ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY SENATOR DOUYE DIRI GOVERNOR OF BAYELSA STATE ON THE HISTORIC OCCASION OF THE VISIT OF HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU TO BAYELSA STATE TO COMMISSION FOUR LEGACY PROJECTS.

PROTOCOLS
 
1.         Our dear leader, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander‑in‑Chief of the Armed Forces, on behalf of the Government of Assured Prosperity and the good people of Bayelsa State, I wholeheartedly welcome you to the Glory of all Lands.
 
2.         We believe firmly that Your Excellency is a friend of Bayelsa State, and, judging by the multitude gathered here to express their gratitude and love, we are confident that you will recognise the depth of our appreciation for taking time from your congested schedule to inaugurate these landmark projects. You are, indeed, a fitting witness to history.
 
3.         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 these 60‑megawatt gas‑fired turbines. For us, it is a cause for thanksgiving and rejoicing.
 
4.         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 are 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.

1. Your Excellency, I am pleased to inform you of the far‑reaching benefits of this initiative. Over 60 communities and kingdoms in Constituencies 3 and 4 in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, as well as Constituency 3 in Brass Local Government Area, will enjoy significantly reduced travel times and lower transportation costs. This project will act as a catalyst for local development, stimulating economic activity, and strengthening the socioeconomic fabric of these zones.
2. 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.
3. This segment will embrace numerous communities along the Sagbama–Ekeremor–Agge corridor, conferring substantial and enduring benefits through improved connectivity and accessibility. The carriageway will traverse and invigorate the following communities: Sagbama main town, Tungbo, Bolu‑Orua, Toru‑Angiama, Ebedebiri, Toru‑Orua, Angalabiri, Ofoni, Ayamasa, Isampou, Amanagbene, Ekeremor main town, Beautiful Gate, Oweigbene, Ndoro (Peretorugbene), Aghoro and Agge.
4. This milestone completes a transformative corridor that will integrate formerly marginalised settlements into the state economy, raise living standards and lay the foundations for sustained, inclusive development.

9.         Your Excellency Mr. President, you also inaugurated one of the dualised roads into the fast developing New Yenagoa City. This transformative infrastructure will speed access, unlock new economic opportunities, enhance mobility, and underpin our aspiration to build a modern, thriving capital city.
 
10.         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.
 
11.         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.
 
12.         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.
 
13.         Permit me to acknowledge the strong partnership between Bayelsa State and the Federal Government — a partnership forged by common purpose and strengthened by co‑operation. Your Excellency’s facilitation of waivers for the importation of turbines and related equipment for our Independent Power Plant and the award of phase two of the Nembe/Brass Road, among others, exemplify that partnership in action.

14.      We pray that you extend the same to the Sagbama-Ekeremor – Agge Road and the Yenagoa – Oporoma – Ukubie Road. We also respectfully implore Your Excellency to direct the relevant authorities to re-imburse the State for the phases already completed by the Bayelsa State Government.
     
    15.  In closing, let me return to the point of the Angiama -Oporoma Bridge; a vital artery of commerce and communication that paints a powerful picture of connectivity and co-operation. Just as it will ease the movement of goods, services and people, so too will our bridge of understanding and co-operation with the Federal Government and our sister states facilitate the exchange of ideas, opportunities and progress.
     
    16.      Thank you again, Mr. President, for your generous assurances and for gracing us with your presence.
     
    17.      May this moment herald the continuation of a vista in our shared journey towards a brighter, more prosperous future for all Bayelsans and Nigerians in general.
     
15.      God bless Bayelsa State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.