Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has emphasised the importance of unity as Nigeria and Bayelsa marked their 60th and 24th anniversaries respectively on Thursday.
Governor Diri in a statewide broadcast aired on Yenagoa-based radio stations called on Nigerians and Bayelsans to emphasise the things that “unite them as we have much in common than those things that divide us”
A statement by the Acting Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Alabrah, quoted Governor Diri as specifically calling on Bayelsans to focus more on promoting unity, peace, and sustainable development rather than dissipate energy on issues that cause disunity.
He also urged the people to join hands with his administration in building Bayelsa in line with the vision of its founding fathers.
The Governor stressed the need to honour the memory of those who fought for the country’s political freedom in order to liberate the people from the shackles of poverty, ignorance, injustice and underdevelopment.
Describing the October 1 annual celebration as solemn and significant, Senator Diri congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerians for achieving a remarkable milestone.
The Governor also saluted the courage, sacrifice and tenacity of all frontline medical personnel in the fight against the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.
Highlighting some of his development efforts, he noted that the state’s progress might have been slow but it is no longer where it was at creation 24 years ago.
Senator Diri identified agriculture as his administration’s major sector targeted at engendering sustainable development and growth.
Speaking on the ongoing Etegwe-Edepie roundabout expansion, the senatorial districts roads, Bayelsa Palm-Igbogene Ring Road and the Gateway Road projects, he expressed the commitment of his government towards ensuring their completion.
The Governor averred that his administration had demonstrated commitment in the prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuity despite the dwindling funds from the federal allocations.
He also noted that teachers had been trained on COVID-19 safety protocols to enable students and pupils return safely to school just as he had also signed into law various bills to improve the governance processes.
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In the education sector, Diri said the government would build three new technical schools and upgrade existing structures in schools while general hospitals are being renovated in the eight local government areas.
On security, he said the situation had improved significantly through the proactive stance of his government, which has also taken steps to engender an improvement in power supply within Yenagoa metropolis.
Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu
