Bayelsa Ripe for Industrialisation as Government New Media Unveils ‘Ebidou’ Campaign
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA – Bayelsa State has declared its readiness to attract fresh investments and accelerate industrialisation, citing improvements in road infrastructure, electricity supply and security as key factors creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
The Director-General of Bayelsa Government New Media, Dr. Kolawole Oredipe, made this known at the 2026 Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Week and Annual General Meeting in Yenagoa, where he identified the state’s growing infrastructure base and natural resource potential as major opportunities for investors.
Oredipe, who spoke as a panelist at the event held at the Government House Banquet Hall, said the state had made significant progress in addressing some of the fundamental challenges that previously discouraged investments.
He noted that improved electricity supply from the state-owned gas turbines, expanding road networks and a relatively peaceful security environment had strengthened Bayelsa’s investment prospects.
According to him, Governor Douye Diri’s commitment to providing critical infrastructure has positioned the state for economic expansion and industrial development.
“This is a deliberate effort. Public Relations is at play here now. All the ingredients you look for in a place to economic boost are now here in Bayelsa State. No investor will use that as an excuse anymore. Is it power? There is light now. On security, here is a senior police officer who has confirmed Bayelsa as perhaps the most secure state in Nigeria today. Then, roads and other infrastructure connecting several places,” he said.
The New Media Director-General, however, stressed that beyond government investment in infrastructure, residents must demonstrate a positive attitude towards investors by embracing hospitality and creating an atmosphere that encourages business activities.
He said the people must become active partners in promoting the state’s economic potential rather than creating obstacles to investment.
Oredipe added that increased investment would ultimately translate into employment opportunities, improved livelihoods and stronger economic activities across communities.
He further disclosed that the Government New Media team would soon launch a media and public relations campaign tagged “Bayelsa Ebidou”, meaning “Bayelsa Is Good”, as part of efforts to reposition the state’s image and showcase its development strides to the outside world.
According to him, the campaign will highlight achievements of the Diri administration in infrastructure, healthcare, education, electricity, human capital development and security.
He described the initiative as a collective responsibility requiring Bayelsans to project the state’s positive attributes, regardless of political differences.
“The truth is that Bayelsa has moved many steps forward. Indeed, so much transformation has happened over the past years, and Governor Diri took development to another level, touching several sectors.
“As a people, we are the ones to promote the state and not demarket it if we are waiting for investments. The Bayelsa Ebidou campaign is a tool for all Bayelsans to speak well of the state. Let the outside world know that the state is secure. Let them know we can now drive to Ekeremor, Oporoma and soon to Brass Island. On social media, we must not demarket the state as a matter of patriotism. Let’s put politics aside. Truly, Bayelsa has become good,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Technical Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Chief Evarada Don Abednego, said the Governor Diri-led administration had redefined governance through impactful projects and programmes, noting that the government’s media team had continued to deploy strategic communication approaches to publicise its achievements.
The event, themed “Public Relations as a Catalyst for Economic Development and Government-Corporate-Citizen Relations in Bayelsa State: Issues and Gaps,” featured presentations by Professor Barclays Ayakoroma, who delivered the main paper, and Mr. Sherrif Hussein, who presented the keynote address.
Both speakers emphasised the importance of effective public relations practices in strengthening government-citizen relations and promoting sustainable development.
The Chairman of NIPR in Bayelsa State, Dr. Ebiware Wariowei, expressed appreciation to participants, sponsors and other stakeholders for supporting the programme, assuring that the chapter would continue to partner with the state government in deploying effective communication strategies to showcase development initiatives.
Former Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, chaired the occasion, while Chief Robert Enogha Ayalla was Guest of Honour. The Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, was also Guest of Honour, while the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, served as Royal Father of the Day.
