Bayelsa at 30: Much Achieved, More Still to Be Done — Diri * Governor Eulogises Founding Fathers, Says Roads, Power, Jobs Remain Priorities

By Majesty Inegbagha 

YENAGOA — Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of the state, saying Bayelsa has recorded significant progress in its 30 years of existence despite the enormous challenges it inherited at creation.

Gov. Douye Diri

Diri, however, said much remained to be done to fully realise the aspirations of those who fought for the creation of the homogenous Ijaw state.

The governor stated this in a live broadcast on Thursday to mark Bayelsa’s 30th anniversary and Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

He said the twin anniversary provided an opportunity to honour those who laid the foundation of the state and reflect on what the present generation would leave behind.

According to him, Bayelsa’s creation on October 1, 1996, by the then Head of State, late General Sani Abacha, was the culmination of decades of advocacy, petitions, protests, prayers and sacrifices by generations of Ijaw people seeking justice, recognition and a greater voice within the Nigerian federation.

Diri recalled that the creation of the old Rivers State from the former Eastern Region in 1967 represented a major milestone in the struggle, spearheaded largely by the Ijaws, which eventually culminated in the creation of Bayelsa 29 years later.

The governor acknowledged the contributions of several heroes and founding fathers, including Major Isaac Boro, Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, Chief Melford Okilo, Pa Ernest Ikoli, Chief Joshua Fumudoh, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Dr. Lambert Eradiri, Chief N. A. Frank Opigo, Senator Amatari Zuofa, Dr. Amba Ambaiowei, T. K. Ogoriba, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Chief Dan Etete, Vice Admiral Victor Ombu and Rear Admiral W. G. Yanga, among others.

He said the sacrifices of the founding fathers imposed an enduring responsibility on the present generation to build a better and more prosperous state.

“Some gave their time. Some gave their resources. Some gave their liberty. Some paid the ultimate price. To all of them, we owe an enduring debt of gratitude.”

‘Bayelsa Has Come a Long Way’

Diri noted that Bayelsa inherited enormous challenges at creation, including difficult terrain, inadequate infrastructure, poor connectivity, a fragile economic base and the need to deliberately develop Yenagoa as the state capital.

He said the development of an international airport, universities and polytechnics, roads and bridges, as well as increased federal presence, had transformed the state from its humble beginnings.

The governor also acknowledged the contributions of successive administrations, stressing that development was a continuum and that the progress recorded in Bayelsa belonged to everyone who had served and sacrificed for the state.

He said his administration was consolidating on the foundations laid by previous governments through investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, power and human capital development.

On infrastructure, Diri said the three senatorial roads were receiving renewed attention, while the state’s Independent Power Project was being expanded from 60 megawatts to 100 megawatts.

He disclosed that work was also progressing on the 30,000-capacity stadium and the nine-storey Secretariat complex.

The governor said his administration remained committed to completing inherited projects, stressing that scarce public resources must be directed towards projects capable of delivering the greatest benefits to the people.

“Much has been achieved, and much remains unfinished. Our roads must reach every corner of the state. Our power supply must grow to match our ambitions. And our young people must find real opportunities to work, to build and to prosper.

“As we celebrate 30 years of Bayelsa State, let us not merely look back with pride. Let us look forward with purpose.”

Electricity Supply to Expand

After the state broadcast, Diri hosted a live media chat where he responded to questions from journalists on various issues, including infrastructure, power, industrialisation, employment and the future of the state.

The governor expressed satisfaction with what he described as his administration’s efforts to place Bayelsa on the path of industrialisation.

He assured residents that electricity supply would reach more communities once the distribution network was adequately developed, while urging consumers to be prepared to pay for electricity consumed.

Diri described the journey to statehood as a long struggle for identity, independence and space within the Nigerian project, noting that some people paid the supreme price in the course of the struggle.

‘Road Infrastructure Is a Major Investment’

The governor described road infrastructure as one of the major investments of his administration.

He recalled that at the creation of Bayelsa, only the headquarters of the present-day Sagbama, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia and Yenagoa local government areas were accessible by road.

According to him, the headquarters of Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor and Nembe local government areas have now been connected to Yenagoa, significantly reducing travel time, improving security and boosting socio-economic activities.

Diri specifically cited the construction of the 630-metre bridge across the River Nun to Oporoma as evidence of his administration’s determination to overcome the state’s difficult terrain.

“If everybody thought that constructing a 630-metre bridge across River Nun to Oporoma was an impossibility, we have proved and will continue to prove that it is not an impossibility.

“Today, the people of Oporoma, the people of Southern Ijaw, are happy. The economic benefits are enormous. There are security benefits, economic benefits, political benefits, and social benefits of road infrastructure.”

Diri Pushes Blue Economy, Skills Development

On employment generation and the need for public-private partnerships, the governor said his administration was investing in aquaculture at the Bayelsa Aquaculture Village in Yenegwe and harnessing the potential of the agricultural sector and blue economy to create jobs.

He urged young people to acquire relevant skills rather than depend solely on white-collar employment.

Diri also announced plans to introduce underwater welding into the curriculum of technical colleges and higher institutions in the state.

“Underwater welding should be introduced to our vocational and technical schools, and to our higher institutions. The blue economy is a huge one.

“We have already started with the Agge Sea Port. From when the ministry was created, we have linked up with the Federal Ministry and recently, the Minister made some far-reaching statements about deep seaports and the development of some other seaports outside Lagos.

“Our wealth is actually in the Atlantic Ocean, and you know all our three senatorial roads lead to the Atlantic Ocean.”

The governor said the 30th anniversary should therefore serve not only as a moment to celebrate Bayelsa’s achievements, but also as a renewed call to build on the sacrifices of the past and create greater opportunities for future generations.

This version gives the story a stronger news lead, clearer subheads and a more natural newspaper flow, while preserving the substance of Governor Diri’s anniversary message.