Diri: At 30, Bayelsa Has Overcome Terrain Challenges — Darah Blames Oil Dependence For Nigeria’s Economic Woes
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has said the state has overcome the daunting terrain challenges that confronted it at its creation 30 years ago, recording significant progress in infrastructure, connectivity and human development.
Diri stated this on Wednesday at an exhibition and public lecture organised as part of activities marking Bayelsa State’s 30th anniversary at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa.
Bayelsa State was created on October 1, 1996, by the military administration of the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.
The governor noted that at creation, the state was confronted with difficult terrain, limited infrastructure, poor connectivity and a fragile economic base, but successive administrations had steadily transformed the landscape.
According to him, the construction of roads and bridges linking communities previously separated by creeks, the development of an international airport, and the establishment of universities and other institutions demonstrated the extent to which Bayelsa had overcome its geographical limitations.
He said, “Today, where there was once swamp, we have an international airport. Where there were once creeks, we now have five universities as well as polytechnics. Where communities were separated by water, bridges and roads now bind us together.”
Diri also highlighted the expansion of federal presence in the state through facilities including the Content Towers, Federal Secretariat, Nigerian Law School and various security formations.
He acknowledged the contributions of successive administrations to the development of Bayelsa, describing the progress recorded over the past three decades as a continuum built on the efforts and sacrifices of previous leaders and citizens.
The governor said renewed attention was being given to the state’s senatorial roads, while the Independent Power Project was being expanded from 60 to 100 megawatts.
He also identified the ongoing construction of the 30,000-capacity stadium and the nine-storey Secretariat Complex as major projects expected to strengthen public services, connectivity and economic activity.
However, Diri said the 30th anniversary should not only be an occasion to celebrate past achievements but also an opportunity to chart a stronger future for the state.
He stressed the need to strengthen institutions, create opportunities for youths and women, protect the environment and ensure balanced development across Bayelsa.
“The legacies of yesterday must become the launchpad for the Bayelsa of tomorrow: a Bayelsa that is more connected, more prosperous, more just, more peaceful, and more promising for every citizen and resident,” he said.
Darah: Oil, Gas Imprisoned Nigeria
Delivering the anniversary lecture, renowned scholar and public intellectual, Prof. Godini Darah, said Nigeria’s overdependence on oil and gas had constrained the country’s economic development.
Darah argued that the nation’s reliance on petroleum resources had hindered the development of other productive sectors of the economy.
He called for fundamental reforms to Nigeria’s fiscal federalism and greater resource control for oil-producing regions.
The scholar described the 13 per cent derivation allocation to oil-producing states as “87 per cent deprivation,” arguing that the Niger Delta bears the environmental consequences of resource extraction while having limited control over its natural wealth.
He attributed the situation to historical and constitutional arrangements, including Petroleum Decree No. 51 of 1969 and Section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution.
Darah challenged leaders in the Niger Delta to move beyond dependence on crude oil by investing in knowledge, science, technology, research and value-added industries.
He advocated the establishment and development of specialised universities and research institutions in fields such as oceanography, marine engineering and commercial aquaculture.
He also called for the conversion of natural gas into reliable electricity and the development of petrochemical and other industries capable of creating jobs and wealth within the region.
Darah urged state governments and Host Community Development Committees to channel funds provided under the Petroleum Industry Act into human capital development and transformative infrastructure.
He further encouraged the use of locally available materials, including clay, for construction and industrial production, stressing the need for the region to maximise its abundant natural resources.
The scholar urged Bayelsans to use the 30th anniversary to renew their commitment to the development of the state and the unity of Nigeria.
The anniversary programme featured a panel discussion moderated by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Prof. Solomon Ebobrah. Other panellists included Professor of Human Rights and Public Law, Ibaba Samuel Ibaba; Professor of Political Science, Young Ayotamuno; and Prof. Ongoebi Maureen Etebu, Nigeria’s first female professor of mechanical engineering and former Commissioner for Special Duties.
The event also featured an exhibition showcasing Bayelsa’s history, the struggle for the state’s creation and the developmental milestones recorded over the past three decades.
Among those in attendance were former President Goodluck Jonathan; his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan; the governor’s wife, Dr. Gloria Diri; Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe; and children of the late Gen. Sani Abacha, including his eldest son, Mohammed Abacha, Abba Abacha and Fatima Gumsu Abacha, among other family members.
Also present were members of the National Assembly, state legislators, top government officials, traditional rulers and Bayelsans who attended the anniversary event in large numbers.
