Diri Institutionalising Service Delivery, Positioning Bayelsa for Industrial Revolution — Ikuli
Technical Adviser to the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, has said Governor Douye Diri has institutionalised effective service delivery and strategically positioned Bayelsa State on the path of industrial revolution through massive infrastructure development and economic reforms.
Ikuli made the assertion in a statement issued on Monday, where he highlighted the achievements of the “Assured Prosperity” administration across critical sectors of the state economy.
According to him, Bayelsa State, since its creation on October 1, 1996, had grappled with major developmental challenges, including poor road networks, unemployment, inadequate healthcare, poor electricity supply, and limited access to education.
He noted that for many years, the difficult riverine terrain of the state was used as justification for underdevelopment, with many residents made to believe that road connectivity across communities was impossible.
The governor’s aide, however, said the narrative had changed significantly under Governor Diri’s administration, which he described as one committed to transforming Bayelsa through aggressive infrastructural development.
Ikuli acknowledged past administrations for their contributions but maintained that Governor Diri had demonstrated exceptional commitment to road and bridge construction across the state.
He listed some of the ongoing and completed projects to include the Sagbama-Ekeremor Road, Nembe-Brass Road, Yenagoa-Angiama-Oporoma-Otuan Road, Angiama-Enewari Road, Ekeremor-Agge Road, and the Akaba-Ogu-Okodi Road.
According to him, the road linking the New Yenagoa City to the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) area has drastically reduced travel time between the Bayelsa International Airport and key government institutions within Yenagoa.
He also described the ongoing third phase of the Glory Drive project as another landmark development that would further transform the state capital and its environs.
Ikuli noted that roads once considered impossible projects, such as the Polaku-Sabageria Road and the Opolo-Elebele Road, had now become some of the best road networks in the state.
He particularly praised the transformation of the Opolo-Elebele Road, stating that it now compares favourably with roads in major Nigerian cities like Abuja and Lagos.
The governor’s aide further commended the development of the AIT-Igbogene Ring Road, especially its aesthetic night lighting system, which he said has improved the beauty and commercial appeal of Yenagoa.
On security and economic growth, Ikuli stated that the administration’s investments in security, electricity, and road infrastructure had significantly boosted nightlife, hospitality businesses, transportation, and other commercial activities across the state capital.
He added that the completion of strategic projects such as the Nembe-Brass Road and the Ekeremor-Agge Road would unlock the vast economic potential of Bayelsa’s over 203-kilometre coastline and create access to abundant marine resources.
Ikuli also applauded Governor Diri’s commitment towards the completion of major projects, including the nine-storey New State Secretariat and the proposed 25,000-capacity FIFA-standard stadium.
He further highlighted achievements in sports, healthcare, education, skill acquisition, women and youth empowerment programmes.
Speaking on electricity supply, he said many communities were already experiencing improved power supply as testing of the new gas turbine continued.
According to him, the turbine, described as one of the best globally, requires careful handling and strict adherence to technical specifications to protect the huge investment and maintain its warranty.
Ikuli commended Bayelsans for their patience and support, while expressing optimism that the ongoing reforms and infrastructure projects would permanently transform the state’s economic fortunes.
He concluded by thanking God for what he described as the leadership qualities of Governor Diri in rewriting the development history of Bayelsa State.
