing with reputable pharmaceutical colnpanies was introduced. All
health facilities buy their drugs only f o the Central Medical Stores. The State
rm
has a Central Cold store for the Wional Programme on Lnmunization (NPI) The
Ministry of Health has strengthened disease control programmes with respect to
IiIVJAIDS, Malaria and TBnRprosy, and collaborates with donor agencies and
dereiopmenl pamers in the health sector e.g. WO,The World Bank and
LNCEF.
-.-. 1
? ? MAJOR PROBLEMS OF THE HEALTH SECTOR

31. Production and circulation of fake drugs
Lack of accurate vital and other basic health statistics needed for effective
work in the field of public health, medical care and health planning
Inadequate residential and office accommodation especially in the rural
areas
Lack of basic utilities such as electricity and water
t o w staff incentives and motivation
Inadequate public expenditure on health
Inadequate maintenance of existing health faci!ities
Poor communication and transportation which impede effective health care
delivery
There is no effective health Information Management System between the
Ministry, Board and among Hospitals
0 Lack of vehicles and boats for monitoring hospitals
0 Inadequate preventive and environmental health services and the resultant
imbalance between curative and preventive health services
0 Maldistribution of health institutions, inadequate coverage and limited
accessibility to health services
0 Inefficient utilization and poor management of health facilities
0 Inability of Local Government Councils to shoulder the responsibility for
Primary Health Care
0 Limited access to health facilities and high cost of treatment
Non-constitution of the Hospital Management Board
Limited scope of the Bayelsa Health Service Scheme (BHSS) and relatively
low fees paid to service providers
Non-integration of traditional n d i d practitioners into modern medical
practice
Paironage of traditional health services, faith-based practitioners, patent
medicine vendors and hawkers, resulting in low utilization of health
facilities
Head& i m d s arising from oil and gas production such as oil acne (a
special skin eruption due to exposure to oil)* the incidence of
decreased iedity, fever, ~ p i ~ tractoinfetion, abdominal pain and
t ~
diarrhea

32. 2.2.2 SOME SOCIAL HEALTH INDICATORS IN
BAYELSA STATE, 2004
Infant mortality rate 1 1511,000
Under 5 mortality rate 20211,000
Maternal mortality rate 11001100,000birth
HIVIAIDS sero prevalence 4%; National average of 5%
Routine Immunization Coveragz 14%
Polio Immunization Coverage - PVI - 13% PV3 - 80%
Under 5 stunting 37.7%
Access to safe water sources in rural areas 20.3%
b Access to sanity latrines in rural areas 20%
Exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months 10%
2.2.3 POLICY THRUST
The main policy objective is to strengthen the State public and private health
systems to enable it deliver eiktive, eacient, qua!itative and affordable health
services to improve the health status of Bayelsans in order to reduce poverty. The
policy is intended to:
Lower the disease burden attributable to priority diseases such as malaria,
tuberculosis and HIVlAlDS
Improve the availability and management of health resources
Enhance financial and physical access to qualitative health services
Improve community participation and consumer's awareness of their health
rights and obligations
Enhance collaboration and partnership with all health related sectors.
114
.. POLICY TARGETS
The sec policy targels arc as follows:
Reduce h e curaeni infant moodity rate (IMR) of 115!1,008, under-five
rate U , ) of 202!1,@00 and m a t e d momiity rate 1
~~aorl;lli~ ( S - -
( of
1 1Mr '1 Ca0,i.M a1 l a s t lo per GJX~by 2007
Reduce h e iccidmce and nioriality from uroinmlinid1e d s a e by at l a t
iess es
20 per cmr b> 2W7
32

