Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has pledged that his administration will build at least 1,000 affordable housing units across the state’s eight local government areas.
Governor Diri also promised to provide pipe-borne water in Yenagoa, the state capital, and its surrounding areas during his second term.
He made these remarks during a state broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day and the 28th anniversary of Bayelsa’s creation.
The governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to creating a new Bayelsa where all citizens have access to quality education, affordable healthcare, and economic opportunities to enhance their overall well-being.
In his first address since being re-elected, Diri expressed his gratitude to the people of Bayelsa for their overwhelming support in re-electing him and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
He reaffirmed his dedication to addressing development issues, as well as tackling environmental challenges such as soot pollution, flooding, and oil spillage that have long affected the state.
His words: “We are filled with renewed optimism and a steadfast commitment to building a new Bayelsa. A Bayelsa where every citizen has access to quality education, healthcare is affordable and reliable, economic opportunities abound, jobs are plentiful, businesses flourish and communities are empowered to achieve financial security and well-being.”
He stated that in the past four years, his administration had made significant strides, particularly in peace and security, sports, education, healthcare, road infrastructure, human capacity building, empowerment and skills acquisition.
“These are all a testament to the power of unity, cooperation, and a shared vision for development.”
He said in his second term, the administration continued to embark on key projects, which included building an iconic state secretariat to give Yenagoa a facelift as part of its urban renewal agenda.
In line with the vision to build a New Yenagoa City, Senator Diri said a number of projects, including the ongoing construction of the Glory Drive Phase 3, new legislatures quarters, new commissioners quarters, affordable housing estates and a modern stadium were being executed.
According to the governor, “other signature projects include an independent power plant, provision of pipe-borne water within Yenagoa and environs, 1000 units of affordable housing across the eight local government areas as well as the construction of the Onuebum-Otuoke, Akaba-Okodi, Oxbow Lake-Agbura and the Toru-Ebeni-Okumbiri- Kabeama-Bolou-Orua roads.”
He saluted the efforts of past administrations in the state, noting that Bayelsa had come a long way since its creation on October 1, 1996, and that the sacrifices and aspirations of the state’s founding fathers paved the way for the development and progress of the state.
“The courage, strength and ingenuity of all of us have sustained the principles of development set out by our founding fathers. Furthermore, your resilience, determination, and faith in our Prosperity Government have been the driving force behind our progress.”
Diri stressed the need for all to reflect on the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes and the aspirations of the state’s founding fathers whose staunch commitment to unity and progress paved the way for the collective journey of Nigerians.
“Let us in the words of our national anthem make a collective pledge that “though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood, we stand.
“Today, we celebrate two momentous milestones: Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary and Bayelsa’s 28th statehood anniversary. On behalf of the Bayelsa State government and people, I offer profound congratulations to President Bola Tinubu and all Nigerians. To the people of Bayelsa, I also wish you a joyous anniversary celebration,” he said.