Diri Says Roads, Power, Jobs Top Priorities As Bayelsa Marks 30 Years
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA – Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has identified roads, electricity and job creation as key priorities for the state as it marks its 30th anniversary, while acknowledging the sacrifices of the founding fathers who fought for the creation of the state.
Diri stated this in a live broadcast on Thursday to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Bayelsa State and Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The governor said the anniversary was an opportunity not only to celebrate the progress recorded since Bayelsa was created on October 1, 1996, by the military administration of the late General Sani Abacha, but also to reflect on the work that remained to be done.
According to him, Bayelsa’s creation was the outcome of decades of advocacy, petitions, protests, prayers and sacrifices by generations of Ijaw people who sought greater recognition and participation in the Nigerian federation.
Diri paid tribute to the state’s founding fathers and other prominent figures who contributed to the struggle for statehood, 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 their sacrifices placed an enduring responsibility on the present generation to build a stronger 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,” he said.
The governor noted that Bayelsa inherited significant challenges at creation, including difficult terrain, inadequate infrastructure, poor connectivity and a fragile economic base, as well as the need to 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 significantly changed the state from its early years.
Diri also acknowledged the contributions of successive administrations, describing development as a continuum and saying the progress recorded in Bayelsa was the collective achievement of people who had served and sacrificed for the state.
He said his administration was building on the foundations laid by previous governments through investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, electricity and human capital development.
On infrastructure, Diri said his administration was giving renewed attention to the three senatorial roads, while the state’s Independent Power Project was being expanded from 60 megawatts to 100 megawatts.
He also disclosed that work was progressing on the 30,000-capacity stadium and the nine-storey secretariat complex.
The governor said completing inherited projects remained part of his administration’s priorities, stressing that limited public resources must be directed towards projects capable of delivering the greatest benefits to residents.
“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,” he said.
Speaking during a live media chat after the anniversary broadcast, Diri said his administration had made progress towards its vision of industrialising the state.
He assured residents that electricity supply would reach more communities once the distribution network was adequately developed, but urged electricity consumers to be prepared to pay for the power they consume.
The governor described Bayelsa’s 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 process.
Diri also highlighted road infrastructure as one of the major investments of his administration. He recalled that at the creation of the state, only the headquarters of the present Sagbama, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia and Yenagoa local government areas were accessible by road.
He said the headquarters of Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor and Nembe had since been connected to Yenagoa through road projects, reducing travel time, improving security and expanding socio-economic activities.
The governor cited the 630-metre bridge across River Nun to Oporoma as an example of a project that had demonstrated that difficult infrastructure challenges could be overcome.
According to him, the road and bridge infrastructure had generated economic, security, political and social benefits for residents of Southern Ijaw.
On employment, Diri said his administration was exploring public-private partnerships and developing sectors with the potential to create jobs, including aquaculture, agriculture and the blue economy.
He cited investments at the Bayelsa Aquaculture Village in Yenegwe and plans to strengthen the state’s blue economy as part of efforts to expand economic opportunities for young people.
The governor urged youths to acquire technical and vocational skills rather than depend solely on white-collar employment.
He disclosed that underwater welding would be introduced into the curriculum of technical colleges and higher institutions in the state, noting that the skill could support emerging opportunities in the blue economy.
“Underwater welding should be introduced to our vocational and technical schools, and to our higher institutions. The blue economy is a huge one,” he said.
Diri also linked the state’s economic prospects to the Atlantic Ocean, noting that work had commenced around the Agge Sea Port and that the state was engaging relevant federal authorities on the development of deep seaports.
“Our wealth is actually in the Atlantic Ocean, and you know all our three senatorial roads lead to the Atlantic Ocean,” he said.
As Bayelsa marks three decades of statehood, Diri said the anniversary should serve as a reminder of the sacrifices of previous generations while motivating the present generation to complete unfinished projects and create greater opportunities for the future.
“As we celebrate 30 years of Bayelsa State, let us not merely look back with pride. Let us look forward with purpose.”
