Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has praised the late military Head of State, Sani Abacha, for creating Bayelsa State in 1996, saying this act freed the Ijaw people from oppression. Speaking at a dinner and awards ceremony marking the state's 30th anniversary in Yenagoa, Mr Diri noted that while Abacha's legacy may be viewed differently by Nigerians, his decision to create Bayelsa from parts of the former Rivers State remains crucial to the Ijaw people. The ceremony was attended by members of the Abacha family, National Assembly members, government officials, traditional rulers, business leaders, and diplomats.
Mr Diri emphasized that Abacha's creation of Bayelsa State brought a homogenous state for a people who had been balkanized into various states, making them a minority in some. He expressed gratitude to Abacha, saying Bayelsans owe him continued appreciation for creating the state on October 1, 1996. Abacha was represented at the ceremony by his son, Abba Abacha, and daughter, Fatima Abacha. The governor told the Abacha family to take back home the appreciation and gratitude of Bayelsans.
The 30th anniversary celebration, tagged "Celebrating Legacies," included a four-day event that culminated in the dinner and presentation of state honors to 63 individuals and groups. Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was among those honored, dedicated his award to his late political mentor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who appointed him deputy governor of Bayelsa State. Mr Jonathan expressed gratitude to Abacha for creating Bayelsa, saying the state has gained tremendously despite concerns about its achievements after 30 years.
Mr Jonathan noted that Bayelsans will always remain grateful to late General Sani Abacha, who made it possible for Bayelsa to be among the last six states he created. He commended Mr Diri for organizing the anniversary and recognizing those who contributed to the state's creation and development. The former president also acknowledged the progress made by Bayelsa, citing the expansion of infrastructure and the growth of educational institutions.
Defending the importance of the anniversary, Mr Diri said Bayelsa has made substantial progress from its condition at creation, when infrastructure was severely limited. He recalled that Bayelsa had only the single-lane Mbiama-Yenagoa road at its creation, but now has an expanding road network, dualized highways, and three senatorial roads connecting different parts of the state. The state has also moved from having no tertiary institution to having more than five universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The ceremony honored various individuals and groups, including former military administrators, politicians, business leaders, and sports personalities. Some of the notable awardees include Isaac Adaka Boro, Harold Dappa-Biriye, Caleb Olubolade, Phillip Ayeni, Habu Daura, and Edor Obi. Others recognized included Daniel Igali and Blessing Oborududu, Olympic wrestlers, and former Super Eagles players and coaches, Samson Siasia and Finidi George.
The Bayelsa State Cultural Troupe also received an award, while the late former National Security Adviser, Owoeye Azazi, was honored in the military category. The event was attended by diplomats from several countries, including Germany, Portugal, Italy, Vietnam, Angola, the Czech Republic, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Key points: - Bayelsa State was created on October 1, 1996, by Sani Abacha. - Governor Douye Diri credits Abacha for freeing the Ijaw people from oppression. - The state celebrated its 30th anniversary with a four-day event, honoring 63 individuals and groups.
