By Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
Federal Government parastatals in Bayelsa state have solicited the cooperation of the state government in easing their office accommodation challenge.
Heads of the federal agencies made the request on Tuesday at Government House, Yenagoa, during a courtesy visit to Governor Douye Diri.
The chairman of the Association of Heads of Federal Parastatals, Mr. Obaro Ologbo, said that the visit was to seek the governor’s intervention towards completing the federal secretariat in the state, which he said was 80 per cent completed.
Ologbo lamented the difficulty faced by federal parastatals which, according to him, are struggling to pay rents.
He appealed to Governor Diri to do all within his power to see that the secretariat project was completed.
Ologbo lauded the governor’s developmental strides since he assumed office 18 months ago and pledged that the federal parastatals in the state would continue to support his administration.
Responding, Governor Douye Diri expressed the readiness of his administration to partner federal agencies in the state.
The governor noted that collaboration between both parties would contribute to development of the state.
While appreciating heads of the federal parastatals for the visit, he said it would open a new vista of opportunities for both the state and the federal agencies.
On the request for his intervention on the federal secretariat project, Diri promised to engage the minister of works and housing on their behalf, expressing optimism that the structure would be completed and handed over to them.
His words: “Firstly, I appreciate the way you see yourselves as Bayelsans. Listening to you, I do not think there is any difference between you and actual Bayelsans.
“There must be a synergy between you and the state government. It would be a misnomer if it does not exist. Your coming would open a new vista of opportunities for the state and federal agencies to collaborate for progress.
“I assure you that i will take it up with the minister of works and housing. We are sure the federal government would listen to us and ensure the federal secretariat is completed and handed over to you.
“Whenever and wherever you need our support, do not hesitate. We will support you to make sure our state is developed.”