Edith CHUKU
Governor Douye Diri’s passion for peace and commitment to unity across political divides, has overwhelmed the Managing Director/CEO of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority NDBDA, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare.
Amgbare who spoke with journalists on Friday, in Abuja, praised Diri’s peacebuilding initiatives which he said has created a stable and secure environment, essential for investment, economic growth and sustainable development.
The NDBDA boss also congratulated the Bayelsa State governor on his sixth year anniversary, noting that his peacebuilding initiatives has brought about rapid socio-economic and infrastructural development in the state.
According to Amgbare, Bayelsa has made significant strides in infrastructure development under Diri’s administration, highlighting the ongoing construction of a 30,000-seater modern stadium, a 9-storey iconic secretariat complex, and the procurement of a 60mw gas turbine to address the state’s power challenges.
These projects, he said, demonstrate the governor’s commitment to the socio-economic advancement of the oil-rich state.
The MD also pointed out that the reintroduction of technical colleges and free boarding schools across local government areas, with twelve model schools equipped with modern facilities, is providing the youth with a brighter future in entrepreneurship, innovation, inventions, and skills development.
He stressed that the governor has made remarkable progress in infrastructural development across all sectors, including sports, power, agriculture, education, road network, health, human capital, culture and tourism, transportation, blue economy, and social progress.
“However, without peaceful coexistence, there could be no meaningful development. These projects, particularly the massive road network, have improved connectivity, accessibility, and facilitated economic activity across the state.
“A peaceful environment can attract investors, both local and foreign, to invest in the state, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. Peace promotes social cohesion and reduces conflict, which can lead to increased social and economic activity, and improved relationships between different communities.
“There is no doubt that Diri’s administration has brought renewed hope and a new dawn to the people of Bayelsa State, with his commitment to completing all ongoing legacy projects, saying that the governor’s earlier peacebuilding efforts facilitated the rapid socio-economic and infrastructural development in the state.
“Peacebuilding empowers local communities to take ownership of their development, making them more resilient to conflict and more likely to sustain development efforts. It also reduces the costs associated with conflict, such as destruction of infrastructure, loss of life, and displacement of people, which can be invested in development projects.
“Peacebuilding fosters partnerships between government, civil society, and the private sector, which can lead to more effective and sustainable development outcomes.
“It promotes dialogue and reconciliation between different communities and stakeholders, enhancing inclusive and participatory governance structures, while fostering economic development and investment, improving access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and clean water.” Prince Amgbare emphasized.