33. Provide primary health care facilities for 20 per cent under-served
communities by 2007
Provision of accessibility to primary health care service to 30 per cent of the
population by 2007
Increase the current routine immunization coverage of 14 per cent by at least
20 per cent by 2007
Completion and utilization of the Yenagoa General Hospital by 2007
To increase the number of referral hospitals from one to three to cater for
each geo-political zone by 2007
Establishment of specialized health-care projects such as Eye, Orthopedic,
Psychiatric and Dental Hospitals by 2010
225
.. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
The State Government will adopt the following strategies to meet its goals:
Increased budgetary allocation to health and the Hospital Management
Board
Undercake a comprehensive rehabilitation and rehrbishing of health
instituticns and facilities and expand infrastructure including staff residential
accommodation where necessary
Phased provision of standardid basic and essential equipment and utilities
(water, electricity)
To upgrade and sustain the diagnostic capability of medical health facilities
to serve as referral centers and save foreign exchange currently expended on
people seeking medical treatment overseas
Develop healthy human resources policy to guarantee constant optimal
aaiiabiiity and deployment of skilled personnel
Establish a Pharmaceutical Industr). to boost local manufactm of
pharmaceutical and consunuble
Conswuction of new building for the newly upgraded C o w e Hospitals
Pnxisron of staff residential accommodation within and m a d Hospital
premises
The poisjon of incentives t motivate health staff serving in remote
o
hosptals such as increased rural posing allowance, s ~ f accommodation,
f
boa& rtc
Fcnnmenn accomnaoiiaGon o r the Hospital Management Ehrd
Hcsloquarters M a pros I5j013 for a m d a d workhop
h
Krasu of h e Uicl psiablishing h e Stake H o s p d s JUanagmertt B d
I kdcjqiimers 1%J& pro?ision for a a - M M/o&&o~

34. Appraise and expand the Bayelsa Health Service Scheme to cover more
areas and facilities
w Provide appropriate resources for the operationalization of a State Blood
Transfusion Programme
w Establish a functional State Blood Transhsion Bank and programme
w Integrate all tiers of health-care as well as traditional medical practitioners
Adequate provision of antenatal, postnatal and family planning services
w Enhance the capabilities of health facilities and institutions to offer
emergency obstetric care
0 Provide adequate number of well-trained birth attendants
0 The introduction of programmes for HIVIAIDS prevention and control
facility based best practices in HIVIAIDS control
0 Constitution of Bayelsa campaign by routine immunization and use of
insecticide treated nets
w Provide cold chains at strategic locations in the state
Provided fredsubsidized treated mosquito nets
Monitor the services provided in Private Clinics/Hospitals and
PhannaceuticaVDNg Stores
2.2.6 MANAGEMENT OF HIVIAIDS
HlVlAIDS is a major public health problem and an obstacle to development in
Bayelsa State. According to the biennial National HIV/Syphilis Sero-prevalence
Survey (NARNS) reports, the prevalence of HIV in the State increased from 4.3
per cent in 1999 to 7.2 perrent in 2001 and declined to a prevalence of 4 per cent in
2003. Although the prevalence of HIV may be stabilizing or even declining, the
epidemic seems to be worsening as many erstwhile healthy carriers are beginning
to manifest clinical features. AIDS has affected adversely the public service and
agricuiturai work Pbrce.
To prexent, control and manage HIWA!!3S, the Bayclsa State AIDS Control
Prograinme domiciied in ihe a t e Ministly of Heallh;

35. 2.2.7 PROBLEMS AND CONSTRAINTS
Bayelsa State still faces the following problems despite efforts already made in the
fight against HIVIAIDS:
Limited funds for HIVIAIDS prevention and control programmes.
Poverty - The quot;sugar daddyquot; phenomenon is rampant, even though it is not
necessarily condoned. Girls who have lost their parents, and who have the
responsibility of caring for their siblings, are forced to exchange sex for
money since they have few skills through which they can earn a reasonable
living. Some girls become professional sex workers and go after the rich oil
company workers in order to get money. They have intercourse with many
sexual partners without using any form of protection against sexually
transmitted infections (STIs) or HIVIAIDS.
0 Gender: In general, women are dependent on men who take them as wives
or girl friends. Because of gender inequalities, women have little say in what
measures are taken to make sex safe. They have little control over where,
when or even how to have sex.
Lack of Awareness: Although nwch information has been disseminated;
many people in the state still do not know or understand the fact.
Failure to change: The pleasure of sex outweighs the risk to some people,
thus exposing them to danger. Many people lack self-control.
Inaccessibility to anti-retroviral drugs (SRVs) for PLWHA and PMTCT:
Many HIV infected persons including pregnant women do not have access
to anti-ri-retroviral drugs due to the high cost and limited availability.
2.2.8 THE SET TARGETS
The folios ing targets are set to reduce the devaslating eff- of HIVjAIDS:
0 To reduce by 2007 HIV prevaienoe among young men and women aged 15
a 13 adults by 20 per cellit
o
Rcduc~e molher-no-child ~ a o m i s s i o n HIV by 30 per cent by 2007.
of
To reduce by 20 per cent tlPe proportion of infants i n f a d wih HIV by
2007 b j ensuing &a1 pregnant women have i d o n d o & and counsehg on
HI' p r a en&xa
0 Increase ihe use of safer-sex bhaviow among the high risk a d g a d
popu~atmn j 30 per a n t by 2007.
b

