Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has described his Vanguard Newspaper Good Governance Award as a recognition not just of his leadership, but of the unwavering support and resilience of the people of Bayelsa State.
Diri made this known on Friday night at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the 13th edition of the Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards, where he was celebrated for his outstanding leadership and governance in the last five years.
Addressing journalists shortly after receiving the award, Governor Diri said the honour belongs to the people of Bayelsa, whom he credited for creating the enabling environment for his administration to perform.
“This is not only about me. This award is for the people of Bayelsa State,” the governor declared.
“In any society, you may not get 100% support, but if you have even 95% behind you, the rest is negligible. This honour reflects the collective commitment of our youths, our women, our elders, and all stakeholders who have continued to stand by this government and who believe in a peaceful, progressive Bayelsa.”
Governor Diri’s tenure has been marked by deliberate efforts to foster peace, youth engagement, infrastructural development, and economic diversification. His administration’s focus on sustainable development, security, and inclusivity earned him accolades not just from Bayelsans, but also across the Niger Delta.
The award places him in the same league with fellow governors and high-performing public servants who were recognised at the event, including Governors Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Charles Soludo (Anambra), and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta).
The night was not only about contemporary achievers. Late elder statesmen Pa Edwin Clark and Chief Ayo Adebanjo were posthumously honoured with the Legacy of Patriotism and Selflessness Award for their lifelong service to Nigeria’s democratic ideals.
Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to distinguished Nigerians including Otunba Oyin Jolayemi, Chief Julie Coker, Chief Onyeama Ugochukwu, Dr. Peter Odili, Dr. Sule Lamido, Engr., (Mrs) Joana Maduka, Chief (Mrs) Nike Okundaye, and Chief John Oyegun.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the event and founder of Stanbic IBTC, Mr. Atedo Peterside, praised the Vanguard team for maintaining consistency and excellence in journalism over the last four decades.
“Vanguard has stood the test of time,” Peterside said. “Despite economic challenges, they’ve never missed a day of publication in over 40 years. That’s resilience, and we must commend Dr. Sam Amuka-Pemu for his commitment to truth and public accountability.”
The Lagos event attracted a distinguished array of national figures including host Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and other traditional rulers, political leaders, media icons, and industry captains.
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Governor Diri was accompanied by a high-powered delegation of Bayelsans, underscoring the pride his people take in his recognition. Among them were former deputy governor Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah (rtd), Senators Konbowei Benson and Benson Agadaga, Reps members Oforji Oboku, Dr. Mitema Obordor and Engr. Rodney Ambaiowei.
Also in attendance were Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; member representing Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency 2, Dr. Wisdom Fafi; Deputy Chief of Staff Irorodamie Komonibo; former Secretary to the State Government, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei; and former NDDC MD Chief Ndutimi Alaibe.
Traditional institutions were also represented by the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of the Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo.
Speaking on the significance of the award, Vanguard Editor, Mr. Eze Anaba, said the Personality of the Year ceremony is designed to highlight individuals who have not only excelled in their fields, but also inspired positive change.
“This is a night to celebrate service, dedication, and transformative leadership,” Anaba said.
“Our recipients are beacons of hope and examples of what is possible when vision meets discipline and public trust.”
Governor Diri’s award, in particular, is seen as a validation of his approach to governance—a leadership style built on dialogue, inclusion, and results. His critics may argue, but the sheer volume of support he has garnered both within and outside the state cannot be ignored.
For Diri, this award is not a stopping point. Instead, he said, it is a renewed call to work harder, deepen trust, and accelerate the delivery of democracy’s dividends to the people of Bayelsa.
“This honour will only push me to do more,” he told reporters. “We are committed to sustaining the peace, developing our communities, empowering our youth, and securing a future of prosperity for all Bayelsans.”
As the spotlight fades on the event, the message remains clear: when leadership is accountable and inclusive, even the smallest state can lead in the biggest way.