…‘Roads, Power, Jobs Remain Priorities’
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has paid tribute to the founding fathers of the state, saying Bayelsa has made significant progress in its 30 years of existence but still has much to do to realise the aspirations behind its creation.
Diri made the remarks on Thursday in a live broadcast marking the 30th anniversary of Bayelsa State and Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
Bayelsa was created on October 1, 1996, by the military administration of the late General Sani Abacha.
The governor described the twin anniversary as an opportunity to honour those who laid the foundation for the state and reflect on the responsibility of the present generation to build on their sacrifices.
He said the creation of Bayelsa was the culmination of decades of advocacy, petitions, protests, prayers and sacrifices by generations of Ijaw people seeking recognition, justice and a stronger voice within the Nigerian federation.
Diri recalled the struggle for the creation of the old Rivers State in 1967 from the former Eastern Region, describing it as a major milestone in the agitation that eventually culminated in the creation of Bayelsa 29 years later.
He paid tribute to several figures associated with the struggle and development of the Ijaw nation and Bayelsa, 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.
“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.
According to Diri, Bayelsa inherited significant challenges at creation, including difficult terrain, inadequate infrastructure, poor connectivity, a fragile economic base and the need to deliberately develop Yenagoa as the state capital.
He, however, noted that the development of an international airport, universities and polytechnics, roads and bridges, as well as increased federal presence, had transformed the state from its early years.
The governor acknowledged the contributions of successive administrations, stressing that development was a continuum and that Bayelsa’s progress was the collective achievement of those who had served and sacrificed for the state.
He said his administration was building on previous foundations through investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, power and human capital development.
On infrastructure, Diri said the three senatorial roads were receiving renewed attention, 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 a nine-storey secretariat complex.
The governor said his administration remained committed to completing inherited projects and ensuring that scarce public resources were directed towards projects with the greatest benefits for 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,” Diri said.
“As we celebrate 30 years of Bayelsa State, let us not merely look back with pride. Let us look forward with purpose.”
Roads Driving Development
Speaking later during a live media chat, Diri identified road infrastructure as one of the major investments of his administration, saying improved connectivity had transformed access to several parts of the state.
He recalled that at the creation of Bayelsa, only the headquarters of what are now Sagbama, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia and Yenagoa local government areas were accessible by road.
According to him, the headquarters of Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor and Nembe have now been connected to Yenagoa, reducing travel time while improving security and stimulating economic and social activities.
Diri cited the 630-metre bridge across the River Nun to Oporoma as an example of infrastructure projects previously considered difficult to achieve.
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“If everybody thought that constructing a 630-meter bridge across River Nun to Oporoma was an impossibility, we have proved and will continue to prove that it is not an impossibility,” he said.
He added that the project had generated economic, security, political and social benefits for the people of Southern Ijaw.
Power, Jobs, Blue Economy
On electricity, Diri said the state government was working to extend supply to more communities once the distribution network was adequately developed.
He also urged residents to be prepared to pay for electricity consumed, stressing that sustainable power supply required a viable payment system.
On employment, the governor said his administration was exploring public-private partnerships and investing in sectors capable of creating jobs beyond the traditional reliance on government employment.
He cited aquaculture at the Bayelsa Aquaculture Village in Yenagoa, agriculture and the blue economy as areas with significant employment potential.
Diri also urged young people to acquire technical and vocational skills rather than depend solely on white-collar employment.
He disclosed plans to introduce underwater welding into the curriculum of technical colleges and higher institutions in the state, citing the opportunities presented by Bayelsa’s extensive waterways and access to the Atlantic Ocean.
“The blue economy is a huge one. We have already started with the Agge Sea Port,” he said.
The governor said the state would continue to engage the Federal Government on the development of deep seaports and other maritime infrastructure, noting that Bayelsa’s three senatorial roads ultimately connect communities to the Atlantic Ocean.
Diri said the state’s 30th anniversary should therefore serve not only as a celebration of its past but as a renewed commitment to infrastructure, electricity, industrialisation, employment and human development.