Bayelsa@30: Gov. Diri Urges Bayelsans To Uphold Ideals Of Peace, Unity And Justice

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called for a renewed commitment to the ideals of peace, justice, equity, unity and progress that inspired the creation of Bayelsa State 30 years ago.

Hotnews reports that Governor Diri made the call during an exhibition and anniversary lecture held at the Government House Banquet Hall in Yenagoa as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of the state.

The event also featured the unveiling of a commemorative book titled “Bayelsa @30: History of Its Founding and Progress,” which chronicles the struggles that preceded the creation of the state as well as its development over the past three decades.

Reflecting on the history of Bayelsa State, Governor Diri said the creation of the state on October 1, 1996, was the product of years of sustained agitation, advocacy, petitions, protests and sacrifices by generations of Ijaw leaders and activists.

He noted that the struggle was not achieved overnight, stressing that the sacrifices made by the founding fathers should serve as a constant reminder of the responsibility of present and future generations to protect the interests of the state and work for its continued development.

The Governor paid tribute to prominent figures who played significant roles in the struggle for the creation of Bayelsa, including Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro, Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, Chief Melford Okilo and Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, among other heroes and pioneers.

According to him, the state emerged with significant developmental challenges, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, transportation and connectivity, economic opportunities, social development and the establishment of Yenagoa as a functional state capital.

Governor Diri, however, said Bayelsa had made remarkable progress in several sectors since its creation, despite the challenges confronting the state.

He highlighted developments in education, healthcare, road infrastructure, bridges, aviation, electricity and the expansion of federal presence as some of the areas where the state had recorded progress over the years.

The Governor pointed to the establishment and development of universities and polytechnics, the international airport, improved road networks and bridges, as well as the Independent Power Project, among other infrastructure and institutional developments.

He also cited ongoing projects, including the 30,000-capacity stadium and the nine-storey Secretariat Complex, as part of efforts to expand the state’s infrastructure and institutional capacity.

The state helmsman stated that the remarkable achievements recorded over the past 30 years should not lead to complacency, but should rather motivate Bayelsans to work harder towards building a more prosperous and united state.

He stressed the need for successive generations to preserve the legacy of the founding fathers while developing new ideas and institutions capable of addressing emerging challenges.

The Governor also emphasized the importance of unity, noting that the collective interest of Bayelsa should remain above individual, sectional or political considerations.

In his anniversary lecture, Professor Godini Gabriel Darah examined the historical and developmental challenges confronting Bayelsa and the wider Niger Delta region.

Prof. Darah called for fundamental reforms to Nigeria’s fiscal federalism and greater resource control for oil-producing regions, arguing that such reforms would provide the states and communities that contribute significantly to the national economy with greater opportunities to determine and fund their development priorities.

He also urged leaders in the Niger Delta to place greater emphasis on education, research, technology and human capital development.

The professor noted that successive administrations in Bayelsa had contributed in different ways to the development of the state, while urging the government and people to build on the foundations already laid.

Prof. Darah further advised the state government to establish specialised institutions and programmes that would take advantage of Bayelsa’s unique geographical and economic environment.

He specifically advocated investment in areas such as marine engineering, oceanography and commercial aquaculture, noting the potential of these sectors to create employment, promote research and expand the state’s economic base.

The anniversary lecture provided an opportunity not only to celebrate Bayelsa’s history but also to examine the challenges and opportunities that would shape its next phase of economic growth, development and progress.

The event attracted an array of prominent personalities, including former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dr. Dame Patience Jonathan; the wife of the Governor, Dr. Gloria Diri; the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe; members of the family of the late former military Head of State, General Sani Abacha; members of the National Assembly; members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly; commissioners; traditional rulers; political leaders; founding fathers of the state and other distinguished Bayelsans.

The gathering underscored the significance of the 30th anniversary as a moment for reflection on Bayelsa’s journey from its creation in 1996 to its present status, while also looking ahead to the responsibilities of government, institutions and citizens in shaping the state’s future.

As Bayelsa marks three decades of existence, the call for renewed commitment to peace, unity, justice, equity and development remains central to the task of consolidating the gains of the past and building a stronger future for generations yet unborn.

~ Hot News Reporters
30th September, 2026