Prof. Steve Azaiki Campaign Organization

Life is hard o,things are very difficult o. Living standards wey been stand don fall finish. If person give you 1k sef no say thanks but say thank you very much oo or else are on ur own oo.😜😏😏

Azaiki: A Quintessence of Servant-Leadership

By
ETETE ENIDENEZE, Media/Public Relations Practitioner, writes to mark Azaiki's birthday today

Plato, the ancient Greek Philosopher, underscored the need for philosophers to be made kings, because it would be more profitable when the learned and the wise governs. Thus, Aristotle theorized that a leader’s or speaker’s character, for instance, integrity, empathy, selflessness, service, competence and logical approach to issues, would make him/her credible and attract respect from followers.
These postulations are still vital in present day societies, crying daily for realisation of the common good.
A Former President of Nigeria, Late Alhaji Shehu Shagari once described Prof. Azaiki thus:
"[Aaziki] is patriotic…I see a man of highest standard – patriotic and selfless in his dedication to service; a man exhibiting a high sense of hope amongst enormous challenges […]. Azaiki has given so much to our country [but] expecting nothing in return”.
Similarly, Former President Goodluck Jonathan on May 19, 2015 through the former Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shakarau, stated thus: “[Azaiki is] a gift to the Nigeria nation and to his Ijaw people; a gentleman, who has lived his dream of giving back to society".
Fondly called The Yenagoa Boy, Azaiki was born today, to Late Mr. Stephen Christian Azaiki and Late Mrs. Abirindi Azaiki of Yenebebeli-Atissa in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He is married, and has children.
Prof. Azaiki holds two Doctorate Degrees, one in Agronomy and the other in Public Administration; two Masters’ degrees including a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Project Management, among others. He also holds professorship positions and fellowships in foreign and local universities. He has many academic publications to his credit.

As Prof. Azaiki, the unassuming man celebrates his birthday today, the stand is that he is indeed a quintessence of servant-leadership for decades now.
His career transcends teaching; directorship at the Federal Civil Service; 16 appointive positions in Bayelsa State, notably pioneer Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources; twice as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of the Niger Delta University (NDU).
At national level, Prof. Azaiki served as adviser to five ministers. He was also a member of Governing Council, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).
He founded, co-founded and serves on the executive board of more than eight civil and educational Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs).
Recently, Azaiki was elected President of the Global Organisation of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC), Nigeria.
As President of Nigeria Students Union in Kishner, Moldavian Republic and President of African Students Union in Ukrainian Socialist Republic, Azaiki facilitated resolution of a diplomatic row between Nigeria and the then Russia, when Late Alhaji Shehu Shagari was President.
While in the Federal Civil Service, he facilitated resolution of Finima-NLNG crisis at the start of the project, and initiated establishment of the National Directorate of Employment’s skills acquisition schemes for youths in Rivers State, a scheme that later became a national programme.
He also contributed ideas for the creation of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); creation of Niger Delta Ministry and made recommendations to the 2014 National Conference through WEMFA and National Think Thank of Nigeria (NTTN), among others.
As pioneer Agriculture Commissioner in Bayelsa State, Azaiki made valuable suggestions into policies and programmes of the Military Government as well as the development appeal fund organised in 1998.
While serving as Secretary to Bayelsa State Government, Prof. Azaiki played pivotal roles in classification of chieftaincy stools; establishment of Niger Delta University (NDU); creation of 24 local government areas; award of foreign scholarships to over 1000 Bayelsans during Chief Alamieyesigha administration; major infrastructural development projects and many more.
In Former Governor Seriake Dickson era's scholarship programme, Prof. Azaiki was engaged gratis, to facilitate admission and conveyance of many Bayelsans, notably, twenty-nine students to Lincoln University at Pennsylvania in the United States of America, where the scholars broke records. Indeed, a Bayelsan Mr. Perewari was the valedictorian on the graduation day.
During his tenure as Pro-chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the NDU, the University benefited from Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) projects. Former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson also built a magnificent Senate building and a major link road at the permanent site of the University.
Through personal efforts, he has aided development of communities, educational and faith-based institutions as well as awarded personal scholarships to students; free health and housing support to the needy. These are in addition to providing and facilitating employment and political appointments for several persons in public and private organisations.
He has also through the Azaiki Foundation, provided public library, cultural and museum services, free agricultural and environmental management services; languages training centre as well as science and technology institute for the promotion of research and knowledge-based economy.
Currently representing Yenagoa-Kolokuma/Opokuma in Nigeria's House of Reoresentatives, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Azaiki has made valuable contributions into motions, bills and committees' reports, and also rendered laudable constituency services to his people.
These include skills acquisition training and empowerment with cash; installation of solar street lights; donation of electricity generating sets to about forty primary health care centres; donation of safety gears, hand washing drums, medicines, food items, free books, educational materials and carried out strategic enlightenment campaigns against Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, recommendation of unemployed graduates to various private and public organisations, for employment, among others.
The lawmaker has held bilateral talks with international organisations, commissions and embassies, for example the Malaysian and Canadian Embassies for collaborative efforts in agriculture, education and temporary work-residency permits for deserving youths.
He has also influenced the inclusion of a skill acquisition and business empowerment scheme for the entire constituency, as well as specific projects for some communities, to be approved and handled directly by the relevant Federal Agencies, this year, as first phase, if they are given approval.
The efforts so far made, particularly his recent motion on N15billion COVID-19 fund for universities, most resolutions of which are being implemented by the Federal Government, have been applauded by some stakeholders..
Despite the accolades, the quintessential servant-leader, Prof. Steve Sinikiem Azaiki. OON, JP, whose birthday is today and is feted by his family, relatives, colleagues and well-wishers, says he is poised to doing more in the service of society through personal efforts and public office.

