Dickson clocks 50, rededicates life to God, humanity
Felix okoye
Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry seriake Dickson has re-committed his life to the service of God and humanity, stressing that life is only meaningful only when it is dedicated to the service of God and mankind.
According to him, turning 50 years was not by his own power but “by the grace of God and I will always put my faith in God.”
While thanking God for his re-election in January, the same month which he hit the golden jubilee, Dickson averred that without God and the people on his side, he would have been trounced by the rampaging federal might unleashed on the state by people he described as enemies of democracy and Ijaw nation.
He said, “Our opponents trust in horses and chariots but we trust in the Lord because only God enthrones and dethrones leaders at will and that was why we won…This victory is for Bayelsans and we have appropriately dedicated it to the people and God almighty.’’
Governor Dickson, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, made the remark at a special thanksgiving service on Thursday, January 28 in commemoration of his 50th birthday anniversary at the Palace of Melchizedek in his country home, Toru-Orua, Sagbama LGA of the state.
Preceding his speech with songs of praise, the Governor said the essence of the thanksgiving service was to show gratitude to God, whose grace and uncommon favour has kept him alive throughout his struggles in life.
Recalling his youthful days in Toru-Orua, where he acquired his early education, Dickson stated that God had always been instrumental to the realisation of his dreams from one stage of life to another.
According to him, his experience in the Nigeria Police Force, National Assembly, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, coupled with being Governor of the state significantly deepened his understanding of human society and Bayelsa State in particular.
He however, called on the opposition to join hands with him to move the state forward.
Also, wife of the Governor, Dr. Rachel Dickson, who read the only lesson at the service hailed her husband’s efforts at empowering Bayelsa women.
She stressed that the governor has given women the platform to compete favourably with their peers in other parts of the world.
The Bayelsa State First Lady also lauded her husband’s efforts and encouragement, which, she said, contributed greatly to her educational advancement and achievements in life.
In a sermon, Reverend Dr. Uma Ukpai commended Governor Dickson for his steadfast trust in God, stressing that no man succeeds in life without the grace of God. He noted that for dancing the way King David danced in the bible, he is not surprised that Governor Dickson has become ‘‘a pencil in the hand of God.’’
The cleric, who made references to the biblical Abraham and the ten lepers, emphasised the importance of thanksgiving, which he declared attracts more blessings.
Reverend Steven Akinola of the Redemption Ministries, the State Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Reverend Living Joshua, were among other clergymen that prayed for the Dickson’s family, the state and the country in general.