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BAYELSA GOVERNOR SAYS NO INDIVIDUAL BIGGER THAN PDP

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has emphasized that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is bigger than any individual and that its internal challenges can be fixed once members resolve to tackle them. Speaking to journalists at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, the Governor stated that the party’s internal issues must be addressed before it can compete with other parties. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Daniel Alabrah, in a statement, quoted Governor Diri as saying, “For me, we have to look inwards before accusing those outside our party. We have to first fix our internal issues.” Diri emphasized that the party must look inward and fix its internal challenges to be competitive. He added, “It is very easy to point accusing fingers. But the PDP has to sit back and tackle its internal challenges. That is only when we can stand to compete with others.” Diri stated that the party’s leadership alone cannot discipline those fomenting trouble, but rather, the will to do so resides with the members. He said, “We are all members of the party. The moment we all resolve that we need to fix our party, there cannot be any one person that is bigger than the party.” Diri expressed hope that the inauguration of the zonal caretaker committee was a step forward for the party. The Governor noted that the newly inaugurated zonal caretaker committee has the mandate of the National Working Committee to look into every issue affecting the party in the South-South. Diri said, “In our zone, which is the only area in the country you have four governors of the party, we have all resolved and are together on this.” He added that the governors of Akwa Ibom and Rivers have sent messages of support, indicating that the zone is united and ready to work with the zonal committee.

BAYELSA STATE GETS NEW OLYMPIC-STANDARD STADIUM PROJECT

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Olympic-standard 25,000-capacity Bayelsa stadium project at Igbogene, Yenagoa, as part of the activities marking the fifth anniversary of the Senator Douye Diri administration. The project is expected to be completed within 24 months. The Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, in a statement, said the stadium project aligns with Governor Diri’s Assured Prosperity mantra, which prioritizes urbanization, sports, and youth development. Alabrah stated that the project will not only add value to the sports sector but also generate economic opportunities, provide jobs, and stimulate local businesses. Daniel Alabrah noted that the government recognizes the cost implication of the project but is determined to make it a reality. Dr. Jonathan expressed delight over the project, saying as a Bayelsan, he was duty-bound to celebrate with the state government for the progress so far achieved. He lauded Diri’s developmental strides, urging him not to rest on his laurels and that the contractor and the state government should ensure the project met the highest standards. Jonathan also called on the state and federal governments to set up a sports fund to cater for sportsmen after their active days and encourage younger ones to be involved in sports. Governor Diri called on oil multinationals operating in the state, as well as other government and private agencies, to support the project in line with global practice where big business brands support sports. He said, “This facility will serve as an inspiration for our youth – a place where dreams can take flight, talent can be cultivated, and champions can arise.” The Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, endorsed the project, with Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, pledging the Commission’s support to make the project a reality. The NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, and his predecessor, Amaju Pinnick, also pledged support for the project, describing Diri as a man of his words.

BAYELSA STATE RECORDS REMARKABLE PROGRESS UNDER GOVERNOR DIRI

Bayelsa State has witnessed significant development in various sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, and human capacity development, under the leadership of Governor Douye Diri. This was evident during the inauguration of projects in continuation of Diri’s fifth anniversary celebrations, where the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, commended the governor’s efforts. The Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, in a statement, said Hon. Abbas inaugurated the newly-built legislators’ quarters in the New Yenagoa City, while Mutfwang inaugurated the reconstructed Onuebum-Otuoke road, linking former President Goodluck Jonathan’s community, Otuoke. Alabrah stated that Abbas described the legislators’ quarters project as a powerful demonstration of the government’s resolve to deliver only the best to the people. “Your leadership style, magnanimity, inclusivity and a strong sense of purpose has set a standard worthy of your administration,” Abbas said. Governor Diri emphasized that the New Yenagoa City was well-planned, and developers of property must follow the plan. He noted that with the infrastructure put in place by his administration, Yenagoa was expanding and no longer what it used to be. Diri also issued a directive to the Ministry of Lands and Survey to acquire additional 360 hectares of land to be allocated to interested Bayelsans and other individuals. Alabrah noted that the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Moses Teibowei, said the quarters comprised 30 units of duplexes made up of one unit of five-bedroom duplex for the Speaker while 29 units of four-bedroom duplexes for the other legislators. Daniel Alabrah stated that Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed excitement about Bayelsa’s pace of development, saying, “God did not make a mistake in making Diri the ‘Miracle Governor’ of Bayelsa State.” Mutfwang announced a donation of N15 million to the Onuebum and Otuoke communities as well as students of the Federal University, Otuoke. Governor Diri restated his call for an increase in 13 per cent derivation to oil-producing states. “We have difficulty but we have taken our destiny into our hands. That is why we tell the rest of the country that our terrain is not too difficult to develop. The resources are there. We only have to harness them justifiably and equitably,” Diri said. Alabrah noted that Diri explained that he took interest in the Onuebum-Otuoke road because of what the people suffered during flood seasons. Daniel Alabrah stated that the road was constructed in fulfillment of the governor’s campaign promise to improve connectivity across communities. According to Alabrah, the Onuebum-Otuoke road is a single carriageway measuring approximately 6.5km with six culverts, a sand-filling height of approximately 2 metres and a width of 7.3 metres. Present at the event were the wife of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri, the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Deputy Governor of Delta State, Monday Oyeme, who represented Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah, and his Edo State counterpart, Philip Shuaibu.