Azaiki, The Yenagoa Boy! as you mark your birth today, we say keep the flag flying, as you sour higher in life. May God reward you copiously.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CELEBRATES AN ICON AND A PARLIAMENTARIAN

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3187299181329832&id=100001493437873

NNPC-AGIP JOINT VENTURES EXTOLLED OVER YENAGOA HOSPITAL PROJECT

Prof. Steve Sinikiem Azaiki, representative of Yenagoa-Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, has extolled the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation-Nigeria Agip Oil Company Joint Ventures for siting the 200-bed COVID-19 and other communicable diseases hospital in his constituency.

He made the commendation in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Communication/Spokesman, Mr. Etete Enideneze.

The legislator is quoted to have said that the location of the South-South Emergency and Infectious Disease Hospital at Igbogene-Epie in Yenagoa, was a good development, adding that his constituency was happy with the hosting privilege.

Prof. Azaiki stated that the health facility, would enhance the wellbeing of the people when completed, especially as the donors have assured it would serve as a permanent hospital, even after the COVID-19 pandemic.

He expressed appreciation to Chief Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum, for the role played in siting of the project, and called on other politicians to also shun political differences by joining hands to work for the progress of Bayelsa State.

The lawmaker thanked the governor, Senator Douye Diri, for hosting Chief Sylva and the team during inauguration of the project, without political sentiments, and reiterated the need for political leaders to close ranks for the interest of the state.

Others lauded include President Muhammadu Buhari; Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Alhaji Mele Kyari and the entire organization; Mr. Lorenzo Fiorillo, Managing Director of Agip and other partners for considering Yenagoa worthy of hosting such a useful project.

Azaiki who assured of his constituents’ cooperation in hosting the hospital project, also urged Igbogene-Epie, the immediate host community to show more hospitality in order to attract more amenities.

He called on oil and gas companies to implement more environmental and community-assisted projects for their host communities, before the black gold economy fizzles out to the disadvantage of the deprived people.

