Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri, has marked his 2nd anniversary in office with the commissioning of road projects in the State.
The commissioning jubilations coincided with the launching of a book titled “The Izon of the Niger Delta”.
Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde commissioned a 4.5 km road project at Igbedi community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area named after Diri.
At the book launch, Diri appealed that the Ijaw history book project started years back by the late DSP Alamieyeseigha administration should be given wide support by all Ijaw sons and daughters to ensure the Ijaw language does not go into extinction.
He commended past Governors who initiated, funded and superintendent over the book project.
He also thanked the only surviving editor of the book, Emeritus Professor E.J Alagoa, who turns 89, soon for embarking on the project, stressing “the beauty about Alagoa is that even at his old age, he still reads without lenses”.
Diri also prayed for the repose of the soul of late Prof. Tekena and late Prof. John Pepper Clark, who were co-editors of the book.
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Chief launcher of the book, High Chief Emonena Victor Wayles reminded the gathering that the Ijaw culture was built on the foundation of truth and tasked all citizens of the Ijaw nation to sustain it.
He also pleaded that maximum value should not be placed much on the token he donated, stressing it should rather be considered as the starting point and applauded Gov. Diri for making the dream of the book launch a reality.
President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, recalled when the rally cry of “Ahh Izon” represented steadfastness to the Izon cause, especially by the male folk.
He was also saddened by the increasing attitude of Izon parents unable to communicate with their children in the language, thereby failing to promote that aspect of the Ijaw culture.
The high point of the occasion was the launching of the book with the full participation by traditional rulers of Ijaw nation, technocrats, captains of industries among others, who donated millions for the project.