Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, on Wednesday said the state has overcome the daunting terrain challenges that confronted it at creation 30 years ago.
Diri spoke in Yenagoa at an exhibition and lecture organised to mark the 30th anniversary of the state at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House.
He said Bayelsa, created on October 1, 1996 by the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, was faced with difficult terrain, limited infrastructure, poor connectivity and fragile economic base.
He said successive administrations have transformed the state.
“Today, where there was once swamp, we have an international airport. Where there were once creeks, we now have five universities as well as polytechnics. Where communities were separated by water, bridges and roads now bind us together,” Diri said.
He said the state now hosts federal facilities such as the Nigerian Content Towers, Federal Secretariat, Nigerian Law School and security formations.
He commended past administrations for their contributions, noting that development is a continuum.
Diri said his administration is giving renewed attention to the three senatorial roads, expanding the Independent Power Project from 60 to 100 megawatts and constructing a 30,000-capacity stadium and nine-storey secretariat complex.
He said the 30th anniversary should be beyond celebration, adding that the state must build stronger institutions, create opportunities for youths and women and ensure balanced development.
Delivering the anniversary lecture, Prof. Godini Darah said oil and gas have imprisoned Nigeria.
Darah said over-dependence on oil had prevented Nigeria from developing other sectors of the economy.
He called for reform of fiscal federalism and greater resource control for oil-producing areas.
He described the 13 per cent derivation to oil-producing states as “87 per cent deprivation,” adding that the Niger Delta bears the environmental consequences of oil extraction.
He blamed Petroleum Decree No. 51 of 1969 and Section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution for the injustice.
Darah urged Niger Delta leaders to invest in knowledge, science, technology and research, and called for specialised universities in oceanography, marine engineering and aquaculture.
He also advocated conversion of gas to electricity, development of petrochemical industries and proper utilisation of Petroleum Industry Act funds.
The programme featured a panel discussion moderated by the Vice-Chancellor, University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Prof. Solomon Ebobrah, with Prof. Ibaba Samuel Ibaba, Prof. Young Ayotamuno and Prof. Ongoebi Maureen Etebu as panelists.
An exhibition showcasing Bayelsa’s history and achievements was also held.
Dignitaries at the event included former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience, wife of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri, Deputy Governor Peter Akpe, children of late Gen. Abacha – Mohammed, Abba and Fatima Gumsu Abacha – National Assembly members, state legislators, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