36. Ensure full and easy access to anti-retroviral drugs by 2007.
2.2.9 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
The State will adopt the following HIVIAIDS prevention, control and management
strategies:
Inaugurate the Bayelsa State Action Committee on AIDS.
Provision of outboard engine boat, a four-wheel drive, public address
systems, a television set and a video playerlrecorder.
Improved h d i n g and timely release of funds.
Increased staff strength of the division to ensure adequate awareness
creation.
HOUSING
Housing is one of the most human needs and has a profound effect on the health,
well-being and productivity of the individual. Investment in housing generates both
employment and income, and enhances social status, personal security and
emotional stability. However, housing is much more than shelter since it includes
utilities such as electricity, water supply, access roads, sewage and refuse disposal
facilities, nearness to education and health facilities and employment opportunities.
Rapid population growth, the widening gap between rural and urban incomes, and
the consequent rural-urban migration, the accelerated tempo of socio-economic
development, perennial floods and erosion, and poverty have aggravated the
shonage of shelter in Bayelsa State, resulting in overcrowding, high rent, slum and
squatter settlement, especially at Yenagoa the Smte Capital and its environs.
2.3.1 HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
1 o ianprove the housing situadon. Government has h i l t the following estates and
1lOuSeS:

37. Commissioners and Judges Estate comprising 50 luxurious duplexes,
(30No.) 3-bedroom bungalows and (l5No.) Service quarters.
Market Housing Estate comprising 13 blocks of 2-bedroom and 3-bed room
flats accommodating 52 families.
250 Housing Units on owner-occupier basis at Azikoro Road, Ekeki,
Yenagoa.
Government has also acquired:
Bayelsa House in Abuja and
0 Secured five years lease of an estate in Abuja for Bayelsans with serious
accommodation problems in Abuja.
Other government efforts to provide shelter for Bayelsans include:
r Perimeter survey of high, medium and low density residential layouts.
Preparation and production of layout designs for high, medium and low
density residential layout.
Design of commercial layout known as Central Business District (CBD).
Acquisition and payment of compensation for Iands acquired at Industrial
Estate Gbararitoru and Television site Gbarantom
Allocation of plots in high, medium and low density residential layouts for
housing development.
Development of sites and services at Ekeki Low Density Residential Layout
with the provision of drainages.
Survey of 1,000 plots in the high density residential layouts IB.
Survey of 100 plots in the Central Business District (CBD) for physical
allmiion to corporate bodies.
Opening of road network in the high density residential layout to provide
accessibility for plot alloltees.
Sites and Services Scheme for the provision of 2,000 service plots at *lo.
Pro isaon of i 20 plots for Top Govermnent Fmcrionarits in the state.
Co~asmctrora Got emor's todge and D e p u ~
of governorquot; Lodge.
Construclion o f a super lwury estate near Government House.
Comlrucrion of 5,001) housing uwli for civil servants in the St&. The
houses are hanced ad consmod by Ashdene Associates Limited.
.2qurs1mn of an induslhjai layomt at Gba~afitosuo provide i n d h a i imd at
t
&rap rate and ensure job cfeahn for you& and thus reduce p v - as well
as > u w ~ a s
utlresl.

