28/10/2013 BAYELSA GOVT DONATES VEHICLES TO PRISON’S SERVICE, AS MTN PRESENTS SECURITY PATROL VANS As part of its efforts at enhancing security of lives and property, the Bayelsa State Government on Monday donated two operational vehicles to the State command of the Nigerian Prison Service just as it received five hilux patrol pick-up vehicles from the MTN Foundation. Presenting the vehicles in Government House in Yenagoa, Governor Seriake Dickson noted that the gesture was aimed at ensuring efficient and effective prison administration in the State. The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd) explained that his administration’s support to the security outfit was borne out of the far-reaching services it renders to society as a place of rehabilitation. He maintained that it was in realization of its importance that the present administration collaborated seriously with the Federal Government to complete the Okaka Prison which was commissioned earlier in the year and put to use, thereby bringing relief to the hitherto congested facility in neighbouring Ahoada in Rivers State. His words, “We put in a lot of efforts in ensuring that the prison facilities were supported by the State Government. It is an entirely Federal Government concern but the State Government has a responsibility to complement the efforts of the Federal Government. So, we did that and the prison is now in use, saving us from the long journeys we used to make to Ahoada. “Prison primarily is not a place for punishment but it is a place we reform people. But, it is also meant to keep away dangerous people away from us so that society will live in peace. This is why the State Government is collaborating with the Nigerian Prisons by providing these vehicles to facilitate the work of the prison.” While thanking security agencies for their dedication and support to the present administration’s peace initiatives, the Governor urged the prison authorities to make good use of the vehicles. Earlier, commenting on the donations made by MTN, Governor Dickson lauded the communication company for keying into his administration’s vision of providing adequate security to engender socio-economic growth. Describing the maintenance of law and order as a collective responsibility, the Governor noted that the company’s donation of security patrol vehicles would complement the provisions the State Government in combating crime and insecurity. In his response, the Comptroller of Prison, Bayelsa State Command, Mr John Mrabure thanked the State Government for its continued support, noting that the command had received a similar donation before the commissioning of the prison facility in the State capital. Speaking at a brief handover ceremony, the Acting Senior Manager Sales, Eastern Region, MTN Nigeria, Mr Onamari Horsfall said the vehicles were donated in furtherance of its corporate social responsibility and commitment to a secure and safe environment for lives and property across the country. Daniel Iworiso- Markson Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
Posted on: Mon, 28 Oct 2013 16:16:13 +0000