Our commitment to birth a new Bayelsa of shared prosperity - NGO
A Non-Governmental Organization, Greater Bayelsa, has pledged its commitment to the peace,
unity and development of the state, as enunciated in the principles of the founding fathers
twenty-seven years ago.
At the inauguration of a new directorate in Yenagoa, the Shepherd-General, Mr Pudigha Nathan
Owotorufa, said the organization is poised to re-engineer the minds of the people, especially
its members, build capacity, create opportunities and encourage good governance.
He said to achieve this, the NGO will be working with willing partners including state and federal
institutions as well as the organized private sector, stressing that every member deserves equal
opportunity.
"We are a well-structured and people-oriented grassroots-based re-engineering, capacity building
and good governance advocacy organization. Our main vision is to support the building of a Greater
Bayelsa through mindset change for capacity building and sustainable development", he said.
Addressing members of the new directorates, the Shepherd-General, said they were carefully chosen
because of their integrity and capacity and charged them to live up to their reputation.
Owotorufa said: "This is a selfless service organization and not a government agency, or an
organization that promises political appointment, nor are we a bank or get-rich-quick organization.
You join to serve, grow and make an impact on our members and only benefit what comes through
service to the organization because we are a cooperative society.
"We have our own goals one of which is that we promote good governance which is why we are involved
in the issues of development. We intend to carry out high-impact grassroots programs, sustain
empowerment, and encourage good governance through informed and strategic political participation
of our members".
According to him, membership is open for people of 18 years and above who will undergo some
pre-membership tests before being admitted.
Some of the benefits open to members include subsidized medical insurance coverage, access to
information on scholarships and job opportunities, customized empowerment training for capacity
building, access to interest-free loans, and free legal representation for cases of human rights
abuse of members (excluding transportation and filing fees) among others.
He disclosed that as part of its awareness campaign, the organization has concluded plans to
engage the media on various topical issues for the betterment of the people of the state.
Pere-Ere Enock-Etimighan, Ph.D
Director Corporate Communications.
Greater Bayelsa
October 14, 2023
