Bayelsa State has marked the 30th anniversary of its creation, with Governor Douye Diri identifying road infrastructure, electricity and employment opportunities for young people as key priorities for the state’s next phase of development.
Diri stated this on Thursday during a live broadcast to commemorate the anniversary, which coincided with Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Bayelsa was created on October 1, 1996, from the old Rivers State by the military administration of the late General Sani Abacha, following years of agitation by the people of the area for greater political recognition and representation. (
The governor used the occasion to honour the founding fathers and other figures who contributed to the struggle for the creation of the state.
He said the creation of Bayelsa was the result of years of advocacy, petitions, protests, prayers and sacrifices by generations of Ijaw people seeking greater recognition and a stronger voice within the Nigerian federation.
“Some gave their time. Some gave their resources. Some gave their liberty. Some paid the ultimate price. To all of them, we owe an enduring debt of gratitude,” Diri said.
He said Bayelsa had made significant progress during its three decades, particularly in the areas of roads, bridges, education, healthcare and other infrastructure, but acknowledged that more work remained.
Diri noted that the state inherited difficult terrain, poor connectivity, inadequate infrastructure and a fragile economic base when it was created.
He said successive administrations had contributed to the state’s development, adding that his government was building on previous efforts through investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, power and human capital development.
On the immediate priorities, the governor said roads must reach more parts of the state, electricity supply must expand and young people must have greater access to employment and economic opportunities.
“Much has been achieved, and much remains unfinished. Our roads must reach every corner of the state. Our power supply must grow to match our ambitions. And our young people must find real opportunities to work, to build and to prosper,” he said.
Diri disclosed that work was progressing on the three senatorial roads, while the state’s Independent Power Project was being expanded from 60 megawatts to 100 megawatts.
He also highlighted ongoing work on a 30,000-capacity stadium and a nine-storey state secretariat complex.
The governor further pointed to the expansion of road networks connecting previously isolated parts of the state as one of the significant changes recorded over the years.
He recalled that, at the creation of Bayelsa, only the headquarters of present-day Sagbama, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia and Yenagoa local government areas were accessible by road.
According to him, the headquarters of Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor and Nembe have since been connected to Yenagoa, helping to reduce travel time while improving economic and social activities.
Diri also linked job creation to the development of sectors beyond oil and gas, particularly agriculture and the blue economy.
He said the state was investing in aquaculture and exploring opportunities in maritime activities, while urging young people to acquire technical and vocational skills rather than depend solely on white-collar employment.
The governor said underwater welding would be introduced into the curriculum of technical colleges and higher institutions to prepare young people for opportunities in the emerging blue economy.
He also disclosed that discussions were ongoing with the Federal Government on deep seaport development and other maritime infrastructure.
Diri urged Bayelsans to view the 30th anniversary not only as an opportunity to celebrate the state’s achievements but also as a moment to consider what the present generation would leave for those coming after it.
“As we celebrate 30 years of Bayelsa State, let us not merely look back with pride. Let us look forward with purpose,” he said.
The governor’s remarks came after the state government held a series of activities to commemorate the anniversary, including an anniversary lecture, cultural events and a thanksgiving service.
As Bayelsa enters its fourth decade, Diri said the responsibility remained with the present generation to build on the sacrifices of the state’s founders and accelerate development for the benefit of its people.
AbdulBasit Saba is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
