Tag: Diri

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has raised concerns over the severe environmental damage caused by a recent oil spill in the Obololi Community, located in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

The spill, reportedly due to a failure in a facility operated by an international oil company (IOC), has heightened fears about the health and safety of residents.

During a visit to the affected area, Governor Diri, represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ebi Ben Ololo, warned community members against using contaminated water for drinking, cooking, or washing. 

He emphasized that exposure to polluted water and aquatic life could result in serious health risks, including waterborne and airborne diseases such as cholera.

He urged the oil company responsible to take immediate action by providing relief materials, conducting a thorough clean-up in line with international standards, and offering fair compensation to affected residents.

Honourable Target Isaiah Segibo, Executive Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, highlighted the community’s long-standing patience despite the lack of social amenities since the oil firm began operations in 1973. 

He stressed the need for the company to uphold its corporate responsibility.

Segibo also assured the community of medical support to mitigate health risks posed by the spill.

Read Also: APC chieftain lauds Diri on construction of vital roads in Bayelsa

Deputy Paramount Ruler of Obololi Community, His Highness Kweke Wilfred, commended Governor Diri, the Commissioner for Environment, and the Council Chairman for their swift response despite their busy schedules.

Officials who accompanied them included the Director of Petroleum and Pollution in the Ministry of Environment, Engineer Enai; Special Adviser to the Southern Ijaw LGA Chairman on Oil and Gas, Mr. Timifa Leghemo Stephen; Divisional Police Officer of Oporoma Division, Supol Agbalaiko Godwin, and other aides.

A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Bayelsa State, Barrister Festus Daumiebi Sunday, has commended, on behalf of the people of Fonibiri community and the entire Bomo Clan in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Governor Douye Diri on construction of vital roads in the state.

The gratitude was in response to the Governor’s recent approval for the construction of vital road infrastructure, namely the 9-kilometre Angiama to Eniwari road and the 4-kilometre Eniwari to Fonibiri road.

Daumiebi, in a statement on Saturday, said the initiative would significantly enhance connectivity for the Fonibiri Community and Bomo Clan, linking them to the broader state through a motorable road.

He said the approval for the important development, designated as 47B, aimed to uplift the rural communities of Southern Ijaw LGA.

Read Also: IBB: I wasn’t afraid of Abacha, only concerned for my safety

In addition to the road project, Daumiebi expressed deep appreciation for the ongoing construction of educational facilities within the Fonibiri Community. He said the scope of the project included a twelve-classroom storey building, 10 units of one-bedroom flats for teachers’ quarters, principal and vice principal’s quarters, corpers’ lodge, administrative block, science laboratory block, library block, dining block, male and female hostels, and a 100,000-gallon solar borehole water system.

Daumiebi said the incorporation of those elements, along with the construction of an internal road network, underscored the Governor’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure in the area.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has revealed how his absolute faith in God earned him the sobriquet ‘Miracle Governor.’

Speaking yesterday during the KOLGA (Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area) Annual Day of Thanksgiving held in Sampou, his community, Diri revealed how in 2020 a senior citizen of Nigeria invited him to Abuja and advised him to perform certain rituals if he wanted to be governor.

But Diri, who is the current governor of the state, claimed that he turned down the rituals offer.

He had challenged the declaration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the November 2019 governorship poll as winner and the matter was then pending at the Supreme Court.

Diri told the crowd at the gathering that the senior citizen flew in some marabouts from Senegal to perform the rituals.

He stated that when he bluntly rejected the offer, the man demanded a refund of the money spent to transport them into the country and he had to pay him $10,000.

He explained that his unshaken faith in God made him decline the advice to look elsewhere for help, saying God, against all the odds, proved that He is always faithful.

He emphasised the need for politicians to learn from his experience and put their trust in God rather than man.

Diri averred that the KOLGA people had reasons to be thankful to God, given the level of development they had witnessed, and thanked the council for giving the thanksgiving day a legal backing through legislation.

The Governor also expressed gratitude to Apostle David Zilly Aggrey, the convener, and those who have sustained the programme.

Diri said: “I thank God and also thank Apostle David Zilly Aggrey because he started this event. And because his prayers were heard, God made it possible to bring me in, and today, it is by law that all Kolokuma/Opokuma people can gather to praise God.

“Let me reveal to you why it is important to thank God and have faith in Him.

“Sometimes ago, a senior citizen of this country invited me to Abuja and asked me to perform certain sacrifices, but I declined.

“I told him my faith in God would not allow me to do it. He got angry and told me I would never become governor.

Read Also: Diri urges Nigerians to honour, celebrates sacrifices of Armed Forces

“He told me that he had spent $10,000 to bring the people for the sacrifice and asked for a refund, which I obliged.

“When the Supreme Court’s pronouncement came, the man was shocked and could not call me. Sadly, he passed on after some time.

