Follow Us on Google
By Omoniyi Salaudeen
As Bayelsa State prepares to hit the three-decade mark since its creation in 1996, a fierce urgency for reform is sweeping through the state capital. With barely 30 weeks to go until the 30th anniversary on October 1, 2026, stakeholders are calling for more than just pageantry—they are demanding a strategic blueprint to transform its potential.
Giving the charge in a paper he presented, renowned Development Consultant, Iniruo Wills, traced the state’s trajectory from humble beginnings to modern milestones.
“Born from General Sani Abacha’s decree on October 1, 1996, Bayelsa’s origins were modest,” he said, noting that in its infancy, Yenagoa, the state capital, boasted barely three petrol stations, and the local government council office served as a makeshift Government House.
While highlighting significant achievements, he stated that the narrative had shifted toward infrastructure and institutional growth. These include Ekeremor Road, linking sea-bounded towns, a 60-megawatt gas turbine, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), and five universities, among others. While calling on Governor Douye Diri to initiate the process of evolving a 30-Year Development Master plan, Wills applauded the administration for moving toward national impact.
Despite progress, he noted a history of vanity projects—half-finished hotels and high-cost, low-use infrastructure. To counter this, he charged Governor Diri and his Deputy Governor, Peter Akpe, to commission an Integrated Socio-economic Masterplan (2026–2056).
“Every serious subnational must look beyond worsening national failures to work out its own salvation,” said Iniruo Wills, noting that the next 30 weeks are critical for sealing a legacy in gold.
To ensure the anniversary marks a structural turning point, he proposed several high-priority development initiatives. These include implementing the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission (BSOEC) Report, repositioning the Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC), developing the Blue Economy, managing water resources, and introducing living wages.
Beyond economics, the countdown envisions Bayelsa as a hub for excellence, referencing the Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Library, an Ernest Ikoli Foundation for Journalism Institute, and a Ben Bruce Creative Arts Village. According to him, these monuments would honour local heroes while providing vocational training for youth.
As the drums begin to roll for October 2026, the message to the leadership is clear: the next 30 weeks are an oyster of opportunity. Whether Bayelsa marks the milestone with fireworks or lays a foundation for resilience depends on the bold visions initiated today.
The countdown began in earnest yesterday with the unveiling of a new book on the state’s origin story by Engineer Numoipre Wills, at an event chaired by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
