Senator Douye Diri on Wednesday began the second and last leg of his journey as governor of Bayelsa State, with an acknowledgement of the contributions of critical stakeholders in his success stories during his first term.
Diri had floored Chief Timipre Sylva of the APC on November 11 last year, when the people of the state filed out to choose a governor for themselves.
With the victory, Diri won a second term ticket. People like Dr Goodluck Jonathan and other stakeholders from the state stood their grounds and insisted that the governor must return, as anything to the contrary would have meant that the state would again be experiencing violence and cult attacks.
As Diri mounted the rostrum to take his fresh oath of office, he was quick to acknowledge the contributions and support of Bayelsa people towards his re-election, saying that the state could only grow if everyone worked as one united people.
He said he was able to succeed during his first in office because his exco members, aides, house of assembly members, the judiciary and all the people stood behind him.
He spoke on the achievements recorded during the first term. “Under the Prosperity Administration, there is no culture of abandoning projects as we continued and completed a number of inherited projects while initiating new ones. So much so that it is safe to say our state resembles a humongous construction site.
“For the past four years, this government has prioritized interventions in education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, sports, transportation, human capacity development, youth and women empowerment as well as security.
“We are happy to report some life-changing interventions in different spheres, including prompt payment of pensions and outstanding gratuities, expansion of the State Health Insurance Scheme, introduction of a robust science, technical and vocational education programme and the construction of new technical colleges to boost manpower development.
“It is important to mention that we put in place a well-structured educational curriculum that is designed to meet the challenges presented by a fast-paced, technology-driven environment. Instead of placing undue emphasis on paper qualifications, we must shift our focus towards education that highlights practical skills.
“Our government has also taken action in the area of sports development by organising an annual sports festival. Additionally, we have implemented a business empowerment programme for youths and women, providing them with N200,000 grant to four small scale businesses in each of the 105 wards in the state monthly. This programme has already benefitted over 3,000 individuals. The government has also introduced a robust skill acquisition programme.
“You will be pleased to know that we have initiated several strategic infrastructure projects within the state. Some of these landmark projects include the three senatorial roads that have opened up several riverine communities across the eight Local Government Areas of the state.
“I am excited about the potential of the senatorial roads in opening up extensive opportunities within our Blue Economy zone. These roads promise to unlock tremendous potential in this sector, allowing for significant economic diversification while ensuring the protection and conservation of our valuable marine resources.
“The 22.2km Yenagoa- Oporoma-Ukubie road, with a bridge constructed at Aguobiri, and which has so far reached Angiama community with work ongoing on the Angiama-Oporoma bridge across the Nun River.
“The 42km Sagbama-Ekeremor road has been completed with five new bridges at various points. Your government of prosperity in June 2022 flagged-off the very historic Nembe-Brass Road and commenced work on the first phase of 21 kilometres.
“I am happy to report that work is progressing well with sand filling now beyond 10 kilometres waiting for asphalting.
“Your government also started and completed the new 10.8km dualised Glory Drive Phase 2, constructed and inaugurated the 21km Igbogene-Elebele Outer Ring Road in different phases as part of urban renewal plan for the expansion of Yenagoa metropolis.
“We also initiated the redesigning and remodelling of the Etegwe/Edepie Roundabout to ease flow of traffic and that problem has largely been fixed.
“The Prosperity Government while completing the dualisation of Isaac Boro Expressway initiated and constructed the new Etegwe bridge. Again in Yenagoa, the contractor handling the completion work on the dualisation of the Opolo-Elebele road will soon deliver the job.
“Your government equally initiated and inaugurated the new 6km Igbedi road, completed the Nembe unity bridge, completed the Imiringi bridge, initiated, constructed and inaugurated the Elebele bridge. Also, last year, we commenced construction work on the Akaba-Okodi road to link several riverine communities in Ogbia Local Government Area.
“The ongoing reconstruction of Onuebum-Otuoke road is almost completed. The Prosperity Government took over the abandoned Polaku-Sabagreia road from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and I can tell you that construction is ongoing alongside work on the connecting bridge between Yenagoa and Kolokuma/Opokuma LGAs. Again, we have started the Bolou-Orua-Akeddei-Toru-Ebeni road to reduce travel time between far end of Bayelsa West and Yenagoa, the state capital.”
Getting into the second phase of his government, the governor said it was important for the state to remain united and peaceful.
“Permit me to emphasise at this point the imperative of unity and togetherness. The African proverb, ‘if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together’, captures the essence of our journey ahead.
“We must remember that meaningful and lasting progress can only be achieved when we work together as a united front. Let us embrace the wisdom of this proverb and recognise the strength that comes from collaboration and corporation. Together, we can overcome any obstacle, achieve great feats, and build a Bayelsa State that is prosperous, inclusive, and resilient.”
“I cannot end this address without expressing my deepest gratitude to our illustrious founding fathers. Also my predecessors, most of whom have shown visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and tireless efforts which have shaped Bayelsa State into what it is today. I say thank you. We stand on the shoulders of giants, and it is only fitting that we acknowledge and appreciate their contributions to our progress.
“Likewise, I would like to acknowledge the warm reception and cooperation I receive from the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. As a one-time federal legislator, I can confidently say that contrary to what some may think, checks and balances are not meant to incite conflict or hostility, but rather, they are a vital form of collaboration that ensures the well-being of our citizenry. I am enthusiastic about continuing our excellent partnership with Mr. Speaker as well as the leadership and members of this esteemed institution.”