“The story I have narrated was witnessed by my deputy and a friend in Abuja, as both of them accompanied me to visit the senior citizen.

“Kolokuma/Opokuma people have every reason to thank God. As a state, we do not want anybody to be harmed in the name of politics because we do not know who God has destined for greatness.

“So, I call on all of us in the political game to be very civil and recognise that there is God who rules in the affairs of man.”

In his welcome address, the Chairman of Kolokuma/ Opokuma Local Government Area, Tariye Lelei, said people of the area had reason to thank God for the gift of a governor.

He said it was in recognition of the goodness of God in their lives that the local government passed a legislation legalising the thanksgiving service annually on January 17.

In his sermon, Apostle David Zilly Aggrey said the younger generation might not understand the reason for the thanksgiving as they did not experience the difficulty older ones in the local government faced, saying if they do not thank God for what He had done for them, they could be regarded as ingrates.

He said Bayelsa was witnessing tremendous development under Diri and thanked the people of the state for giving him the opportunity to serve a second term.

At the event were the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; state lawmakers; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei; the Head of Service, Mrs. Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema; Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe; his deputy,  Irorodamie Komonibo, and members of the state executive council.

Others were a member of the Peoples Democratic Party Board of Trustees, Chief (Mrs.) Remi Kuku; the state PDP chairman, Solomon Agwanana; members of his exco; local government chairmen; the Ibedaowei of Kolokuma Kingdom, King Onya Mozi Agara; other traditional rulers; KOLGA elders and top government officials.

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State on Sunday paid tribute to the Armed Forces during a thanksgiving service marking the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa. 

He highlighted the unique and commendable dedication of soldiers who served under challenging circumstances.

Governor Diri underscored the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by military personnel, emphasizing that they often pay the ultimate price to ensure the safety and freedom of others.

In a statement by his media aide, Daniel Alabrah, the governor called on the people of Bayelsa to consistently honour and celebrate the contributions of both active-duty and retired service members.

Adding to his remarks about the Armed Forces, Diri urged politicians to respect electoral rules, reinforcing the need for integrity and fair practices in political processes. 

In a proactive measure to ensure safety during upcoming events, he also announced enhancements to security at Igbogene and the local transport terminal, reflecting his commitment to maintaining peace and order in the community.

Governor Diri asserted: “Today, we are gathered to appreciate God for the lives of some very special group of people, a people that dedicated their lives even to death. They are very special to us as a country and as a state. So we need to honour and celebrate them. 

“While we are thanking God for the families of the departed soldiers, we  are also celebrating those that are living.”

Diri equally stated that for sustenance of the country’s democracy, politicians who violate electoral rules whenever the outcome does not tally with their interest must turn a new leaf. 

The governor advised such politicians to be mature enough to accept electoral defeat for civil governance to be respected and sustained.

Following recent skirmishes between rival cult groups at Igbogene, a community on the outskirts of the state capital, the Bayelsa helmsman directed that security be beefed up in the area, particularly around the newly opened Bayelsa Transport Terminal.

He warned youth groups trying to extort passengers and commercial transporters at the terminal to steer clear of the facility.

In a sermon titled: ‘The Power of Unity,’ Chaplain of the King of Glory Chapel, Pastor David Yalah ‎said there was a price to pay for unity. 

Read Also: Diri hails Etete at 80, describes ex-minister as patriotic

According to the chaplain, “If there is no one to pay a price, everyone else suffers, and that any delay in having unity makes the price greater. 

The remembrance thanksgiving was attended by the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Leader of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Monday Bubou, who represented the Speaker, and other state legislators as well as President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah, who represented the state Chief Judge.

Others were the immediate past Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe, his deputy, Irorodamie Komonibo, the Head of Service, Mrs. Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema and other top government functionaries.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has called on Ijaw individuals and entrepreneurs in the diaspora to collaborate with the government in advancing the development of their ancestral homeland, the only homogenous Ijaw state in Nigeria.

In his New Year broadcast on Wednesday, Diri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to attracting investments from both local and international sources. 

He extended an open invitation to Bayelsans and Ijaw investors worldwide to partner with the state in unlocking its immense potential.

Highlighting Bayelsa’s secure and hospitable environment, the governor emphasized its readiness to support professionals and entrepreneurs in driving growth and progress.

He said: “As we begin a new year, I am filled with a sense of hope and optimism, eager to build on the progress we have made and to work assiduously towards a better, brighter, and greater future for our great state.

“I extend a warm invitation to our Ijaw brothers and sisters in the Diaspora to redirect their focus towards their ancestral homeland. 

“I am pleased to assert that our state boasts the most secure and welcoming environment for professionals and entrepreneurs to thrive, as well as for individuals to relax and unwind, setting us apart as a haven among other states in the country. 

“We eagerly anticipate the opportunities to collaborate with our brethren to unlock the vast potential that our state has to offer.”

