Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has empowered 2,850 trainees in the third batch of the Diri Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Programme.

The governor also honoured past governors and stakeholders in the state.

He presented the Honorary Ambassador of Education Award to former President Goodluck Jonathan, former governor, Seriake Dickson, Senator Emmanuel Paulker and Chief Fred Agbedi, the member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, in recognition of their invaluable contributions.

He also honoured a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Chief Timi Alaibe; Maj Gen Isaiah Allison, Reuben Okoya and a retired Commissioner of Police, Mrs Diseye Nsirim.

At the Education Development Trust Fund interventions and graduation ceremony, in Yenagoa, on Wednesday, Diri presented starter packs and other tools to them.

The beneficiaries were trained for five months in paint making, solar installation and electrical works, shoe making, soap making, cosmetology, fashion and design, catering and pastries among others.

The governor lauded his predecessor, Dickson, for establishing the EDTF, saying his administration had continued with some of his policies to enhance development in the state.

He appreciated the EDTF Executive Secretary, Dr Alice Atuwo and members of the board for their hard work, adding that his administration had expanded the fund beyond the full scholarship for students in the model schools to accommodate technical colleges.

He implored the graduates not to sell the starter packs but rather practice the skills they acquired to improve their lives and actualise the government’s vision of building a sustainable future for them.

“You are the ones carrying our dreams. So do not disappoint us. Out of 9,000 applicants, you succeeded. You are building yourselves and equally building Bayelsa,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, Jonathan, who was represented by a former commissioner for education, Dr Tobias James, described the award as a recognition of contributions to the growth and development of education in the state.

He pledged to continue to advocate for accessible and inclusive education for all.

Dr Atuwo said the EDTF was established in 2017 and took over the sponsorship of students in five model secondary schools, which had increased to 11.