Diri Flags Off Maiden Fish Harvest at Yenegwe, Approves Igbogene–Yenegwe Link Road
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA – Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has flagged off the maiden fish harvest at the Bayelsa Aquaculture Village in Yenegwe, Yenagoa Local Government Area, announcing the approval of the construction of the Igbogene–Yenegwe internal link road.
The governor described the aquaculture village as a major economic opportunity capable of boosting food production, creating employment and generating foreign exchange for the state.
Speaking at the maiden harvest ceremony, Diri said the initiative marked the beginning of new opportunities for Bayelsa, urging the state to harness its vast aquaculture potential and diversify its economy beyond oil and gas.
“We are here today to harvest what has been in the ponds. But I think it goes beyond just harvesting the fish. It’s the beginning of a new opportunity for the people of Bayelsa State.
“Aquaculture now provides food, creates jobs and earns foreign exchange. Bayelsa State is determined to lead the aquaculture sector in Nigeria,” he said.
Diri commended the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Faith Zibs-Godwin, for reviving the aquaculture village, describing the development as an important step towards positioning Bayelsa as a major player in Nigeria’s aquaculture industry.
He also called on investors to take advantage of the state’s opportunities in the sector, assuring them of the government’s readiness to support partnerships that would increase production, improve market access and deliver sustainable economic benefits.
“To the investors, Bayelsa is ready to work with you. We welcome partnerships that will help production grow, strengthen market access and create lasting benefits for our people,” the governor stated.
The governor also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, saying the move demonstrated recognition of the economic importance of coastal communities, particularly the Ijaw people.
He further noted that the Federal Government had approved the Agge Deep Seaport project, which he said would complement efforts to develop the state’s marine and blue economy.
The approval of the Igbogene–Yenegwe internal link road is expected to improve access to the aquaculture village and support activities around the facility.
Dignitaries at the event included the wife of the governor, Dr Gloria Diri; Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe; Senator Friday Konbowei Benson, representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District; and Hon. Oforji Oboku, representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma-Opokuma Federal Constituency.
Others were the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, represented by Prof. Busayo Fakinlede; Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr Irorodamie Komonibo; Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Comrade Gowon Toruyouyei; Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Faith Zibs-Godwin; other commissioners, local government chairmen, the Ebenibe of Epie Kingdom, King Malla Sasime, and other government officials.