PUBLIC SERVICE AND RENEWED EXPECTATIONS: I HAVE DONE IT BEFORE AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO IT

A SPEECH BY PROF. STEVE SINIKIEM AZAIKI, OON, AT THE CULTURAL SENSITIZATION PROGRAMME FOR YOUTHS, ORGANIZED BY THE NATIONAL INTSTITUTE FOR CULTURAL ORIENTATION (NICO), IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE OFFICE OF THE HONOURABLE LAWMAKER, YELGA/KOLGA FEDERAL CONSTITUTUENCY, HELD ON 19TH DECEMBER, 2019, AT CITY HALL, YELGA COUNCIL SECRETARIATE, YENAGOA

PROTOCOL

This memorable event is another fulfilment of the onerous obligation to deliver on my electioneering promises anchored on the philosophy of “… a mandate of trust, not to be betrayed”.
As aptly captured in the title of this speech, I would like to use this auspicious moment to speak pensively on my personal and official disposition to serve the public, especially my constituents. I would also talk about what we have done so far and the mounting expectations from my people, then solicit for your support for realization of the common good that we are all saddled with.
Let me first of all, assure you that the pursuit of the common good is on course. I have done it before. I have been doing it. And I will continue to render selfless services to humanity. Whether one is appreciated or not, the Almighty God sees and knows it all.
In line with this personal philosophy of mine, and given the present political-social contract, I have since after election as your Representative, reinforced my commitment to make more contributions towards the advancement of our constituency, state, region and country.
I have lived a quiet life, despite my being in public glare. I detest proclaiming the little gestures that I have done to individuals and groups. This is because, for me, the purpose of the personal benevolence was not anything political, except to fulfill God’s injunction that we should be our brother’s keeper.
However, one has observed that in elected position, it is a different ball game. Pungent utterances from people, must compel one to clear misperceptions about ones’ personality, private and public affairs. Thus, it behoves me to speak a little on my contributions to the progress of society. But I will do so contrary to my principle of not indulging in self adulation.
The evidence of my modest contributions to society are manifested in the deeds of the Azaiki Foundation. The Foundation is the platform through which I have been giving back to society, what God has endowed me. The Azaiki Foundation, over the years, has done a lot to the needy. It has been spending millions of Naira annually, on social welfare programmes.
May I at this point enumerate some of the contributions I have made to national, state and community development. At the national level, such contributions include resolution of Finima-NLNG crisis at the start of the project; initiation of the National Directorate of Employment’s skills acquisition schemes for youths in Bonny and Rivers State; input into creation of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); input into creation of Niger Delta Ministry and Ministry of Environment through WEMFA and National Think Thank for Nigeria; and recently submission of recommendations on restructuring and resource control at the 2014 National Conference as well as resolution of the Niger Delta crises through the suggestions by the National Think Tank.
At the state front, I was part of the struggles for the creation of Bayelsa; made valuable inputs into policies and programmes such as development appeal fund , which I was instrumental to bringing the then chairman of Petroleum Development Trust Fund (PTDF), President Mohammadu Buhari as chairman of the occasion, that helped to kick start the state soon after its creation in October 6, 1996, the proceeds of which were also used to construct a major road in Yenagoa City. As secretary to government, I contributed to and coordinated ex*****on of major policies and public projects and community development programmes; classification of chieftaincy stools and the establishment of NDU; creation of 24 local government areas; award of foreign scholarships to over 1000 Bayelsans during Chief Alamieyesigha administration and facilitation of political appointments; employments to many Bayelsans at the state and national levels; facilitation of admission for foreign scholarship awardees in Governor Seriake Dickson’s era, among others.
In my private calling, I have contributed to the development of Christian and educational institutions as well as awarded personal scholarships to students; free health and housing support to the needy within and outside my community, besides providing and facilitating employment and political appointments for several persons in public and private organisations.
