Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has inaugurated six newly constructed secondary schools in Yenagoa, the state capital, declaring that his administration’s legacy projects will speak for him after his tenure. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the governor emphasized his commitment to addressing infrastructure deficits in the education sector.

Diri stated that upon assuming office, he identified a critical shortage of school facilities and promptly approved the construction of new schools across Yenagoa. The newly inaugurated schools are located in Biogbolo, Yenezue-Epie, Ovom, Ekeki, Akenfa, and Igbogene communities, with a combined student population of 4,628.

Speaking during the joint inauguration ceremony at Government Secondary School, Biogbolo, Diri said his administration prioritizes human capacity development and will continue to invest in programs that instill the right values and skills in children. He urged students to maximize the facilities, noting that many of his peers lacked such opportunities yet excelled in various professions.

“For us, it is an opportunity to serve, and we believe these projects will speak for us. The schools we have built, the children we have trained, and the empowerment initiatives for youths and women are the legacies that will endure,” Diri said. He listed other achievements, including road infrastructure, a new stadium, a secretariat complex, and gas turbines for electricity generation.

According to Alabrah, Diri disclosed that the approval for new schools was prompted by overcrowding in existing institutions like Bishop Dimeari Grammar School and St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, which fell short of the United Nations’ recommended student-teacher ratio. “Today, we are inaugurating six of such schools, bringing the total to eight in Yenagoa, including those previously built in Ogbogoro and Swali,” he added.

The governor provided a breakdown of student enrollment in the new schools: Biogbolo (1,000), Igbogene (361), Ekeki (450), Ovom (883), Akenfa (1,237), and Yenezue-Epie (679). He also highlighted his approval of N16 billion for school renovations and the signing of a law increasing teachers’ retirement age from 60 to 65 years.

Diri warned truant teachers to either recommit to their duties or resign, stressing that the government would not tolerate absenteeism.

Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, praised the governor for transforming the state’s education landscape by expanding access beyond the two prominent schools in Yenagoa. Meanwhile, the paramount ruler of Biogbolo, His Royal Highness Frank Amos, speaking on behalf of other benefiting communities, lauded Diri for the initiative, noting that Yenezue-Epie was getting its first secondary school.

The event was attended by the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, former deputy governor and Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah, top government officials, and traditional rulers.