We’ll Diversify Bayelsa Economy In Second Term, Says Diri
*Former Presidents, Nigeria, Liberia VPs, Gov’s, Large Crowd At Inauguration
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said his administration remains
committed to the progress and economic advancement of the state as it embarks
on its second term.
To this end, Governor Diri said a five-year economic plan has been developed,
which outlined the strategies and initiatives to diversify and strengthen the
state’s economy, create jobs and attract investments.
Senator Diri stated this on Wednesday after taking his second term oath of
office and oath of allegiance alongside his deputy, Senator Lawrence
Ewhrudjakpo, at 1.56pm at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa.
The governor said his Prosperity Government achieved remarkable milestones in
various sectors of the state's economy in his first tenure.
"We have developed a comprehensive and ambitious five-year economic plan
for the state. This plan outlines our strategies and initiatives to diversify
and strengthen our economy, create jobs, attract investments, and improve the
standard of living for all Bayelsans.
“To kick start the implementation of this economic plan and to engage
stakeholders, we are excited to announce the upcoming Bayelsa State Economic
Development Summit in Yenagoa, the state capital. This summit will serve as a
platform for sharing ideas, discussing opportunities, and forging partnerships
to accelerate the economic growth of our state."
Reeling out his achievements, he said the administration worked hard to improve
road infrastructure, schools, hospitals, created more jobs, and tackled the
disunity and insecurity affecting the people.
He said: "As we embark on this second term, let me earnestly assure you
that our commitment to the progress and advancement of Bayelsa remains
steadfast. Your unwavering support and faith in our vision for a better Bayelsa
fuels our determination to continue working tirelessly for our collective welfare
and development.
"Whereas we achieved remarkable milestones in various sectors during our
first term, we also recognize that there is still more to be done. Indeed, we
can say with humility that in the last four years, we did not merely count the years,
we have made the years truly count.
"During our first term, we worked to improve the condition of our roads,
schools and hospitals, created more jobs for our people, and tackled the
disunity and insecurity affecting our people. Four years later, we can modestly
tell ourselves that we have done well.
"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."
Diri expressed gratitude to people of the state for their unflinching support.
He highlighted potable water, agriculture, education as some areas that would
receive priority attention to drive economic growth.
“Together, we will achieve greatness and leave a lasting legacy for future
generations. Let us work tirelessly to build a Bayelsa State that is the envy
of the nation, a shining example of unity and love in action. Let us rise above
political divisions and work towards a shared vision of a prosperous
Bayelsa."
Dignitaries at the well-attended inauguration ceremony included leaders from
Nigeria, Liberia, different political parties and a large crowd of excited
Bayelsans.
Two former Presidents of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr. Goodluck
Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan were in attendance.
Others were the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, Vice
President of Liberia Jeremiah Koung, Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Tajudeen Abbas and the Mnister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator
Heineken Lokpobiri.
Also in attendance were Governors Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State), Sheriff
Oborevwori (Delta), Umar Bago (Niger), Umar Fintiri (Adamawa), Senator Ademola
Adeleke (Osun), Umoh Eno (Akwa Ibom), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Caleb Muftwang
(Plateau), and Seye Makinde (Oyo)
Others were chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak
(Kwara State), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Peter Mbah (Enugu) and
Alex Otti of Abia.
Former governors that attended were Senator Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa, who now
represents Bayelsa West in the Senate, and his spouse, Dr. Rachel Dickson, as
well as former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki (Kwara) and Dr Ifeanyi Okowa
(Delta).
Among the dignitaries were Senators Ben Murray-Bruce, and James Manager, deputy
governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu, former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State
and chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John
Jonah, (rtd), former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State, Lt. Col. Paul
Edor Obi (rtd), former PDP National Chairmen, Prince Uche Secondus and Dr. Iyiorcha
Ayu.
Others who graced the event were the 2019 Bayelsa All Progressives Congress
governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon, former Secretaries to the Bayelsa
State Government, Amb. Felix Oboro and Chief Serena Dokubo Spiff, president of
the Ijaw National Congress, Prof Benjamin Okaba, and one of his predecessors,
Chief Joshua Fumudoh.
Royal fathers included chairman of the Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council and
Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo, Amanyanabo of Twon
Brass and former governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete Spiff, King
Francis Tabai of Tuomo Kingdom in Delta State among others.
Daniel Alabrah
Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor
Comments:
Leave a Reply