September 27, (THEWILL) – The Executive Chairman, Bayelsa State Physical Planning and Development Board, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei, says plans have reached an advanced stage for the Board to organise the first ever Physical Planning and Development Summit in the state.
The summit with the theme, “Physical Planning and Development in Bayelsa State, the Way Forward” is expected to take place before the end of 2022.
The Executive Chairman disclosed this recently, when he granted in audience, members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning and Development that came to his office in Yenagoa on oversight visit.
In a statement by the Head of the Public Relations Unit of the Board, Imgbi Gbalipre Stanley, the Chairman disclosed that the summit will be a 3-Day event where well thought-out sub-themes will be delivered by seasoned professionals from both within and outside the state.
He further informed the House Committee that the outcome of the summit will lead to the development of the “Operative State Physical Development Plan”, (O.S.P.D.P) as contained in the Bayelsa State Physical Planning and Development Law (2015), as well as the review of the 2007 Yenagoa City Development Strategy, also known as Yenagoa Master Plan.
According to Ekeuwei, “The law says that you must have, Operative State Physical Development Plan, which we call OSPDP. This document will now be the Bible that will direct planning and development activities of the state.”
In his response, the Chairman, House Committee on Physical Planning and Development in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon.Ted Elemefuro, commended the present leadership of the Board for the achievements recorded so far within the period under review, including the proposed summit that will bring about the planning and development of the state, as well as the improved revenue base of the Board.
He, however, called for regular interface between the Board and the Committee to further work in synergy for the improved planning of the state.
Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Michael Ogbere, who is also a member of the Committee equally applauded the leadership of the Board for the achievements recorded so far.
In his contribution, Hon. Moses Marlon, member representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 3 and also a member of the House Committee, said that with the calibre of the leadership of the present Board, he is very optimistic that they are going to change the narrative in terms of physical planning and development of the state.
Other members of the Board present during the visit include, the Executive Director Operations, High Chief Maku Oloye, Executive Director Legal, Francis Ikio Esq, Executive Director, Finance and Accounts, Mr Willy Oyaduogha, and the Secretary, Igiran Davis Numa.
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