Bayelsa State marked its 30th year of creation with various festivities, including an Ijaw Language Awareness Campaign, sports events, a boat float, a street rally, a cultural carnival, and a boat regatta. The celebrations began on September 28, 2026, and continued into the evening with a musical concert at Oxbow Lake. As the state commemorates this milestone, Dr. Domor Mienye, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), has emphasized the need for a long-term development plan for Yenagoa, the state capital.
Dr. Mienye acknowledged the infrastructure investments made by successive administrations in Yenagoa but stressed that the capital's development requires a coordinated approach extending beyond individual road construction and public building projects. He envisioned Yenagoa as a capital that Bayelsans can proudly call their own, leveraging its unique riverine environment, rich culture, and potential in tourism, hospitality, and the creative economy.
According to Dr. Mienye, a comprehensive urban development framework for Yenagoa should cover land-use planning, transportation, drainage, waste management, public lighting, recreational facilities, waterfront development, and commercial infrastructure. He suggested that the city's rivers and waterways should form an important part of its urban identity, with carefully planned waterfronts, parks, hotels, restaurants, and public spaces that attract visitors and encourage private investment.
Dr. Mienye argued that a well-planned capital is also an economic asset, providing attractive places to stay, visit, eat, hold events, and conduct business. He emphasized the need to preserve and develop the natural environment responsibly, rather than overlooking it. By doing so, Yenagoa can become a hub for economic activity, tourism, and cultural exchange.
To achieve this vision, Dr. Mienye proposed attracting private investment into hospitality, commercial properties, recreation, and other suitable developments. He also recommended strengthening physical planning institutions and establishing environmental safeguards, particularly around drainage, flooding, and vulnerable waterfront communities. This, he believes, will ensure that Yenagoa's development is sustainable and responsible.
As Bayelsa State celebrates its 30th anniversary, Dr. Mienye urged stakeholders to begin planning for the Yenagoa they want to see in the future. He envisioned a capital that is cleaner, better organized, economically active, and attractive to residents and visitors. According to him, Yenagoa should reflect both the state's identity and its ambitions for the future.
Dr. Mienye's proposal for a long-term development plan for Yenagoa has significant implications for the state's growth and development. By prioritizing urban planning, public infrastructure, and environmental management, the state can unlock its full potential and create a thriving capital that benefits its citizens. As the state looks to the future, it remains to be seen how his suggestions will be received and implemented by the government.
Key points
- Dr. Domor Mienye calls for a comprehensive development plan for Yenagoa, the state capital of Bayelsa.
- The plan should cover land-use planning, transportation, drainage, waste management, and other critical infrastructure.
- A well-planned Yenagoa would be an economic asset, attracting visitors and private investment while preserving the natural environment.
