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President, Bola Tinubu has lauded the infrastructural projects of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State.
The Nigerian leader made the eulogies Friday at a one-day official state visit to the oil-rich state where he unveiled projects executed by the Governor, describing Diri as a purposeful leader.
He said: “Governor Diri, you’ve done a great job. I’ve commissioned some projects. Very transformative projects-the bridge, linking communities, dual carriageways that are creating opportunities and jobs and hope for our nation. Thank you for that commitment.
“You have demonstrated very purposeful leadership. Thank you for being a very good progressive governor. I feel at home in Bayelsa. Standing in Bayelsa today, what I saw was more than infrastructure.
“The New Yenagoa City Road one is about access. The Angiama–Oporoma Bridge is about connection. The State’s Independent Power Project is about opportunity”.
He noted that government at all levels should remain focused on what is right for citizens, promising that his administration will continue to collaborate with states serious about putting their citizens interest first.
He added: “When we put our people first, we’re not just building projects, but building confidence in our future as a people and as a nation. I must commend Governor Diri for putting the people first”.
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Diri said his administration believes firmly that the President was a friend of the State, noting that the multitudes gathered to welcome him was an expression of gratitude and love.
He said: “We’re confident that you will recognise the depth of our appreciation for taking time from your congested schedule to inaugurate these landmark projects.
“Mr President, you’re, indeed, a fitting witness to history. Your administration’s decisive policy interventions have paved the way for meaningful reforms in various sectors, including power, enabling us to deliver on our pledge of reliable, independent energy through the construction of the 60mw gas‑fired turbines. For us, it is a cause for thanksgiving and rejoicing.
“Equally significant is the iconic 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge – a project promised by the federal government more than six decades ago, long predating your administration but left to gather dust in bureaucratic files.
“We’re delighted that the modest effort of the Government of ‘Assured Prosperity’ has finally addressed this pain. It has righted a historical injustice against one of Nigeria’s top oil-producing Local Government Areas, Southern Ijaw”.
The governor restated that construction of the Angiama-Oporoma bridge has far‑reaching benefits as over 60 communities and kingdoms in Southern Ijaw and Brass Local Government Areas stand to drive benefits in terms of reductions in travel times and lower transportation fares.
Diri noted: “This bridge will act as a catalyst for local development, stimulating economic activity, and strengthening the socioeconomic fabric of benefitting zones.
“Your Excellency, The virtual commissioning of the Bayelsa West segment of the trio of senatorial roads, which is progressing to Ndoro, and which you so graciously undertook, marks the fourth and final leg of your inauguration relay.
“This segment will embrace numerous communities along the Sagbama–Ekeremor–Agge corridor, conferring substantial and enduring benefits through improved connectivity and accessibility”.
He also applauded the President for inaugurating dualised roads into the New Yenagoa City, describing the initiatives as transformative.
He said: “These infrastructure projects will speed access, unlock new economic opportunities, enhance mobility, and underpin our aspiration to build a modern, thriving capital city.
“These newly commissioned projects, together with the 30,000-seat international stadium, the nine-storey state secretariat under construction, as well as roads and bridges connecting rural communities otherwise separated by water, constitute a coherent and strategic suite of investments anchored in the ‘Assured Prosperity’ agenda of our government.
“The Yenagoa/Oporoma/Ukubie, Nembe/Brass, and Sagbama/Ekeremor/Agge roads we are aggressively pushing form a trio of senatorial causeways that terminate at the Atlantic Ocean and open up significant prospects in the blue economy.
“With Bayelsa’s extensive coastal assets, we fully align with the Federal Government’s initiative to develop the blue economy. The global marine and blue economy, estimated to generate at least US$2.5 trillion annually, is a vast opportunity, and as the first state to establish a dedicated Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, we are grateful for the Federal Government’s encouragement and support.
“We acknowledge the strong partnership between Bayelsa State and the Federal Government — a partnership forged by common purpose and strengthened by co‑operation”.