BAYELSA GOVERNOR DIRI MARKS 5TH ANNIVERSARY, UNVEILS IMPRESSIVE SCORECARD

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, marked the fifth anniversary of his administration with a thanksgiving service at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa. The well-attended event was graced by prominent Nigerians, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Goodluck Jonathan’s wife, Dame Patience, and Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Muftwang. The Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, noted that Governor Diri used the occasion to render his stewardship, highlighting the completion of several impactful projects, as well as ongoing and newly-awarded projects. Daniel Alabrah stated that the governor listed some of the projects to include the three big-ticket senatorial roads, particularly the Bayelsa Central road, which would get to Oporoma and be inaugurated this year. Alabrah also mentioned that the second phase of the Nembe-Brass road in Bayelsa East would come on stream, while the ongoing first phase would be 90% completed by the end of the year. Governor Diri also announced plans to construct a 25,000-seat FIFA-standard stadium, which would be flagged off by Dr. Jonathan on Monday. Alabrah noted that the administration was addressing the issue of civil servants’ office accommodation by commencing the building of an iconic nine-storey secretariat complex. Daniel Alabrah stated that the contractor, Megastar Limited, had already been paid 50% of the project cost. In the area of education, Governor Diri said there had been a shift in paradigm to science and technical education, with the government building and equipping five science and technical colleges across the state. Alabrah stated that the governor directed the Commissioner for Education to ensure that the two local government areas yet to be covered were completed this year. On the issue of epileptic power supply, Governor Diri said it would be a thing of the past when the 60mw gas turbines worth $60 million arrive the state. “We have agreed with a private company that is supplying us 60mw of gas turbines, big enough to serve not only Yenagoa but the whole of Bayelsa State. We are expecting the gas turbines to arrive Nigeria in the next two months, and I can promise you without looking back that by the end of this year, we will have 24 hours independent power supply,” Governor Diri said. Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by his Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Dr. Tope Fasua, commended Bayelsa State’s significant development and economic progress. He noted that the state was diversifying beyond crude oil and gas, which include agriculture, fishery, and sports, crucial to the state’s prosperity. The event was attended by other dignitaries, including Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Deputy Governor of Delta State, Monday Onyeme, and former Military Governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff.

DIRI VOWS TO LEAVE A BETTER BAYELSA AT FATHER’S MEMORIAL SERVICE

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has reiterated his commitment to leaving a better Bayelsa and society at large than he met. The governor made this promise during a memorial service in honour of his late father, Pa Abraham Joseph Michael Diri, at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Sampou, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state. In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Alabrah, stated that Governor Diri spoke fondly of his late father, describing him as a retired Headmaster and epitome of humility who passed away on February 12, 2023, at the age of 88. Alabrah added that the governor acknowledged his father’s positive influence on his life, saying he inculcated positive virtues in him and his siblings. “He equally stated that he would leave a better society for his children than what his father left, and that his children would also leave a better society for their children,” Daniel Alabrah said. Governor Diri also urged Bayelsans, particularly politicians, to love one another and avoid acts capable of destabilising the state. He advised the youths not to be deceived into believing that joining a cult would make them achieve their aspirations. “We went to school in mud houses but today we are handing over something better to our children. Our children will hand over something better to their own children. Society will continue to grow but it does not grow one day,” Governor Diri said. Daniel Alabrah stated that the governor further emphasized the importance of peace and unity in achieving development. “If there is no peace, there will be no development. Our people should have love for one another. If the state is in constant division, you will drive away everybody. Even the citizens will not want to come home again,” Governor Diri added. Alabrah noted that the governor appreciated the church, political associates, and everyone who attended the service. The memorial service featured thanksgiving and song rendition by the late Diri’s children led by the governor, prayers, as well as praise and worship sessions. Highlight of the event was the laying of wreath at the tomb of Pa Diri. Present at the service were prominent dignitaries, including members of the House of Representatives and the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. Alabrah stated that the governor was also joined by top government functionaries, the clergy, and traditional rulers.

