Bayelsa @ 30, Nigeria @ 66: Tekenah Celebrates, Seeks Stronger Partnership With Brass, Nembe, Ogbia

Bayelsa East Senatorial District candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Dau Kenny Tekenah, has congratulated Nigerians and the people of Bayelsa State on the 66th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria and the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State.

Tekenah, in a message marking the twin celebrations, described October 1 as a significant date for both Nigeria and Bayelsa, urging citizens to use the occasion to reflect on the journey so far while looking forward to a future of greater unity, development and prosperity.

Nigeria attained independence on October 1, 1960, while Bayelsa State was created on October 1, 1996.

The Bayelsa State Government is also marking the state’s 30th anniversary with a series of activities under the theme “Bayelsa @ 30: Celebrating Legacies.” The state government has described the anniversary as an opportunity to celebrate its achievements, reflect on its journey and prepare for the future.

Tekenah said Bayelsa’s three decades of existence provide an opportunity to recognise the contributions and sacrifices of successive generations of Bayelsans, community leaders, professionals, traditional institutions and others who have contributed to the growth of the state.

He, however, noted that the anniversary should also inspire renewed attention to the future, particularly the need to create greater opportunities for young people, strengthen communities and harness the state’s abundant human and natural resources.

Tekenah Reaches Out To Brass, Nembe, Ogbia

Speaking particularly to his constituents in Brass, Nembe and Ogbia Local Government Areas, Tekenah called for stronger unity, cooperation and partnership as the people look towards the next chapter of Bayelsa’s development.

He said the progress of Bayelsa East must remain a collective responsibility, requiring the participation of community leaders, traditional institutions, women, youths, professionals, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders.

Tekenah appealed to the people across the three Local Government Areas to support his aspiration to represent them at the National Assembly, while expressing his readiness to maintain an open and sustained relationship with constituents.

He said meaningful representation should involve regular engagement with the people, listening to their concerns and working with them to identify practical solutions to the challenges confronting their communities.

According to him, Brass, Nembe and Ogbia possess enormous economic and human potential that can contribute significantly to the development of Bayelsa East and the state as a whole.

He identified areas such as infrastructure, youth development, entrepreneurship, agriculture, fisheries, environmental protection and the wider blue economy as areas requiring sustained attention and collective action.

Tekenah also stressed the importance of creating opportunities for young people to acquire relevant skills, establish businesses and participate meaningfully in the economic development of their communities.

He said the unique riverine environment of Bayelsa requires development approaches that take the peculiar needs of coastal and rural communities into consideration.

“Brass, Nembe and Ogbia are our people, our communities and our strength. I look forward to a stronger partnership with our people, based on mutual respect, understanding and a shared commitment to the development of our senatorial district,” he said.

Tekenah, whose name appears on published lists of the 2027 senatorial candidates as the NDC candidate for Bayelsa East, said his vision was centred on stronger engagement and a people-oriented approach to representation.

Nigeria At 66

On Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, Tekenah called for renewed patriotism, peace, unity and commitment to national development.

He said the anniversary should remind Nigerians of the importance of preserving the country’s unity while creating an environment where citizens can pursue their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to national growth.

According to him, Nigeria’s greatest strength remains its people and their ability to overcome challenges, innovate and contribute to the development of their communities and the nation.

Tekenah urged Nigerians to continue to promote peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, stressing that the country’s diversity should remain a source of strength.

He also called for greater opportunities for young Nigerians, noting the importance of education, entrepreneurship, skills development and productive economic activity in preparing the next generation for leadership and responsible citizenship.

He expressed hope that Nigeria would continue to strengthen its institutions, expand opportunities for citizens and harness its vast human and natural resources for sustainable development.

The Federal Government, in its Independence Day programme, has similarly highlighted growth, production, shared prosperity, infrastructure, agriculture, education, digital skills, energy and enterprise as areas of national focus.

Tekenah urged Nigerians to use the anniversary to renew their commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous country, while encouraging citizens to remain hopeful about Nigeria’s future.

He extended his greetings to Nigerians at home and abroad, as well as to the people of Bayelsa State, particularly the people of Bayelsa East.

“On this special occasion of Nigeria at 66 and Bayelsa at 30, I celebrate with our people and pray for greater peace, prosperity and opportunities for all.

“To the good people of Brass, Nembe and Ogbia, I look forward to a stronger partnership with you. Together, through dialogue, cooperation and collective effort, we can contribute to a greater Bayelsa East and a better Nigeria.

“Happy 66th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria, and happy 30th anniversary to our dear Bayelsa State,” Tekenah said.