Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson (2nd left) assisted by his wife, Rachael (2nd right) jointly cutting the Governor’s 50th birthday cake during a reception at Toru-Orua in Sagbama Local Government Area of the State, while the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, His Majesty, King Alfred Diete Spiff (right) and HRH. King Amalate Turner (left) look on

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 both. The governor noted that his turning 50 years was not by his own power but by His grace and vowed to always put his faith in God.

While thanking God for his re-election in January, the same month which he hit the golden jubilee, Dickson, according to a statement by Daniel Iworiso-Markson, his Chief Press Secretary, 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 declared: “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 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 local government area 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 boyhood days in Toru-Orua, where he acquired his early education, Governor Dickson noted that God had always been instrumental to the realization 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, stressing that the governor has given women the platform to compete favourably with their peers in other parts of the world.

Mrs Dickson equally lauded her husband’s efforts and encouragement, which she noted 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.”

Reverend Ukpai, who made references to the biblical Abraham and the ten lepers, emphasized 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.