38. Provision, survey and layout preparation of land in Twon Brass for the
construction of 5,000 housing units by IKI Construction Limited to
accommodate people who will work in the Brass NLG.
232
... HOUSING PROBLEMS
While the above developments have brought succour to many, the State is still
beset with the fcllowing problems:
0 Inadequacy of housing stock
Shortage of housing finance
Insufficient budgetary provision for estate development
Lack of funding to acquire land for residential and commercial purposes
especially in the high, medium and low density residential areas including
the Central Business District
The state cannot benefit from Federal Mortgage Bank Loan for construction
of houses because Bayelsa is not a contributor in the national Housing
Scheme
High cost of building materials
0 Inadequate sxecutive capacity
0 Inadequate involvement of the private sector in housing development
0 Poor performance by stakeholders in the housing delivery system
Lack of physical development or master plans and inadequate cadastral and
topographical maps
0 Non-popularization of locally produced building materials
1-33 POLICY THRUST
The policy ihrust is geared t w r s achieving the goal of access to decent housing
oad
accomn~odationfor all Bayelsans at afKordable cost. The role of government will
be p d y promotional and partly direct construction of housing. Some of the major
objpc~iaes h b e poiicy are to:
o
A a o p ~realdc budding designs and local building materials to provide
houses a reasonable cosr;
a
lmprove the merall q w ~ i i t y quality of housing by increasing h e rate of
and
nem laousing cmns~luc~isn;
Encourage public-priancate p a r t a ~ e ~ linphousing deiiveay;
i
Inrpro~e iinirasisuciural fadities and services in existing resideaid a r q
0 Pro?~ d adequate office acm~mmo&ion ~ C civilipublic servant%
e P

39. 2.3.4 TARGETS AND STRATEGIES
The following strategies will be adopted to achieve the above objectives:
Establish appro?riate institutional framework to facilitate effective planning
in housing develop~nent 2005.
by
Provision of 2,000 sites and service plots for housing development at Opolo
by 2007.
Completion of 5,000 housing units in Yenagoa 2007.
Completion of 5,000 housing units at Twon Brass.
Provision of 500 commercial plots 2006.
Provision of industrial plots in the Industrial Layout at Gbarantoru
Construction of road network and other facilities in major towns to
encourage planned housing development.
Restructure existing public institutions involved in housing delivery with a
view to making *em more effective and responsive to the needs of
Bayelsans.
Mobilize private sector participation in housing delivery.
Encourage research into and promote the use of locally produced building
materials such as burnt bricks as a means of reducing housing cost.
Improve the quality and quantity of the required skilled manpower in
housing delivery.
Strengthen the executive capacity of local governments to enable them
contribute more effectively in housing klivery.
Provide both land and building materials at reasonabie prices.
0 Prepare adequate number of hectares for direct allocation to civil servants.
Grant soft loans to civil servants to enable them build their own houses
WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION
At its incepGon in 1996, Bayeisa State was inundated with several, uncoordinated,
sca~ered amer schemes provided by ilfie hen Rivers State Government,
OMPAUEC. Oil Conapanies, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority
q?ZDBD:I), Perrolem Twit Fund d donor agencies Most of these svater
s~hi.mesere eatlaer uncompleied or in a state of disrepair. Before May 1999, the
Slate N . AB ~ d r e h a b j l a ~ d
u some w a r schemes and provided a few mini-
nc~ghb~>un~oodr xhesnes in & eight bed h v e m n e n l Area%.
ude

40. By May 1999, the Board had rehabilitated the Yenagoa Waterworks and other
schemes in the State capital. Water facilities in other urban and semi-urban towns
covering the LGA Headquarters and some rural communities are awaiting urgent
rehabilitation/construction. The Water Board was strengthened through financial
and technical assistance by the National Water Rehabilitation Project which
provided the Board's office, vehicles and other relevant materials. The project was
supposed to have put the Board on the road to proper financial practices, billing
and collection through proper customer enumeration, software development,
mapping of towns, and training courses for technical staff.
A Water Development Programme launched in 2000 which is on-going has over
70 water projects scattered all over the State. Within Yenagoa metropolis the
functioning Ovom waterworks is being upgraded to increase its capacity. The
medium-term plan partly izvolves the construction c?f mini waterworks at Kpansia,
Swali, Etegwe, Igbogene, Biogbolo and Edepie. As along-term measure, the State
Government is also constructing the Yenagoa Main watenvorks at OkakaEkeki,
which will meet the water demand of the State capital up to 2015.
2.4.1 PROBLEMS AND CONSTRAINTS
Bayelsa State is blessed with abundant water resources but potable water is grossly
inadequate. Potable water is the water that contains the water parameters in their
desirable level set by the World Health Organization and is safe for consumption.
Potable water is difficult to kames due to the peculiar temin, location and
geology of the state and lack of funds, inhtructure and skilled manpower.
The many rivers and creeks do not suppoxt large regional water schemes due to the
problems of distribution under rivers and seas. Spring water is not available due to
the absence of hills and mountains. Atmospheric pollution and acid rains
contarninak rainuatec?while surface water is polluted by oil spillage, fishermen's
abuse of dangerous chemicals (eg. ganolin), sea transport deposits and unsanitary
disposal of human and industrial waste. Iron is the most difficult contaminant,
fcaliod b j s h b a i e r i n m i o n in h e ground. depeading on the LGA water. The
III& iron conlent giws the chmcterislic reddish wlour m d offensive oolow.

