• VP Shettima, Jonathan, Liberia VP, govs grace inauguration
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, and his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, have taken the oaths of office and allegiance for a second term in office.
The inauguration ceremony which took place at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in front of a huge crowd of Bayelsans and well-wishers was conducted by the Chief Judge of the state, Matilda Ayemieye.
Dignitaries that attended the event include the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Liberia, Kpang Koung, former presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience and Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
Others are Chairman, Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; governors of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde; Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno; Adamawa, Ahmadu Fintiri; Plateau, Caleb Mutfwang; Delta, Sheriff Oborevwori; Osun, Ademola Adeleke; Edo, Godwin Obaseki; Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara; Niger, Mohammed Bago; Kaduna, Uba Sani; Abia, Alex Otti; Minister of Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri; former governor of Bayelsa and senator, Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson; former governor of Delta State and vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ifeanyi Okowa; former Kwara State governor and Senate president, Bukola Saraki; former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara; Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council, Bayelsa, Bubaraye Dakolo; and former military governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff.
Diri in his inaugural address while recalling the solemn promise to “pursue a path of love, reconciliation, unity, peace and security because we understand it best serves our quest to ensure prosperity for all Bayelsans,” in the first term in office, assured his commitment to the progress and advancement of Bayelsa remains steadfast.
He pointed out that in his first term in office his administration was able to achieve remarkable milestones in infrastructure development in key sectors of the state, especially sports, health, education, and agriculture.
Diri promised Bayelsans that in his second term in office his administration would focus on provision of potable water.
‘’Pivotal in our second tenure will be to address potable water distribution challenges via a comprehensive approach that focuses on efficient utilisation and equitable access to this precious utility. We will thus invest in water production and reticulation, particularly within the state capital,’’ he said.
According to him, agriculture would also be a priority as his administration wants to ensure food security for the people of the state.
To this end, he disclosed the state government would concentrate on areas where it has comparative advantage, including aquaculture, rice, cassava and oil palm production, seeking new partnerships and investors along the way.
Diri also announced the convocation of the Bayelsa Economic Summit to launch the state 10-year economic plan which is a road map to accelerate the economic development of the state.
‘’It is the strong belief of this Prosperity Government that our citizens should have a more active and direct role in shaping and participating in the economy. From small business owners and entrepreneurs to industry leaders and investors, everyone has a part to play in driving economic growth and prosperity.
‘’With this vision in mind, we have developed a comprehensive and ambitious 10-year economic plan for the state. This plan outlines our strategies and initiatives to diversify and strengthen our economy, create jobs, attract investments, and improve the standard of living for all Bayelsans.
‘’To kick start the implementation of this economic plan and to engage stakeholders, we are excited to announce the upcoming Bayelsa State Economic Development Summit in Yenagoa, the state capital. This summit will serve as a platform for sharing ideas, discussing opportunities, and forging partnerships to accelerate the economic growth of our state.’’