Diri Has Brought Honour, Pride To Bayelsa, Ijaw Nation Through Infrastructure Development — Ikuli
The Technical Adviser to the Governor of Bayelsa State on Media and Public Affairs, Chief (Hon.) Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, JP, has commended Governor Douye Diri for his administration’s achievements in road infrastructure, peacebuilding and industrial development, saying the governor has brought honour and pride to Bayelsa State and the Ijaw Nation.
Ikuli, in a statement on Tuesday, said he was inspired to reflect on the governor’s achievements following an unusual experience in the early hours of the morning, during which the words, “Gov. Douye Diri has brought honour and pride to Bayelsa State and the Ijaw Nation,” repeatedly came to his mind.
He explained that the experience reminded him of a recent online debate about the feasibility of constructing roads across the difficult terrain of the Niger Delta, particularly Bayelsa State.
According to him, the debate, initiated by a prominent Yoruba writer and critic, examined the challenges associated with infrastructure development in the region. He said several participants reportedly commended Diri’s road projects, comparing them with infrastructure development efforts in other parts of the country.
Ikuli noted that Bayelsa’s geographical conditions have historically posed significant challenges to road construction, with extensive waterways, creeks, swamps and flood-prone areas making access to many communities difficult.
He explained that the geographical Niger Delta comprises Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states, while the political Niger Delta has a broader composition that includes Abia, Imo and Ondo states.
The media adviser recalled that successive administrations had often cited the difficult terrain as a major obstacle to infrastructure development in Bayelsa, a predominantly Ijaw state.
He said that before the commencement of Diri’s administration, approximately 75 per cent of the state could reportedly be accessed primarily through waterways, using speedboats and traditional canoes.
However, Ikuli said the governor had challenged the long-standing narrative by embarking on major road projects designed to connect previously isolated communities.
He specifically highlighted the Nembe-Brass Road, Yenagoa-Angiama-Oporoma-Otuan Road and Ekeremor-Agge Road as examples of projects demonstrating the administration’s approach to overcoming the state’s geographical challenges.
According to him, the Nembe-Brass and Yenagoa-Angiama-Oporoma-Otuan roads were conceived decades ago but faced prolonged delays, partly because of the engineering and financial difficulties associated with constructing roads across swampy terrain.
Ikuli said the Diri administration had made significant progress on road connectivity within six years, adding that the construction of roads across waterlogged areas required extensive dredging, sand filling and bridge construction.
He argued that the scale of the engineering work demonstrated the importance of sustained commitment to infrastructure development in a state where natural conditions have historically constrained access to many communities.
The governor’s aide also referenced comments attributed to former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, who had questioned the feasibility of building roads in Bayelsa because of the extensive bridges required.
Ikuli maintained that developments under Diri had challenged the assumption that the state’s terrain made large-scale road construction impracticable.
Beyond infrastructure, he commended the governor for what he described as improved political cohesion and unity among Bayelsans, regardless of party affiliation.
He said Diri’s administration had sought to ensure that citizens were not disadvantaged in accessing opportunities and benefits because of their political affiliations.
Ikuli also described the state’s security situation and ongoing industrial development as important aspects of the administration’s record.
According to him, Bayelsa is gradually moving beyond its longstanding reputation as a civil service-dependent state, with industrial initiatives expected to expand economic opportunities and support broader development.
He said the combination of road infrastructure, political inclusion and industrial development had contributed to a changing perception of Bayelsa State.
Reflecting on his experience as a writer, Ikuli explained that moments of intense inspiration had occasionally influenced his work, describing his latest encounter as particularly compelling.
He said the experience prompted him to reflect more deeply on the changes taking place in the state and the implications for the Ijaw people.
“In summary, I am very proud to witness the ongoing reformation, transformation and repositioning of Bayelsa State on the glorious path of socio-economic and political growth and development,” he said.
Ikuli reaffirmed his appreciation of the governor’s development agenda, expressing confidence that continued investment in infrastructure and other sectors would strengthen Bayelsa’s development prospects.