41. The high iron content is caused by natural geological processes.
* Indiscriminate installation of boreholes without assessing the sustainable
yields of aquifers, and problems of salt water intrusion and lowering of
water table. The boreholes are also potential sources of groundwater
contamination.
The problems of water supply are attributable to lack of funds, electricity, spare
parts, fuel, skilled manpower, maintenance, communication facilities, and
conununity participation. The transportation of materials by boat in the riverine
areas is very cumbersome and expensive. Often new political office holders
abandon on-going projects. Contractors are not paid promptly due to lack of funds.
Water projects are carried out in an uncoordinated manner without consultation
with the State Water Agency so two or three uncompleted water projects by
different organizations may be concentrated in one community and none for the
nearby community.
Improper planning and construction of roads destroy utility pipes and also hamper
water distribution system when there is no space between the roads and the
buildings for utility pipes to pass.
2.4.2 POLICY THRUST AND TARGET
The State Govenunent policy thrust is to provide safe and sustainable water supply
for about 60 per cent of the populace by the year 2007. The goal is to provide
potable water for all the Local Government Headquarters and some selected
communities in the state by 2007 using objective criteria Govermnent is
committed to the eradication of water-borne diseases and to improve water supply
and management for o&er productive economic activities. It is to ensure integrated
and sllsuinable baler resources management to meet the present and future water
resources needs of the state.
2.4.3 LMPLEdMENTATIONSTRATEGIES
me s:raaegies to ensure optinla1 devdopment of water resouma on an
ere ircmnenaall> sound ad swainable h i s for food production, water suppfbr,
11) dsc~portergmemlion, aralspom~ion recrealiod uses an?:
and
lamc,isd funding of u a w schemes
Promole rcsrarch a growad waer m c h g e and saline water hlrusion.
n
Rcslorc plauicd swface and p i a n d ww
lnlcnsif> Qc reacliulion ad r&abll~wionof exisling warn pro&&

42. The completion of on-going water schemes in both the urban and rural areas
Encourage public-private partnership such as Federal, State and Local
Governments, NDDC, Oil Companies, other organizations and private
individuals in the development and supply of water
The designing of a proper plan for road construction and utility lines to ease
water supply and distribution
Provide potable water in all urban and rural areas
Customer enumeration, bil!hg and collection of differentiated user charges,
especially industrial establishments
Encouraging rain harvesting in areas with adequate potable water supply
Proper and site specific studies to be undertaken before the exploitation of
groundwater resources
Continuous operation and effective maintenance of water schemes
Provision of adequate water treatment system
2.4.4 SANITATION
Rapid economic, population and urban growth without adequate planning have
accelerated waste management and sanitation problems. Inappropriate solid waste
management cause traffic hazards, blockage of drainages leading to urban flooding
and public health related problems.
Industrial emuent discharges pollute surface water. Industrialists do not comply
with relevant statutes due to lack of incentive, poor enforcement of regulations and
ignorance of statutory requirements.
The absence of sanitary landfills in the state makes effective solid waste
management d i f i c u l ~
Ignorance is another main factor militating against effective
waste management.
Open rier, pit iauine and pier latrine are the widely used toilet systems, while
uater closet and flush to sewer are the least used systems in the srate. Improper
.mitar). practices could pollute gmundwater with an overall human health
impiication. The unuholesome mimy practices are mainly due to ignorance aml
pot erty.
2.4.5 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