The Azaiki Foundation provides public library and cultural museum services, free agricultural and environmental management services; languages training centre as well as science and technology institute for promotion of research and knowledge-based economy. A project dreamt of in 1992, the Azaiki Library was fully established and commissioned by former President Goodluck Jonathan and other dignitaries in 2015. It has since served as a trail blazer in the promotion of reading and knowledge dissemination.
The library and museum have continued to attract encomiums from the low and high, within and outside Nigeria. For instance, the National Librarian and Chairman of the National Library Board, Abuja, Prof. L. O Aaina has this to say:
“I was thrilled by the provision of the library and its service. Indeed, the library stands as the best I have seen in our country. It is a gift to our country and I am proud to be associated with this great effort. I am also particularly delighted for the honour done to me to have my photograph as a thing of essence to qualify for inclusion in the autographs section of the library (unveiled by me) among the eminent personalities of the time. In addition, I am further fuelled by the incredible warmth of your reception and generosity… May God forever bless your loving and generous heart”.
For the late leader and sage, my national father, late Alhaji Shehu Shagari, my modest quota to service of the nation and mankind are invaluable. Hear him in a foreword to my book, Thoughts On Nigeria:
“[Aaziki] is patriotic…I see a man of highest standard – patriotic and selfless in his dedication to service; a man exhibiting a high sense of hope amongst enormous challenges… We need more people of like minds in public sphere…, particularly the younger generation… I have great hope in Prof. Azaiki. His achievements and contributions are even yet to come, they will be properly recorded in the history of our nation.
…The world class library facilities and its contribution to education and knowledge …, the Niger Delta Museum ... speak volume of a man who is truly ahead of his time. His life’s example speaks to the reward of value-added service in public space. Azaiki has given so much to our country [but] expecting nothing in return”, Shagiri noted.
Despite the achievements and the commendations, I am however not puffed, neither is the Azaiki Foundation and its supporters. Every day, I realize that, it is not yet Uhuru because the problems of society are increasing. It is in that regard that God perhaps led me into elective politics, so as to do more to the needy. And that will be done through my present positon as a member of parliament, besides personal efforts.
Thus, I am poised to use the opportunity of being in the House of Representatives, to lobby for the creation of balance in political structures and promote economic and environmental justice; management of the devastated environment of the Niger Delta and pressing for major federal infrastructures. I must remain committed to empowerment of the people through skills acquisition and small businesses. I am set to agitate for more recognition for traditional rulers; and promotion of cultural values; peace and unity, among others.
These, would be achieved and are being achieved through the ideas in my books, outcome of my academic and practical research reports, conference resolutions; wide and regular contacts with my national and international networks, input from you, my constituents; collaboration with other lawmakers, the presidency, ministers, the state government, Yelga and Kolga Councils, oil companies and donor agencies.
It is crystal clear to me, that your voting massively for me on February 23, 2019, was to enable you benefit from effective representation meant to enhance good governance.
In that light, and haven highlighted some of my general contributions earlier, permit me to also state some of the recent reach-out programmes done before and after my assuming office at the Reps. They include award of scholarships; payment of WAEC and NECO fees to deserving indigent students of the constituency; organization of local and international conferences to project and proffer solutions to the problems of the people; sponsored some constituents to such conferences as well as attended to invitations from clans, social groups and individuals, for festive events in the constituency, to which I also made modest financial contributions.
Within the short period in office, I have also provided school fees; accommodation and medical support to needy constituents. These are in addition to recommending some constituents for foreign scholarships, federal and state employments and political appointments in the state, just as efforts are on to recommend our people for contract awards.
