By Osaro Okhomina
In the last few months, the prosperity government of Gov. Douye Diri has opened new chapters in the history of the state with the commissioning of legacy projects accross the three Senatorial districts of the state.
The first chapter of these transformative stories was launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his recent visit to the state. The immediate past Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, undertook the second series.
The history cut across different sectors as health, power generation and inauguration of multiple road infrastructures.
And with the multitude of Bayelsans coming to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, it showed that the people are more than happy to be part of the landmark development in the state.
Good to recall that President Tinubu, started these new chapters of development with the commissioning of the Bayelsa State Independent Power Project ( 60 Megawatts Gas Turbine), the newly constructed Dual Carriage New Yenagoa-LNG Road, the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge and the 42km Sagbama – Ekeremor Road.
The President was full of praises and described Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri as a symbol of purposeful leadership.
He said, “Gov. Diri, you’ve done a great job. I’ve commissioned some projects- very transformative projects. The bridge, linking communities, dual carriageways {that are} creating opportunities and jobs and hope for our nation. Thank you for that commitment. You have demonstrated very purposeful leadership”.
“Thank you for being a very good progressive governor. I feel at home in Bayelsa”, Tinubu stated.
In his speech, the Bayelsa state governor, Senator Douye Diri acknowledged the impact of President Tinubu’s reforms on the development of the nation particularly the intervention in the power sector which enabled his government to deliver on the pledge for an independent source of power supply.
According to Gov. Diri, “Your Excellency, your administration’s desire and decisive policy interventions has paved the way for meaningful reforms in various sectors including the power sector, enabling us to deliver on our pledge of reliable independent energy through the construction of 60Mega Watts gas powered turbines. For us, it is a cause for thanksgiving and rejoicing.”
The mood of top leaders at the events including Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, President of the Senate, Head of service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson Jack, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Hon. Minister of Petroleum(oil), Sen. Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo state, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, Governor Siminalaye Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state, Federal lawmakers was in agreement with President Tinubu that Governor Diri has done well for Bayelsa’s growth.
While the jubilant and enthusiastic people of Bayelsà were recovering from the excitement provided by the visit of President Tinubu, the prosperity administration unfolded another rounds of commissioning.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo landed in the Glory of all Lands.
Prof. Osinbajo, who, four years ago on February 19th, 2022, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the historic Angiama-Oporoma bridge, drove through the bridge with Gov. Diri to Oporoma to inaugurate the Oporoma Referral Hospital.
The convoy stopped at a point for Prof. Osinbajo to physically feel the Angiama-Oporoma bridge. What a nostalgic feeling for him, seeing such a landmark project in a hitherto forested site!
The bridge, according to the state government, has been on the cards for over 60 years. And also the Oporoma Referral Hospital started as far back as 1973.
Many agreed that the Government of Assured Prosperity in Bayelsà State is redefining governance and “we are taming the hitherto “difficult” terrain to deliver legacy projects for our people.”
The former Vice President also inaugurated the Agbura-Ox-bow Lake Road in Yenagoa LGA.
Prof. Osinbajo, who remarked that Bayelsans and Nigerians have seen foresight and vision in the person of Gov. Diri, noted that he was so impressed with his development achievements in the state.
The former VP stated that once a leader understands the reason why God gave him power, the people will rejoice, adding that God did not make a wrong choice in Governor Diri.
Gov. Douye Diri thanked the former VP for performing the groundbreaking of the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma bridge and the inauguration of the Oporoma Referral Hospital, of which construction work started over fifty years ago.
Gov. Diri also re-echoed his political approach of unity, peace, reconciliation and development, promising that his administration will construct the road leading to Osokama, where the Referral Hospital is situated, fence it, and connect Oporoma and the hospital to the state-owned gas turbine.
With more projects nearing completion, the stakeholders within and outside the state, have agreed that Gov. Douye Diri administration is the best in the areas of infrastructural development, security, health and human capital development with thousands of Bayelsans now showing key interest in the emergence of a virile and prosperous State. Indeed, a new Bayelsa of greater opportunities is emerging.
