– VP Shettima, Jonathan Liberia VP, State Govs grace inauguration
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri and his deputy, Senator 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 mammoth crowd of Bayelsans and well-wishers was conducted by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye.
Dignitaries that attended the event include Nigeria’s Vice- President, Senator Kashim Shettima, Vice- President of Liberia, Kpang Koung, former Presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience Jonathan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon 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 Umaru Fintiri, Plateau, Caleb Mutfwang, Delta, Sheriff Oborevwori, Osun, Ademola Adeleke, Edo, Godwin Obaseki, Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara, Niger, Mohammed Umar Bago, Kaduna, Uba Sani, Abia, Alex Otti, Minister of Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, former governor of Bayelsa and Senator Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, former governor of Delta State and Vice- Presidential candidate of the PDP, Ifeanyi Okowa, former Kwara State governor and President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, Chairman Traditional Rulers Council, Bayelsa, King 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 that 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 utilization 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 that 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.’’