Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has eulogised founding fathers of Bayelsa, saying the homogenous Ijaw state created 30 years ago has made progress.
Diri, in a live broadcast on Thursday to mark Bayelsa @30 and Nigeria @66, said much still needs to be done to fully realise the aspirations of the founding fathers.
He said the twin anniversary provides an opportunity to honour those who laid the foundation and to reflect on what the present generation will bequeath.
He said Bayelsa’s creation was product of advocacy, petitions, protests, prayers and sacrifices by Ijaw people seeking justice and a voice in the federation.
Diri recalled that old Rivers State was created from the former Eastern Region in 1967 through struggles spearheaded by Ijaws, which culminated in Bayelsa’s creation 29 years later.
He listed heroes including Major Isaac Boro, Harold Dappa-Biriye, Melford Okilo, Ernest Ikoli, Joshua Fumudoh, Alfred Diete-Spiff, Lambert Eradiri, Frank Opigo, Amatari Zuofa, Amba Ambaiowei, T.K Ogoriba, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Dan Etete, Victor Ombu and W.G Yanga.
“Some gave their time. Some gave their resources. Some gave their liberty. Some paid the ultimate price,” he said.
He said at creation Bayelsa inherited difficult terrain, poor infrastructure and fragile economy, but has been transformed with airport, universities, roads and bridges.
Diri said his administration is consolidating on past achievements with investments in education, health, infrastructure and power, adding that the three senatorial roads are receiving attention while the power project is being expanded from 60MW to 100MW.
He said work is progressing on the 30,000-capacity stadium and nine-storey secretariat, and that government will complete inherited projects.
After the broadcast, Diri hosted a media chat where he said his government has placed Bayelsa on the path of industrialisation.
He said power would get to more communities and urged residents to pay for electricity consumed.
He described road infrastructure as major investment, saying only four council headquarters were accessible by road at creation but Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor and Nembe are now connected, reducing travel time and boosting economy.
He said government is investing in aquaculture and blue economy, with Agge Seaport and underwater welding training planned for job creation.
