The governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has created two new ministries: the Ministry of Blue Economy and the Ministry of Special Duties on Non-Indigene Affairs, bringing the total number of commissioners in his second-term cabinet to 29.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony, the governor noted that the decision to upgrade the Non-Indigene Office from that of Special Adviser to a full-fledged ministry was in fulfillment of his campaign promise and the need to promote national integration.
It was learned that the Commissioner for Special Duties on General Services, Mazi Onuma Johnson, before his appointment, served as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Non-Indigene Affairs, overseeing the four major blocks of Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and South-South peoples.
While allocating the various offices to the 15 newly sworn-in commissioners, Senator Diri reassigned the Commissioner for Special Duties (East), Preye Brodrick, to the Ministry of Transport, while Mr. Mandy Akpalo was assigned to the Ministry of Special Duties (Central).
Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, who was earlier assigned the Labour, Employment and Productivity portfolio, is now the Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Orientation, while Chief Saturday Omiloli is to oversee the Labour Ministry.
Hon. Alfred Belemote was assigned to the Ministry of Community Development, Chief Thompson Amule retained his portfolio as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, while Mr. Alla John is to lead the Ministry of Tourism Development.