43. Introduction of safe sanitation technology
Provision of pipes sewerage systems that are separate from storm water
drainage in urban areas
2.4.6 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
Strategies to improve sanitation include:
Construction of sanitary landfill in the urban and semi-urban areas
Reduction, recycling, collection and safe disposal of solid waste
Encourage private sector participation in waste management practices and
services
Enforcement of existing waste water and solid waste regulation
Provision of water treatment facilities
Development and implementation of capacity building programmes through
training and retraining
Introduction of user charges for water sanitation and solid waste services
Concerned individuals, NGOs, Local and State Governments should
enlighten the public on the need and benefits of proper waste disposal
Promote better health practices and sanitation with a focus on clean water
and good hygiene and construction of sanitary facilities.
2.5 ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNlNG AND PROTECTION
Environmental considerations a~ hardly integrated into development planning
hence the increasing level of environmental degradation in Nigeria. Bayelsa state
sufers from several primary and secondary environmental problems. The primary
environmental difficulties due mainly to underdevelopment and the resultant poor
living conditions include slum housing, lack of .+aler and electricity, inadequate
arrmgement for sewage and refuse disposal, poor drainage system and oil, toxic
baste materiais.
The secondaq emvironinenrai problems are generated in ihe ptucess of accelerated
dc3 elopment For example, industrialization and mining activities have leR behind
a isaii of piru~lcanin i air, land, rivers, creeks and coastal waters which is
k
narnaiul to marine and human life. Rapid population growth, particulwiy h e u h
p~p&&n. and h e grcmiag leei of manufxacuuing and mining operations have
p o d senom em im~unenaalhazards. Inadoqua~eenvironmental @onsideration in
t17e de~dogmrnt esplor~tion resouaces have desfroyed some irreplaceable
and of
rewurcrs and csealed esological iaubalances.

44. 2.5.1 ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
The environmental problems facing Bayelsa include:
Costal and marine erosion and land subsidence
River bank erosion and flooding in the low-lying mangrove and fresh water
swamps and along the flood planes of River Nun, Focardos, etc.
Urban flooding in the State Capital, Yenagoa where little or no provision has
been made for surface drainage.
The worsening of flood problems and destruction of wild life habitats and
natural conununities when marshes and other wetlands are sand filled.
Uncontrolled logging: the destruction of erosion control, cooling, shading
and water-shed protection mechanism provided by tress when they are
indiscriminately cut down.
Intrusion of salt water in domestic water supplies due to excessive
withdrawal of underground water in coastal areas.
0 Creation of burrow pit associated with bad mining practices and road
construction.
0 Urban decay, squatter settlements, municipal waste disposal and sewage
problems such as polythene bags, containers, tyres, crankcase oil, etc litter
the streets.
0 The loss of aesthetic values of natural beaches due to unsightly oil slicks.
0 The menace of water hyacinth in most of the water ways.
Oil pollution and gas flares, he1 pipes and smoke stacks pollute the air and
conununities and industries discharge untreated wastes into water, with
adverse impact on human health, vegetation, wildlife and property.
Between 1996 and 2000, an estimated 99,809.80 Mmrn3 of gas was flared
tlms contributing to the climate change phenomenon or global warming
Lnsanitary environmental conditions and high levels of land, water and air
poilurion caused mainly by oil exploration predispose Bayeisans to ds a e .
ie s s
0 Being a pasiner in all oil activities ihrough NNPC and therefore a pa@ to oil
ieiatd emironmenial problems. the Federal G o v e m e n t is fiams- in
replaiing oil pollusion.
To ~linproveafae entiramencad siluation, the State Government established ihe
Einarol~l~~end Samaaiion Authority since the S u e was c d in 1996, and has
reinsroduced ihe ~ M J I Msaniia~ion
> day

