Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has paid tribute to the founding fathers of the state, saying their sacrifices placed an enduring responsibility on the present generation to build a better Bayelsa.
Diri stated this on Thursday in a live broadcast to mark the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State and Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
Bayelsa was created on October 1, 1996, by the then Head of State, the late General Sani Abacha, following years of agitation by the people of the area for greater political recognition and representation.
The governor said the state had recorded significant progress in its three decades of existence but noted that more remained to be done to fully realise the aspirations of those who fought for its creation.
He described the creation of Bayelsa as the outcome of years of advocacy, petitions, protests, prayers and sacrifices by generations of Ijaw people seeking justice, recognition and a greater voice within the Nigerian federation.
Diri acknowledged the contributions of prominent figures, 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 and former governor Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, among others.
“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,” Diri said.
The governor noted that Bayelsa inherited major developmental challenges at its creation, including difficult terrain, inadequate infrastructure, poor connectivity and a fragile economic base.
He said the development of roads and bridges, universities and polytechnics, an international airport and increased Federal Government presence had transformed the state from its early years.
Diri said his administration was building on the foundations laid by previous governments through investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, power and human capital development.
However, he identified road infrastructure, electricity and employment opportunities for young people as areas requiring continued attention.
“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,” he said.
Diri disclosed that work was progressing on the three senatorial roads, while the state’s Independent Power Project was being expanded from 60 megawatts to 100 megawatts.
He also disclosed that work was ongoing on the 30,000-capacity stadium and the nine-storey state secretariat complex.
Speaking during a media chat after the broadcast, the governor said road infrastructure remained one of the major areas of investment by his administration.
He recalled that at the creation of the state, only the headquarters of present-day Sagbama, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia and Yenagoa were accessible by road, noting that Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor and Nembe had since been connected to Yenagoa.
According to him, improved road connectivity had reduced travel time, strengthened security and boosted socio-economic activities across the state.
Diri also highlighted the potential of Bayelsa’s blue economy, saying his administration was investing in aquaculture, agriculture and other sectors capable of creating employment.
He said underwater welding would be introduced into the curriculum of technical colleges and higher institutions to equip young people with skills required to participate in the emerging blue economy.
“The blue economy is a huge one. We have already started with the Agge Sea Port,” the governor said.
He added that the state was working with the Federal Government on the development of deep seaports and other maritime infrastructure.
Diri urged Bayelsans, particularly youths, to acquire relevant skills rather than depend solely on white-collar employment.
He said the state’s future economic opportunities extended beyond oil and gas to agriculture, maritime activities and other areas of its blue economy.
“As we celebrate 30 years of Bayelsa State, let us not merely look back with pride. Let us look forward with purpose,” he added.