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By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
The leadership of the Bayelsa Intellectuals Forum, a brain child of the chief historian and archivist of Bayelsa State, Professor Stephen Temegha Olali, has passed a vote of confidence on the Governor Douye Diri-led Prosperity administration, while expressing satisfaction with his achievements in the educational sector, human capacity development and employment generation initiatives.
In a statement issued in Yenagoa over the weekend, signed by the publicity secretary and senior special assistant to the governor on Tourism, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, founder of the organisation, Professor Stephen Temegha Olali, explained that Sen. Douye Diri’s Prosperity administration “resonates with the prevalent peaceful and tranquil atmosphere in Bayelsa State, in addition to the many vital road projects connecting the rural areas,” hence the body found him worthy to be reelected for a second term in office “to enable him consolidate his legacy projects across Bayelsa State.”
Professor Olali said Bayelsa Intellectuals Forum, a non-governmental organisation, which membership cuts across all walks of life, is composed of seasoned technocrats with the objective of bringing together people from all walks of life, including public service, academic, industry and civil society, to exchange ideas and learn from each other’s perspectives.
He said that as intellectuals “with diverse levels of intellectual prowess, wisdom and foresight who apply their intellect and forward-looking visions to the awakening society,” the forum has been well abreast with the ongoing development strides by the Prosperity administration.
The chief historian and achivist further noted that his organisation has always interfaced with stakeholders with a view to “diverting the masses attention from what is unwise and wrong, to focus on what is righteous and good for society,” explaining that the ‘Vietnamese’ word for intellectual, “trí thức”, is a combination of “mind” and “awaken”.
“The Forum recognises the three key factors in nurturing intellectuals: knowledge; ability and willingness to awaken society; and doing so for a noble cause or purpose. A person with capabilities and knowledge bears this kind of responsibility and owes his or her world the benefits of their profound wisdom. In Einstein’s words: ‘The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but more because of those who look on and do nothing.”
“Bayelsa intellectuals, having seen the need to use their capacities to contribute positively to steer society away from foreseeable negatively impacting results, not just for the past mis-directed efforts, but also for current and future inappropriate endeavours.
“As intellectuals, we have effectively and convincingly communicated the vision and policies of the Prosperity administration to the masses for a better society through our regular professional engagements.
“While building on the universal and timeless values, we apply our knowledge to shape and protect social standards and values. Together with the responsibility to awaken society, Bayelsa Intellectuals Forum constantly updates members on developments, becuse we believe that intellectuals are agents of change, particularly in those parts of the world where the unjust and aberrant behaviour are the norm,” he said.
Bayelsa Intellectuals Forum’s executive committee has Associate Professor of Economics, Dr. ThankGod Oyinpreye Apere as its president; Mr. Edward Ebimonghan (secretary), with a large membership, including the registrar of the University of Africa, Toru Orua, Dr. Akpoebi Adesi, among several others, and cuts across sectors.
The statement noted that “intellectuals around the world are making effective contributions to improving their societies in meaningful ways.
“Intellectual development concerns how individuals develop their higher mental functions, such as understanding abstract ideas, mastering complex skills, formulating logically organised thoughts, and solving novel problems, which allow them to deal effectively with life’s challenges leading to successful lives.
“Bayelsa intellectuals are pleased with Sen. Douye Diri’s Prosperity administration for building the peaceful atmosphere is indispensable to socioeconomic development,” Professor Olali said.