45. infrastructural development. Yenagoa Master Plan was produced in 2003 to guide
the orderly development of the State Capital. Government has increased the
funding of various environmental activities including a standing monthly release of
N12 million to the Ministry of Environment for sanitation activities. However, the
environment condition is far from satisfactory and the constraints to
implementation include:
Inadequate enforcement of laws and regulations with respect to urban
planning ar,d development, petroleum prospecting and exploitation, siting of
buildings etc
Inadequate h d s and /or mismanagement
Inadequate inkzstructure m d trained manpower
0 Lack of popular participation in project design and implementation
0 Political interference and lack of political will to tackle environmental
problems and oil pollution
2.5.2 POLICY THRUST / TARGETS
A poor quality environment would make improvements in the quality of life and
good health impossib!e. 'I?l~;iijre, the overall policy thrust is to ensure a healthy
and safe environment that secures sustainable social and economic well-being for
Bayelsans. The main objectives are to take full inventory of the natural resources
of Bayelsa State, assess the level of environmental degradation and implement
restoration measures aimed at stemming further environmental damage.
To ensure a safe and heairhy environment, SEEDS sets the following targets:
0 To eiiminate the incidence of oil spillage and gas flaring
0 Swm environmental and waste pollution in the State Capital Yenagoa and
other big touns
0 Control crwirome~a~al degradation and pollution processes
0 Enco~rdgc? h e participation of the private sector in environmental
11-lanagement,proteelion and conservation
0 Achieve m~lenmional statidards in the process of controlling and monitoring
liae en iromnent
0 Compl3 u t h mmnational s * bed& a d environmental standards as
f,
he? reiate 10 pticular i31dllsuies, epeciaily the p e ~ ~ ~ l p u r n
indusw

46. 2.5.3 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
To achieve the above targets, the government will:
0 Formulate state environmental situation policy and guidelines
0 Establish quot;guidelines for oil companies operationsquot;
Establish a hlly equipped hnctional pollution control laboratory and
equipment for preservation of pollution evidence
Acquisition of pollution and evidence preservation equipment
0 Establish integrated solid waste management system (ISWM)
Adequate provision, upgrading and maintenance of necessary inhstructure
for environmentally sound collection, transportation and disposal of
municipal solid wastes
Construct model dumpsites, sewage dumps and compost plants
0 Clear water hyacinth and other invasive weeds in the water ways through
inventorisation, development of an infestation index map and integrated
control options
0 Give supportlcollaborate with NGOs to promote initiative targeted at raising
environmental awareness amongst the populace
0 Mainstream women in development pnxess so that they will be less
dependent on land for their means of livelihood. T i will impact positively
hs
on reducing the rate of degradation of the environment and depletion of
natural resources
0 Establish openigreen spaces within the master plan as air pockets and
yentilation buffers in the major cities
Protection of historical sites, sacred groves and natural habitats (e.g. fresh
Haler swamp vegetations and riparian vegetation - 50m on both sides of a
creek/stream w i ~ city seuings) for the conservation of native vegetation
n
and ~ i i d species for tourism
life
Pro ision of motor vehicles and boats to enhance mobility
0 Pro ide adequate legal framework to deal with eaivironmental defaulters
Eialplojinent of qudified manpower to assist inp v e w alleviation
Pro ide adequak k i n g and re1~aiiPing personnel for capacity building
of
Proiide rccrcaiion ceners, e.g. m, botanical gardens, etc within urban
=fir ilgs.

47. INFORMATION, CULTURE AND TOURISM
In a young state like Bayelsa, the need to modernize and organize properly the
information processes and make them more effective and efficient has become
imperative. This is necessary to facilitate among other things the production of
excellent information materials such as printed newspapers, magazines, films,
radio and television materials and other communication visual aids.
Government information services publicize government activities, policies and
programmes internally and externally and provide a feedback mechanism between
the governed and government. Public information services are the mouthpiece and
image make of government. They seek to foster State and national consciousness,
national unity and cultural awareness in a multi-ethnic society. Another aim is the
mobilization of public support for the national and state development effort
through the dissemination of correct information on the benefits as well as the
costs of social and economic devel~pment.
Culture is the distinctive and total ways of life of a given society/community,
which is created, learned and held in common and transmined from generation to
generation by members of that given society. It refers to the totality of peoples'
ways of life evolved by a people in the attempts to meet the challenges of living in
their environment. It covers their behaviours, knowledge, skills, beliefs, customs,
traditions, values, religion, music, art, dressing, food and any other capabilities. It
is a coniplex whole which gives order and meaning to their social, political.
economic, religious and aesthetic norms and modes of organisation, thus
distinguishing them from their neighbour.
Culture acts as veritable tools in promoting greater understmding iocally and
eihancing diplomatic relalions internationally. The cherished cultwid heritage of
the state will be jealously guarded to promote harmony and cohesion. Government
will tl~ereforetap the state rich traditions, custons, art works, elc in order to
presene its culture.

