Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has been busy with various projects and initiatives over the past 19 months.
One of the notable achievements is the completion of the 4.22km Igbogene-Okarki road project, which was inaugurated in August 2024. Additionally, the ongoing Outer Ring Road project aims to link communities in Ogbia and Nembe Local Government Areas, promoting economic growth and development. The rehabilitation and expansion of the Yenagoa-Oporoma Road is also underway to improve connectivity.
The key activities and highpoints of his administration include promoting his “Prosperity Government” agenda aimed at improving the lives of Bayelsa residents. Governor Diri has implemented initiatives to empower youths, promote economic growth, reduce unemployment, and stimulate economic development in the state. His administration has prioritized education and healthcare, improving schools and hospitals across the state to enhance the quality of life and provide essential services to Bayelsans.
In terms of infrastructure development, the governor has continued projects initiated by his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, demonstrating a commitment to continuity and completion of existing projects.
Bayelsa State’s infrastructure development has seen progress in road construction, bridge building, water and sanitation projects, energy infrastructure, and other efforts to improve the quality of life for Bayelsa residents. One notable project is the Nembe-Brass Road, which commenced in April 2022. The administration has also implemented various youth empowerment programs, skill acquisition training, entrepreneurship development, and job creation initiatives. The state government has supported Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through access to finance, business development services, and market linkages.
Governor Diri has prioritized agricultural development, with initiatives aimed at improving agricultural productivity, processing, and marketing, leading to increased food production and security. The administration has also established state investments to promote economic growth, create jobs for youths, and implemented electrification projects in rural communities, increasing access to electricity. A solar power project has been initiated to provide alternative energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Other ongoing projects to develop Yenagoa City include the construction of modern markets, parks, and recreational facilities, as well as rural development projects such as community centers, health facilities, and schools.
Despite these efforts, the administration has faced challenges and controversies, including allegations of forgery against the deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. Some critics argue that more needs to be done to address the state’s infrastructure challenges.
Governor Diri’s Blue Economy and Prosperity Mantra
On February 14, 2025, the current administration of Governor Diri’s Prosperity Government will mark the first anniversary of his re-election as the 5th democratically elected governor of Bayelsa State.
During his first tenure inauguration in February 2020, Governor Diri promised infrastructural development as a top priority. His focus immediately shifted to the more than 50-year-old, three senatorial roads: Yenagoa-Nembe-Brass, Sagbama-Ekeremor, and Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie roads, intended to open up Bayelsa State. These roads have consistently been listed in the federal budget without progress until the immediate past governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, initiated work on them.
Dickson advanced the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie road to Igiebiri community and took the Sagbama-Ekeremor road to Aleibiri, with stone-base laid. When Governor Diri assumed office in February 2020, he assessed the progress and cost implications of these projects and continued work.
Today, the East Senatorial District road has reached Angiama town, where a bridge is under construction to connect Oporoma, headquarters of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. On the Western flank, Governor Diri has completed asphalting from Bolou-Orua to Ekeremor.
Work on the Nembe-Brass Road project has commenced with the payment of N16 billion as a mobilization fee, representing 30% of the N54 billion contract. Sand-filling of the 21km stretch of the road is at an advanced stage, with completion expected within 24 to 36 months.
The completion of these roads will reduce transportation costs, travel time, and facilitate the evacuation of farm produce from hinterlands. More importantly, these projects will grant Bayelsa State access to the Atlantic Ocean, unlocking its vast resources and boosting the blue economy.
The ocean contains diverse and valuable resources, including sand, crude oil, natural gas, nickel, copper, cobalt, and rare-earth metals critical to emerging communication and information technologies. Plans for offshore wind energy, carbon dioxide storage beneath the sea floor, and the exploitation of ocean minerals hold potential for Bayelsa’s prosperity.
With access to the Atlantic Ocean through the senatorial roads, Governor Diri’s vision of prosperity for Bayelsa can become a reality.
