The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, took the oath of office on Wednesday to begin their second tenure.
Senator Diri and his deputy were inaugurated by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye, who also administered the oath of office and that of allegiance to them.
In his acceptance speech, the newly sworn-in governor announced the development of a comprehensive and ambitious 10-year economic plan that will give citizens a more active and direct role in shaping and participating in the growth of the state’s economy.
According to him, the 10-year economic plan will also outline strategies and initiatives that will diversify and strengthen the economy, create jobs, attract investments, and improve the standard of living for all Bayelsans.
He said, “It is the strong belief of this prosperous government that our citizens should have a more active and direct role in shaping and participating in the economy. From small business owners and entrepreneurs to industry leaders and investors, everyone has a part to play in driving economic growth and prosperity.
“With this vision in mind, we have to kick-start the implementation of this economic plan and engage stakeholders, we are excited to announce the upcoming Bayelsa State Economic Development Summit in Yenagoa, the state capital.
“This summit will serve as a platform for sharing ideas, discussing opportunities, and forging partnerships to accelerate the economic growth of our state. We eagerly look forward to having each and every one of you in attendance at the Bayelsa State Economic Development Summit.”
While reeling out the achievements of his administration in the last four years, Diri said that the government constructed over 100 kilometres of roads and completed referral hospitals in Kaiama, Oporoma, and Ekeremor, along with a psychiatric and rehabilitation centre in Ogbia Town.
Speaking further, he said that through strategic investments in security, the government has established a safe and secure environment for all residents while encouraging peace and enabling progress.
Parts of his speech read, “Dear citizens, you will be pleased to know that we have initiated several strategic infrastructure projects within the state. Some of these landmark projects include the three senatorial roads that have opened up several riverine communities across the eight local government areas of the state.
“I am excited about the potential of the senatorial roads in opening up extensive opportunities within our Blue Economy zone. These roads promise to unlock tremendous potential in this sector, allowing for significant economic diversification while ensuring the protection and conservation of our valuable marine resources.
“The 22.2km Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie road, with a bridge constructed at Aguobiri, has so far reached the Angiama community, with work ongoing on the Angiama-Oporoma bridge across the Nun River. The 42-km Sagbama-Ekeremor road has been completed with five new bridges at various points.
“Your government of prosperity flagged off the very historic Nembe-Brass Road in June 2022 and commenced work on the first phase of 21 kilometres. I am happy to report that work is progressing well, with sand filling now beyond 10 kilometres waiting for asphalting.
“Your government also started and completed the new 10.8km dualized Glory Drive Phase 2, constructed and inaugurated the 21km Igbogene-Elebele Outer Ring Road in different phases as part of the urban renewal plan for the expansion of Yenagoa metropolis.
“We also initiated the redesigning and remodelling of the Etegwe/Edepie Roundabout to ease the flow of traffic, and that problem has largely been fixed. The Prosperity Government, while completing the dualization of the Isaac Boro Motorway, initiated and constructed the new Etegwe Bridge.
“Again in Yenagoa, the contractor handling the completion work on the dualization of the Opolo-Elebele road will soon deliver the job. Your government equally initiated and inaugurated the new 6km Igbedi road, completed the Nembe unity bridge, completed the Imiringi bridge, and initiated, constructed, and inaugurated the Elebele bridge.
“Also, last year, we commenced construction work on the Akaba-Okodi road to link several riverine communities in Ogbia Local Government Area. The ongoing reconstruction of the Onuebum-Otuoke road is almost complete.
“The Prosperity Government took over the abandoned Polaku-Sabagreia road from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and I can tell you that construction is ongoing alongside work on the connecting bridge between Yenagoa and Kolokuma/Opokuma LGAs.
“Again, we have started the Bolou-Orua-Akeddei-Toru-Ebeni road to reduce travel time between the far end of Bayelsa West and Yenagoa, the state capital. We equally completed the referral hospitals in Kaiama, Oporoma, and Ekeremor, along with the psychiatric and rehabilitation centre in Ogbia Town.
“By prioritising the improvement of our healthcare system, we have provided accessible and high-quality medical services to the citizens of Bayelsa. We have significantly adopted new technology to improve access to healthcare with the deployment of drones in partnership with Zipline for medical supplies to far-flung and riverine communities.
“Through strategic investments in security, we have established a safe and secure environment for all residents, encouraging peace and enabling progress. The establishment of the Bayelsa State Community Safety Corps is a testament to our avowed commitment to the security of the lives and property of our citizens across the state.
“Undeniably, through such significant investments, we are creating the necessary network that will facilitate seamless travel and boost development. We have laid the necessary groundwork for accelerated growth in our second term.”
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