Just last week, December 13, 2019, my office donated musical band sets to 10 beneficiaries, six churches and four secular musical groups. This project was inherited from my predecessor, Senator Douye Diri who patriotically handed it to me for completion.
Today, the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) is executing a cultural awareness and empowement programme for youths in our constituency, in partnership with my office. I thank NICO for this programme and call on it to do more for Bayelsa State.
As you may be aware, the 9th National Assembly has not been given any funds for constituency projects. So as a fresh Rep, no new projects and funds have been allocated to our constituency as we speak. This is also because we were inaugurated mid-year in which the current 2019 budget has been operational. So new members had no opportunity to influence inclusion of new projects for constituencies. It is my hope that the 2020 budget would afford us better opportunities.
Bear in mind too, that constituency projects and allocation of funds for same is not directly borne by a legislator but by relevant MDAs. The legislator only lobbies for inclusion of vital projects for a constituency, recommends contractors and monitors implementation as part of oversight functions.
Right from the fateful day you graciously found me worthy to represent you at the Federal House of Representatives, I have been conscious of the responsibilities that lie before me. And I am still aware of that onus, till today. I am equally in the know that the expectations from all and sundry, are legion.
The magnitude of human and infrastructural underdevelopment, no doubt is mainly responsible for the heightened expectations from the numerous impoverished and deprived members of our constituency and many other Bayelsans. This is often apportioned on the perverted federal system and the multinational oil companies that join centripetal forces to expropriate us of our God-given wealth, even though, we local leaders are sincerely also not to be left un-quizzed.
This is because we may not have really done enough to tackle the real fundamental problems of major infrastructure and impoverishment. We may have not done enough in these regards through lobbying to change the lopsided federal structures and laws that deprive us of our mineral resources. We may have also not done too much, even in tackling the major problems at our own level as leaders in our domains. Like it or not, it is the stark reality. But my apologies to anyone whose sensibilities feel offended by these utterances.
On my part, it is plausible that the desires of our people to get so much from the mandate entrusted on me and the office I presently occupy is also related to the estimation of my place in society. It is similarly related to my unalloyed commitment to serve the public, a trait and philosophy I shall never abandon in any circumstance.
To me, relinquishing such personal values could amount to offending the Almighty God Whose command to us is that, we should always serve mankind and society selflessly.
To this end, I like to restate my irrevocable dedication to service of mankind. But in delivering the expected services, you owe me just one thing. It is support. Patriotic and selfless support is all I need from you, not even encomiums to flatter and blow my head off with false contentment.
Let us try to live by the charge of John F. Kennedy, former president of America who once said that citizens should not only think of what the country would do for them, but what they could also do for the country. This is similar to what popular French Philosopher, Michel Foucault conceptualized as “governmentality”. Popularized by another French sociologist, Emile Durkheim, “governmentality,” strikes a balance between what government should do for the people and what the people should do for themselves and for government.
As a deviation however, this concept only means, “entitlement”, not civic obligations any more. Thus, entitlement mentality is so much in vogue in our society, to the extent that it has reduced peoples’ interest in performing their civic duties for the progress of society. One is not saying that people are not entitled to certain rights and privileges. But that, such expectations ought to go with service on the part of every one of us.
Therefore, in rhetorical terms, let me ask – What have you done for humanity and society? What could you do from your talent and other resources? Have you ever done anything? Let us ponder over these questions every day and rise up to service.
For me, I have done it before! And I will continue to do it!! Only history will judge me as Late Shehu Shagiri has predicted.
I thank you, my beloved constituents, for listening and for reassuring me of your useful support to the common course. May God bless you all in Jesus name!