The governor admitted that the past year was fraught with challenges, particularly  in the country’s economic landscape and the depreciation in the currency’s exchange rate that impacted all sectors of society.

He however noted: “because we have been prudent in spending  our state’s resources, and prioritising expenditure to fulfill our mandate of shared prosperity, we have achieved significant progress on our legacy projects, including key infrastructure initiatives to unlock the treasures of the Atlantic Ocean and harness the potential of the Blue Economy.”

Read Also: JUST IN: Bayelsa women affairs commissioner dies

He stressed that considerable strides had been made to give enduring facelift to the state capital with the construction and rehabilitation of access roads as well as several internal roads, which had improved connectivity and accessibility. 

Diri noted that in line with his administration’s rebranded Assured Prosperity Agenda, government was taking on additional signature projects across various sectors as it looked forward to  launching “The Prosperity Estates.”

He further stated: “The project is a groundbreaking housing scheme that will bring 1000 affordable homes to our state capital and local government areas. This initiative is a major milestone in our mission to make housing more accessible and affordable for all citizens.”

On power supply, Diri explained that government was working towards ensuring sustainable and independent power supply with the procurement and eventual installation of a 60-megawatt gas turbine during the course of this year.

He thanked the people for their patience during the four months of power outage in the state.

On security, Diri equally noted that the sector remained a top priority for his administration and that concrete steps were being taken to strengthen the state’s position as one of the safest and most secure states in Nigeria.

In furtherance of this, he said new Closed Circuit Cameras (CCTV) will soon be installed while the existing ones around the state capital will be refurbished. 

In tandem with ongoing efforts to revitalise and strengthen the state’s infrastructure, Diri said educational institutions and healthcare facilities continue to receive critical attention and targeted investment. 

The governor reaffirmed the commitment to construct an ultra-modern stadium in Yenagoa with facilities that will inspire and support talented sportsmen and women in the state.

 On agriculture, Diri said: “We are proactively pursuing sustainable food production. To this end, we shall be providing farmers in the state with comprehensive support, including equipment, expert guidance, and high-quality seedlings and stems. 

 “Already, our partnership and bilateral relationship with the Republic of South Korea is yielding positive results. A few days ago, I received a technical team from South Korea who were in our state to train our farmers in modern rice cultivation. 

“The team has also installed state-of-the-art rice processing mills at the School-to-Land farm in Yenagoa as we continue our ambitious rice revolution programme. A core component of our agricultural and food security agenda this term is the “Produce and Consume” initiative, which emphasises the importance of producing what we eat and eating what we produce.“

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has said that his administration’s major priority is to connect every local government headquarters in the largely riverine state by road.

Diri stated this yesterday when he received a group, Friends of Senator Douye Diri (FSDD), at his country home In Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.

The governor said to address part of the state’s developmental challenges, his administration embarked on construction of a network of roads and bridges to open up the hinterlands and alleviate the plight of people living in rural communities.

He stated: “l knew how we suffered during the burial of my mother at Ayamasa. We had to go  through Bomadi in Delta State. It was almost like a day’s journey. But, today, it only takes about an hour from the state capital and you are in Ayamasa in Ekeremor Local Government Area.

“So, having had these practical experiences before becoming governor, l resolved that my number one priority is to open up our hinterlands. I did not have to first consult with anybody. When people drive comfortably to their communities, they appreciate government’s efforts. 

“For instance, the road to Oporoma, headquarters of Southern Ijaw LGA, we are very sure will be delivered before the end of my administration.

“Nembe local government is accessible and so is Ekeremor. But people cannot yet drive to places like Brass or Ukubie. By the time we link these areas by road, we would have solved half of our development problems.”

Read Also: How Jonathan influenced my political journey — Diri

On the issue of power, the governor said the agreement to acquire a 60 mega watt gas turbine had been signed and that when the state-owned independent plant becomes functional, it would ensure stable power supply to virtually all parts of the state.

Expressing appreciation to the FSDD members for their solidarity, Diri urged them to key into government’s programmes on agriculture and small and medium scale businesses.

He said it is not possible to give everyone political appointment and appealed to them to help redirect the mindset of Bayelsans towards engaging in small businesses.

He also urged people of the state to join his administration in fostering peace and development rather than engaging in cheap blackmail and propaganda.

President of FSDD, Prince Bodi Arerebo, in his remarks, said the visit was to felicitate with the governor during the Yuletide as well as express their abiding support for his administration.

Also speaking, the spokesman for FSDD, Elder Braeyi Ekiye, lauded the governor for his purposeful leadership that had brought about peace and sustainable development.

Ekiye applauded the government’s strides in the provision of infrastructure, particularly the three senatorial roads among other programmes and policies targeted at promoting good governance.

• …Ewhrudjakpo takes charge during absence

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, is set to begin his annual leave on Monday, November 25.

Read Also: Gov. Diri approves N300,000 grant for Bayelsa law school students

According to a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, will oversee all state functions during the governor’s absence.