Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has paid tribute to former Nigerian Head of State, late General Sani Abacha, for creating the state on October 1, 1996. Diri expressed gratitude on behalf of the Ijaw nation, saying Abacha deserved continuous commendation for the gesture, which freed the Ijaw people from oppression and injustice in Nigeria. The governor spoke at the Dinner and Awards Night of the Bayelsa at 30 anniversary celebrations.
The event, tagged "Celebrating Legacies," was attended by dignitaries, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, and members of Abacha's family. The highpoint of the event was the presentation of state honours to 63 recipients, including Abacha, Jonathan, and other notable individuals who contributed to the creation and development of the state. The awards fell into various categories, including Contribution to Sustenance of Ijaw Existence.
Governor Diri emphasized that mentioning Abacha's name in his remarks was significant, as the late Head of State might mean different things to different people, but to Bayelsans, he was the one who freed them by creating a homogeneous Ijaw state. Diri stated that the journey from total absence of infrastructure to a state with legacy projects, road networks, and hope for the future was a testament to the vision of its founding fathers and the grace of God.
At creation, Bayelsa State had zero tertiary institutions, but today boasts of over five, including universities, polytechnics, and a college of education. The state also had just a single-lane Mbiama-Yenagoa road, but now has a network of roads, dualised highways, and three senatorial roads opening the state from all angles. The governor also highlighted the healthcare transformation in the state.
Former President Jonathan, who received an award on behalf of the honourees, dedicated his award to his late boss and political mentor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. Jonathan stated that despite the cynicism of many young people, Bayelsa State had made significant progress and had gained tremendously following its creation. He commended Governor Diri for organising the anniversary and honouring those who laboured for the creation and development of the state.
Other notable individuals honoured at the event included Olympians Daniel Igali and Blessing Oborududu, former Super Eagles players and coaches Samson Siasia and Finidi George, and musicians King Robert Ebizimor, Inetimi Odon (Timaya), and Timi Dakolo. The recognition also covered Bayelsa-born businessmen, including Chief Dan Etete, Engr. Gesi Asamaowei, and Dr. Ephraim Faloughi.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the wives of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Ama-Diri, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, and members of the House of Assembly. The Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and the Managing Director, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, Ebitimi Amgbare, were also in attendance.
Key points
- Bayelsa State was created on October 1, 1996, by late General Sani Abacha.
- The state has made significant progress in 30 years, including the development of infrastructure and institutions.
- 63 individuals were honoured at the event for their contributions to the creation and development of the state.