48. Bayelsa State Broadcasting Corporation (BSBC) popularly called the Glory
FM (Radio Bayelsa)
Bayelsa State Newspaper Corporation
Bayelsa State Television (BSTV)
Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture referred to as the Glory Cultural
Centre
Government Printers
2.6.1 PROBLEMS AND CONSTRAINTS
The main problems militating against the dissemination of information and the
promotion of culture and tourism include:
Lack of modem equipment and gadgets
Inadequate funding
Lack of office accommodation and furniture
0 None installation of the already supplied printing equipment in the Bayelsa
State Newspaper Corporation (BSNC)
0 Lack of cars, buses and boats
0 Inadequate indigenous technical know-how and human capacity
Lack of local manufacture or maintenance of information and
communication technology.
2.6.2 POLICY THRUST, GOALS AND A M
The strategic policy lhrust is to inform, educate and entertain the general public;
fosler state and national unity; improve cultural values; create employment and
wealth and accelemte the development of the siate. The goals and aims include:
Optional deelopment of information dissemination within and outside h e
siate
Educating the public through enlightenment programmes
Enternin d~rougb pubiic variety shows, drama and music
Publication though the pmt and e l ~ n i mediac
Proanore h e rich cul~uralheiiuge of the slate
Drliriop h e mur-ism pstm~als.
2.5.3 STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL!3

49. Improved hnding and provision of essential infrastructural facilities
Showcasing the abundant wealth of the state to the global community
through the internet
Promote grass root information of press clubs at the primary and secondary
school levels
Establishment of functional information centers
Identification and classification of tourism siies and events and cscation of
the enabling environment
Active promotion of the cultural heritage of the state
Encourage indigenous newspaper proprietors, film makers and musicians
through capacity and financial building
Give financial support to communities that embark on annual cultural
festivals and tourism activities
Installation of the equipment in the Newspaper corporation
Enforcement of intellectual property rights and the promotion of
entrepreneurship, training and partnerships.
2.6.4 POLICY TARGETS TOURISIMDEVELOPMENT
The primary focus of BY-SEEDS in the tourism sector is to make Bayelsa the
primary tourist destination in this country. The key targets in the short term are:
Increase tourist anivals into the State by 20% a year,
lmprove tourism facilities to attract targeted inflow of tourists.
POLICY STATEGIES
To achieve the foregoing targets ihe State will pursue the following strategies:

50. WOMEN. YOUTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Social development addresses issues and problems which enhance access to
resources, the provision of basic needs, the equitable distribution of wealth,
achievement of social justice, and improvement of the standard of living of the
generality of the people. It identifies both the general and targeted groups for
specific interventions and focuses on the most vulnerable groups such as women,
youth, children, disabled, who may not otherwise have access to the benefits of
economic development or contribute effectively to national development. Any
element of discrimination negates the principle of social empowerment and justice.
So there should be no discrimination on the basis of sex, age, class, social status,
ethnicity, race, religion, and ideological belief.
There is an increased concern, nationally and internationally, for youth and women
issues, responsibilities and rights and also widespread consensus on the invaluable
role of youths and women in the development process. Yet women and youth are
invariably victims of exclusion &om governance, decision-making and
development processes which impact negatively on their desires for self-reliance
and self-realization.
Bayelsa State has witnessed several decades of crude oil production, gas flaring
and oil spillage and thus experienced severe environmental pollution and
degradation. The combined effects of oil exploration, deprivation and neglect by
successive governments and oil companies have greatly disrupted the traditional
economic life of the people which is based on farming and fishing. Having lost
their means of livelihood (fishing and f a l i n g ) the youths and women are
generally poor, powerless, marginalized and lack suitable skills or training for
gainful employment in the oil and gas induslries or self-employment.