From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, says his administration is making steady and impactful progress in the development of the state and still poised to break new grounds
Governor Diri stated this through his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on Sunday at the Inter-denominational Church Service in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence and 29th edition of the creation of Bayelsa State at the King of Glory Chapel, Government, House, Yenagoa.
The governor who acknowledged that while the state has been modest in its growth, he expressed government’s determination to do more within available resources.
He noted that although Bayelsa was being deprived of most development enablers, especially as a state with only eight local government areas, in a country where the number of local government councils was also a determining factor for resource allocation from the federal government.
Governor Diri asserted that despite some of these challenges, the Prosperity Government remained undaunted in turning around the social economic activities
According to him, with the December deadline promised by the Diri-led administration for 24 hours power supply, the state has demonstrated its desire to move the state towards its independence from the epileptic national grid by procuring a 60 megawatts gas turbine.
Governor who announced the arrival of the turbine machines in the state, emphasized that when the turbines become functional, investors and more development opportunities would be attracted to the state.
His words “For us in Bayelsa State, our development has been modest and we are going according to the resources available to us. As you are aware, every indicator is against Bayelsa. We have just eight local government councils and you know they are used to determine development and resources.
“Despite all that, Bayelsa has continued to make progress. You are aware that the governor has been able to use the instrumentality of his doggedness to acquire 60 megawatts of gas turbine to be installed in the state and by December, we will be having 24hrs power supply.
“That is progress because once there is light there is hope. And we believe that with this development, more investors will come in. So we may not be where we ought to be but we are not where we used to be.”
Speaking on the growth of democracy in the country as it celebrates another year of independence, Governor Diri contended that for the current system of government to make meaningful progress, it must respect the rule of law and uphold the rights of citizens.
Delivering a sermon titled, “Challengers of Our Settlement,” General Stephen Odede, said the plan of God at the birth of anything is growth, but challenges have hampered the growth and progress of man.
General Odede, described Bayelsa as a great state, stressing that, no matter the size of its enemies the state and Bayelsa and its well-meaning people would always triumph.
Dignitaries present at the service were the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah, (Rtd), Speaker of the State House of Assembly, who was represented by the Member representing Sagbama Constituency 2, Col Bernard Kenebai, (Rtd), the Member representing Ekeremor Constituency 1, Hon. Tare Porri, and his Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency 1, Hon Werinipre Waripamo.
Others included Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Deputy Chief of Staff Government House, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Governor’s office, Comrade Gowon Toruyouyei, Commissioners, other top government functionaries, service commanders the and Clergymen.
Highpoint of the event was the offering of intercessory prayers for the peace and progress of the state, the Niger Delta and the nation.