MINISTER COMMENDS DIRI’S PERFORMANCE IN HEALTH SECTOR

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali-Pate, has praised Governor Douye Diri for prioritising the health of Bayelsans. Prof. Ali-Pate gave the commendation on Tuesday while inaugurating the newly established Hemodialysis and General Out-Patient Centre at the 500-bed hospital within the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), Yenagoa, as part of activities marking Governor Diri’s fifth anniversary in office. The facility was established to address non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes and kidney failure. In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, stated that the Health and Social Welfare Minister noted that tackling a major health issue like non-communicable disease in Nigeria was a strong statement of commitment by the governor as it touches the lives of millions of people. Alabrah added that the minister said what the Bayelsa State government was doing in the health sector was in line with the federal government’s health policy where states invest their resources and the federal government complements that to address the needs of the people. Alabrah also stated that Prof. Ali-Pate equally commended Governor Diri for appointing a seasoned health professional as Commissioner for Health, saying Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe’s performance made the federal ministry sought his services at the national level. Governor Douye Diri, in his remarks, said his government broke the jinx by equipping the 500-bed hospital with state-of-the-art facilities and inaugurating the Hemodialysis and General Out-Patient Centre. He said the centre was conceived due to the death of his mother in 2013 from renal failure and that he desired to have such facility to treat those with similar health conditions. “I feel very fulfilled that our people will no longer die of renal failure. I feel fulfilled that we can now offer these services to Bayelsans and to Nigerians,” Governor Diri said. The governor acknowledged the immediate past governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who donated N500 million to the Bayelsa Medical University, noting that the fund had been judiciously used. He stressed that his administration does not play politics with development as the facility will not only serve Bayelsa but also other neighbouring states who have students in the university. Daniel Alabrah stated that the governor also expressed his gratitude to the former governor of Rivers State and current honourable Minister of the FCT, saying “I do not play politics with development and whoever assisted us, we will always acknowledge and recognise you publicly.” In his welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Health Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, said the centre was a leap forward in renal care and an active drive towards universal access to healthcare. Prof. Brisibe stressed that inaugurating the centre was a defining moment in the state government’s efforts to address the growing burden of kidney disease in the country and in Bayelsa. As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Health Minister also inaugurated the Zipline Aerial Logistics Delivery System complex and an 800-metre concrete access road at Elebele. Present at the events were the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Chief Fred Agbedi, Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Secretary to the State Government, Prof Nimibofa Ayaowei, chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Bayelsa State, Chief Solomon Agwana, as well as top government functionaries.

GOVERNOR DIRI VISITS SCHOOLS, EXPRESSES DISPLEASURE AT STATE OF INFRASTRUCTURE

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed disappointment at the state of facilities in some public schools in the state. This came after an unscheduled visit to Saint Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata-Yenagoa, and the Ijaw National Academy, Kaiama in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area. Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, in a statement, noted that Governor Diri directed the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, to immediately address dilapidated structures in schools across the state. The governor also expressed concern over the absence of sporting facilities, uncompleted dining hall, and the state of hostels at the Ijaw National Academy. Alabrah stated that Governor Diri restated his administration’s commitment to developing the education sector, given its importance to nation-building. Daniel Alabrah stated that Governor Diri will undertake more unscheduled visits to schools and other government departments to see things for himself. He called on relevant officials to take maintenance of public facilities more seriously. Governor Diri said, “I have been to Saint Jude’s and I am here at the Ijaw National Academy. I am not satisfied with what I have seen… If schools that are in the urban, motorable areas are in this state, how would those in the rural, riverine communities be like?” Alabrah noted that the governor, who was a teacher, returned to the classroom at the Ijaw National Academy to teach senior secondary students preparing for Government as a subject in the upcoming WASC examination. Alabrah stated that Governor Diri directed the Commissioner for Education to ensure that the Ijaw National Academy is rehabilitated and that the completed basketball court be handed over to the school authorities in Saint Jude’s by Friday.

