Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has described the pace of development in Bayelsa State as “emotional,” declaring that the state holds a special place in his heart.
Osinbajo spoke on Monday during the inauguration of key projects executed by the administration of Governor Douye Diri, including a 630-metre bridge and access road to Oporoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, a referral hospital in the community, and the Agbura-Oxbow Lake road in Yenagoa.
At a grand reception in his honour in Oporoma, the former vice president commended Governor Diri for delivering people-oriented projects, noting that the governor clearly understood the essence of governance.
He recalled his visit to Bayelsa on February 19, 2022, for the groundbreaking of the Angiama-Oporoma bridge project, admitting that he initially doubted the feasibility of the project due to the difficult terrain.
“I had my doubts, but today we are witnessing history,” Osinbajo said, expressing delight that the long-abandoned project, which had lingered for over six decades, had been completed.
He also praised the completion of the Oporoma referral hospital, originally initiated in 1973, noting that the facility is now fully operational and already performing surgeries.
In Yenagoa, Osinbajo inaugurated the Agbura-Oxbow Lake road, describing it as impactful for linking communities, reducing travel time, and improving access to key federal institutions, including the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Federal Secretariat.
The former vice president further lauded Governor Diri as a leader who keeps his promises, a quality he said was rare in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“I am privileged to be part of this moment. This is a special and emotional day for me,” he said, adding that Diri’s performance had justified his emergence as governor.
In his remarks, Governor Diri thanked Osinbajo for honouring the invitation to inaugurate the projects, describing him as a friend of the state who has consistently shown support for its development.
He reiterated that the goal of his administration is to bring development closer to the people, stressing that terrain challenges would not deter his government from delivering critical infrastructure.
Diri disclosed that the Oporoma referral hospital has been fully equipped and promised further improvements, including the construction of access roads and perimeter fencing.
Earlier, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Moses Teibowei, said the 6.72-kilometre Agbura-Oxbow Lake road would significantly ease movement within Yenagoa and its environs.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, said the people of Southern Ijaw were grateful for the long-awaited access road to Oporoma, noting that the area had suffered decades of neglect despite its contribution to the nation’s oil wealth.
The event featured cultural performances and presentation of gifts to the former vice president.