PROF. STEVE SINKIEM AZAIKI, OON
HON. MEMBER, FED. HOUSE OF REPS

REP HARPS ON RESPECT FOR ELDERS, EXTOLS ATTISSA CHIEFS COUNCIL FOR HOMAGE TO CHIEF A. D. PETERS

The need to give reverence to elders, traditional rulers and other constituted authorities, has been stressed.

A legislator and traditional chieftain, Prof. Steve Sinikiem Azaiki gave the admonishment while making remarks at the funeral of Chief Abednego Diepreye Peters at Yenebebeli-Atissa in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, December 14.

Prof. Azaiki who is a titled chief and member of the Atissa Council of Chiefs, decried present day's attitude of disrespect for elders and constituted authorities, particularly in this online communication era in which traditional values of personal decorum and obeisance for seniors, have been relegated to the background.

He used the occasion to urge the people of Epie/Atissa, especially youths, to cherish their once renowned traditional ethos and always give honour to whom it was due, irrespective of personal sentiments harboured by any individuals.

According to him, he was delighted to see the cream of personalities and others who thronged the funeral of Chief Peters, paramount ruler of Yenebebeli community, noting that the show of last homage to the deceased was not misplaced.

Azaiki described the late paramount ruler, Chief Peters, as a great man, who lived life worthy of emulation by those still living.

He stated that apart from good conduct, Chief Peters bequetted the best of resource as education to the generation he has departed from, a visible legacy which he said was attessted by the deceased's former students and admirers.

"The befitting last homage accorded our father and educationists today, is contrary to the popular saying that a teacher's reward is in heaven alone. Instead as seen here today, the teacher's reward is both on earth and in heaven, " Azaiki emphasised to the audience.

Prof. Azaiki who represents yenagoa-kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency in Nigeria's National Assembly, restated his unflinching commitment to human capital development, which he said was his area of passion, and has been doing even before election into the Reps.

He reassured that he would within the ambit of available resources and opportunities in the Reps, do more for the constituency and society at large.

He on behalf of the Peters family, thanked the Atissa Council of Chiefs, their Epie counterparts, his associates, relatives and others for the honour done Yenebebeli community by supporting to bury its paramount ruler.

MP DONATES MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS TO CHURCHES, ENTERTAINMENT GROUPS

The Office of the Honourable Lawmaker representing Yenagoa-Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Abuja, has carried out another constituency-support project in the aspect of religious worship, talent promotion and entertainment.

The lawmaker, Prof. Steve Sinikiem Azaiki, made donation of musical band sets each, to ten beneficiaries including churches and creative groups in Yenagoa the Bayelsa State Capital, December 13, 2019.

Speaking at the handover ceremony at Glorified Ambassadors for Christ Assembly in Pakis Suits, Edepie, Yenagoa, Prof. Azaiki said the gesture was in line with his campaign promises and agendas for the constituency which are being carried out in phases starting with award of scholarships and payment of WAEC and NECO examinations fees to deserving students shortly before he was inaugurated.

He stated that the musical instruments would promote God’s work in the churches as well as improve the performances of the various bands in their secular or non-secular areas of musical and dance entertainment.

Azaiki who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Communication/Spokesman, Mr. Etete Enideneze, further said that he was aware of other groups and individuals in need of support to excel in various trades, and assured that more empowerment and physical projects would be implemented in the constituency within the mandate of his office and available resources.

Prof. Azaiki thanked the beneficiaries for turning up to receive the instruments and implored them to make good use of them to God’s glory; promote EpieAtissa songs as well as groom other youths in similar skills.

He reiterated that his constituency offices in Abuja and Yenagoa are open for constituents who want to make genuine inputs for the progress of his office and the constituency in general.

Responding on behalf of six churches that benefited, Bishop Montgomery Agbagidi, General Overseer of House of Truth, said God blesses those who support churches. Bishop Agbagidi added that God would thus bless Prof. Azaiki for always carrying churches along, stressing that the church should not relent in praying for emergence of good leaders in public offices.

Similarly, Mr. Bertrand Ekwems, aka King Betty, on behalf of four secular bands that received sets of music items each, expressed appreciation to the Yelga/Kolga representative, noting that the gesture was rare in the career of indigenous Epie/Atissa artists who need support to promote the culture of the people.

The items were handed over to the beneficiaries by Chief Lambert Ototo, who described Prof. Azaiki as a leader usually keen about empowering people through education and skills acquisition.

In closing remarks, Bishop Kikile Patterson, General Overseer of the Glorified Ambassadors for Christ Assembly, prayed God to grant Prof. Azaiki more strength and opportunities to better the lots of the people in the constituency.