BAYELSA CABINET APPROVES PURCHASE OF 60MW GAS TURBINES TO BOOST ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

The Bayelsa State Executive Council has approved the purchase of 60 megawatts gas turbines to boost electricity supply in the state. The state cabinet gave the approval during its 151st meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday. Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, and her Ministry of Power counterpart, Engr. Kharin Komuko, briefed the press after the meeting, saying the project would ensure constant power supply and prevent a repeat of the recent long period of power outage the state was plunged into by vandals. “Exco approved the purchase of gas turbines with a combined capacity of 60 megawatts that will serve Yenagoa and environs,” Engr. Komuko said. Mrs. Koku-Obiyai added, “Approval was given expressly for the purchase of the turbines. That is to say, hopefully, before the end of this year, Bayelsans will begin to enjoy uninterrupted power supply. I believe this is a good one for us as a state as it will boost our economy and attract more investors.” In another development, Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, described the state as the most climate impacted in the country. “We hold this visit dearly because we are in an area you can say we are number one on the effect of climate change in Nigeria. So, we will work with you and collaborate with you,” Governor Diri said in his office when he received a delegation from the National Climate Change Secretariat led by the Director General, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe. Diri also welcomed the new General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, urging him to take a cue from his predecessor who shielded himself from political affiliations. “I express the belief that going by the record of service of the new GOC available to me, he would uphold the standard already laid in the division and to portray the army in good light,” Diri said. Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, said the state government will give the new GOC the necessary support to ensure he delivers on his assignment.

GOVERNOR DIRI EMERGES CHAIRMAN OF SOUTH-SOUTH GOVERNORS FORUM

Governors of the South-South geo-political zone have unanimously elected Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, as chairman of the South-South Governors Forum. The election took place on Tuesday during the forum’s meeting in Government House, Yenagoa. Chief Press Secretary to Governor of Bayelsa State, Daniel Alabrah, said in a statement that Cross River Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, emerged as vice chairman of the forum. Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, moved the motion nominating Diri while his Rivers State counterpart, Siminalayi Fubara, seconded it. Responding, Diri said his emergence as chairman was a call to higher service and promised to serve the forum and the region diligently. He stated that the forum would go beyond issuing communiques to taking action in critical issues that affect the region’s development. “Working together, we have all resolved that our region will not fail. We have seen other regions working while our region was quiet,” Diri said. In his opening address, Diri outlined the objectives of the forum, which include fostering greater synergy among states, advancing regional investments in critical sectors, and promoting sustainable development and prosperity. He identified South-South regional flight connection as one area of collaboration to ease air travel within the zone. The governors also expressed support for the ongoing tax reforms of the President Bola Tinubu administration, but urged the president to extend the proposed VAT sharing to other areas of derivation like oil and gas. They argued that the law on oil derivation prescribed a minimum of 13 per cent and that the federal government should consider increasing the amount on oil derivation to states in the region. The forum appreciated the president for the award and commencement of the coastal road project, but demanded that it equally commence from the Calabar axis to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic development in the region. They also called for the intervention of the federal government in other areas, including the extension of the ongoing remediation of Ogoni land to other polluted environments in the region. Alabrah said the highpoint of the meeting was the celebration of the birthday of the Rivers governor, Sim Fubara, who turned 50 on Tuesday.

SOUTH KOREA HANDS OVER MECHANISED AGRIC EQUIPMENT TO BAYELSA

The Republic of South Korea has donated mechanised farming equipment worth over $500,000 to the Bayelsa State government. The items include four tractors, two rice transplanting machines, one rice seeding machine, 10,000 rice seed beds, and four 10-tonne per day rice mills. Speaking at the handover and rice planting demonstration ceremony, Chief Press Secretary Daniel Alabrah said the South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Rear Admiral Kim Pankyu (rtd), handed over the equipment to the state government at the School-to-Land Farm complex in Yenagoa. Alabrah stated that Ambassador Pankyu noted that Bayelsa was endowed with suitable soil and favourable weather for rice cultivation, and expressed optimism that the equipment and training of the state’s personnel would help boost rice production in the state. Alabrah added that the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, said the equipment was the first result of the collaboration between the two governments. He noted that the gesture will boost the state’s effort to enhance food security and stimulate economic growth. The chief press Secretary stated that the governor also directed the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources to procure more farming equipment to boost production in the state. Governor Diri conferred on Ambassador Pankyu the honorary citizenship of Bayelsa at a state banquet in honour of the ambassador and his delegation. The governor assured of stronger ties between Bayelsa and South Korea.

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