…Gov unveils anniversary book as Jonathan, Abacha family, founding figures, others honour state’s three-decade journey
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called for a renewed commitment to the ideals of peace, justice, equity, unity and development that inspired the struggle for the creation of the state 30 years ago.
Diri made the call on Wednesday at an anniversary exhibition and public lecture held at the Government House Banquet Hall, Yenagoa, as part of activities marking Bayelsa’s 30th anniversary.
Bayelsa was created on October 1, 1996, from the old Rivers State, with Yenagoa as its capital. The state government has organised the anniversary around the theme, “Bayelsa@30: Celebrating Legacies.”
At the event, Diri also unveiled a commemorative book titled Bayelsa @30: History of Its Founding and Progress, documenting the circumstances surrounding the state’s creation and its development over three decades.
The governor said the anniversary should go beyond celebration and provide an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by the founding fathers and the responsibility of the present generation to build a stronger future for the state.
He recalled the prolonged struggle by generations of Ijaw leaders for the creation of a separate state, marked by advocacy, protests, petitions and other sacrifices before the dream was realised in 1996.
Diri paid tribute to prominent figures associated with the struggle, including Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro, Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, Chief Melford Okilo, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and other leaders who contributed to the movement.
According to him, the new state inherited major challenges at creation, particularly in infrastructure, transportation and connectivity, economic development, social services and the development of Yenagoa as a functional capital.
The governor, however, said Bayelsa had made significant progress in the past three decades, citing developments in education, healthcare, road and bridge construction, aviation, electricity and the expansion of federal presence.
He listed the state’s international airport, universities and polytechnics, improved road network and Independent Power Project among projects and institutions that have contributed to the state’s development.
He also highlighted ongoing projects, including the 30,000-capacity stadium and the nine-storey Secretariat Complex, as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s infrastructure and institutional capacity.
Darah Demands Fiscal Reform
Delivering the anniversary lecture, Professor Godini Gabriel Darah called for fundamental reforms to Nigeria’s fiscal federalism and greater resource control by oil-producing regions.
Darah also urged leaders in the Niger Delta to channel greater attention towards education, research, technology and human capital development as the region seeks to translate its natural resources into sustainable prosperity.
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He said successive administrations in Bayelsa had contributed to the development of the state but stressed the need for future governments to build on existing foundations.
The professor further advised the state government to establish specialised institutions focused on areas with strong economic relevance to Bayelsa, including marine engineering, oceanography and commercial aquaculture.
Jonathan, Abacha Family Attend
The anniversary lecture attracted former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, as well as members of the family of the late former Head of State, General Sani Abacha.
Other dignitaries included the wife of the governor, Dr Gloria Diri; Deputy Governor Dr Peter Akpe; members of the National Assembly; state lawmakers; commissioners; traditional rulers; political leaders; founding figures and other prominent Bayelsans.
The presence of members of the Abacha family was particularly significant given that the late military leader announced the creation of Bayelsa State on October 1, 1996.
Ahead of the anniversary, Diri had visited the Abacha family in Abuja and announced plans by the state government to honour the late military leader for his role in the creation of Bayelsa.
The anniversary programme has included cultural, educational and developmental activities designed to commemorate Bayelsa’s journey since 1996 while focusing attention on its future.
For Diri, the three-decade milestone is therefore both a celebration of the state’s journey and a call for citizens and leaders to renew their commitment to building a more united, peaceful and prosperous Bayelsa.