Bàyelsa @ 30: Diri, Akpe Deserves Commendation for Transformative Leadership - BADAG

By Azi Tola

YENAGOA — The Bayelsa Development Action Group (BADAG), a development-oriented organisation in the Niger Delta, has called on Bayelsans, irrespective of political affiliation, to commend Governor Douye Diri and his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, for what it described as purposeful leadership and significant development strides in the state.

L-R Governor Douye Diri and his Deputy, Dr Peter Akpe.

The group said the Diri -Akpe administration had demonstrated political will, capacity and commitment to advancing the vision of the founding fathers of Bayelsa State as the state marks its 30th anniversary.

President of BADAG, Chief Ernest Jacob Eyineni, and its Director-General, Comrade Majesty Inegbagha, made the assertion in a goodwill message on behalf of the executive and members of the organisation to mark the anniversary.

BADAG said successive administrations since the creation of the state had introduced various policies and programmes aimed at driving development, but noted that the present administration had made what it described as significant progress in translating the aspirations of the founding fathers into tangible projects and programmes.

L-R Comrade Inegbagha Majesty BADAG DG and the President, Chief Ernest Jacob Eyineni.

According to the group, the Diri-Akpe administration has promoted peace, unity, inclusive governance and sustainable development through what it described as focused and purposeful leadership.

The organisation particularly commended the administration for its investments in infrastructure, saying the projects had significantly changed the physical landscape of the state and improved connectivity between communities.

Among the projects highlighted by BADAG are the construction of the Mega Media Complex; several internal roads in Yenagoa; AIT-Igbogene Road; Ecumenical Centre Road from Igbogene to Tombia Roundabout; Prosco dualised road; Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road; and internal roads in Etegwe and Okaka.

The group also cited the completion and commissioning of the Yenagoa-Angiama-Oporoma Road and the 630-metre-long Angiama Bridge, which it said had bridged the River Nun and improved access along the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie corridor.

It further mentioned the Sagbama-Ekeremor-Agge Senatorial Road, describing it as a major project opening up the western part of the state, as well as other roads connecting rural communities to Yenagoa.

In Bayelsa East Senatorial District, BADAG listed the Nembe Unity Bridge, the reconstructed Elebele Bridge and the Onuebum-Otuoke Road among projects executed and commissioned by the administration.

It added that work was ongoing on the Nembe-Brass Senatorial Road, which is expected to improve connectivity between coastal communities and the wider economy.

The organisation said the network of road projects would help open up previously isolated riverine communities across the three senatorial districts and create opportunities for greater economic activities.

Urban Renewal, Legacy Projects

BADAG also commended the administration's urban renewal programme in Yenagoa, including city expansion and the development of the New GRA, featuring Commissioners' and Legislators' Quarters, supported by a network of dualised roads.

It also cited the Glory Drive projects and other urban development initiatives as evidence of the administration's focus on transforming the state capital.

On legacy projects, the group highlighted the construction of the nine-storey Secretariat Complex and the 30,000-capacity Olympic-size stadium at Igbogene.

Power, Aviation and Human Capital

In the power sector, BADAG noted the installation and commissioning of a new gas turbine project, saying the initiative had enhanced electricity supply in Yenagoa.

The group also praised the administration's efforts in the aviation sector, particularly the operation of the Bayelsa International Airport for commercial flights and the acquisition of state aircraft assets to improve emergency logistics and inter-state connectivity.

On human capital development, BADAG said the government had implemented skills acquisition and youth empowerment programmes covering ICT, welding, electrical and electronic engineering and other vocational trades.

The organisation also described the Diri administration as worker-friendly, citing regular payment of salaries and other entitlements to civil servants, as well as pensions and gratuities to retirees.

Peace, Security and Social Development

BADAG said the administration had restored relative peace and strengthened collaborative security efforts across the eight local government areas, creating what it described as a more conducive environment for investment and development.

It also acknowledged what it described as achievements in the health, education, sports, agriculture and human-capacity development sectors.

The group further cited the administration's housing initiatives aimed at providing affordable accommodation for workers, as well as flood-control measures, including modern drainage systems designed to reduce flooding in Yenagoa.

BADAG said the establishment of the Community Safety Corps represented another significant step towards addressing insecurity, creating employment opportunities and enhancing public safety.

Economic Development and Tourism

The organisation said the administration had pursued a broad economic development strategy encompassing physical infrastructure, environmental protection, housing, healthcare, human-capital development, technological innovation and poverty alleviation.

It also commended the government's efforts to promote tourism and entertainment, saying such initiatives could enhance Bayelsa's profile as a destination for visitors and investors.

BADAG noted that the administration was also overseeing various community development initiatives, including projects in Biseni, Okordia, Ogboloma and Akaibiri.

The organisation said Governor Diri's leadership had continued to inspire hope and development across the state, while reaffirming its belief that the administration remained committed to building a more prosperous and sustainable future for Bayelsa.

BADAG therefore congratulated the people of Bayelsa on the 30th anniversary of the state's creation and urged all stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that promote peace, development, unity and the collective interest of the state.