Bayelsa State witnessed another round of infrastructural unveiling on Saturday as Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State joined in the celebration of the fifth anniversary of Senator Douye Diri's administration. The event marked the inauguration of Road Two, a dual carriageway in the rapidly developing New Yenagoa City, showcasing a tangible step forward in the state's ambitious urbanization plans.
This ceremony, following the inauguration of new legislative quarters in the same city by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, highlighted the Diri administration's focus on creating modern infrastructure to support the growing demands of the state's capital. These projects form part of a broader vision to transform the marshy terrain of Bayelsa into a beacon of development, defying the geographical challenges that have long impeded such progress.
Governor Umo Eno, while addressing the gathering, commended Governor Douye Diri’s commitment to infrastructure development, emphasizing the political will required to deliver such projects in a challenging environment like Bayelsa. Describing his counterpart as a "pragmatic leader," Governor Umo highlighted how the ongoing developments reflect a strong determination to change the narrative of Bayelsa's growth trajectory.
"When one looks at the video and the pictures of how this area used to be, it becomes evident that it takes a daring governor and a committed administration to bring about this transformation," Umo remarked. "By the time you leave office, Bayelsans will be proud to have supported such a pragmatic leader. If you continue to support your governor as you have been doing, it will encourage him to achieve even more."
Governor Umo also drew parallels between the development strategies of Governor Diri and other governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly within the South-South region. He pointed out that Diri’s leadership mirrors the broader vision of the PDP to deliver impactful projects that improve the lives of citizens across the country.
In response, Governor Douye Diri reiterated his administration’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible within Bayelsa’s unique landscape. He reaffirmed his belief that the state's terrain, often perceived as an obstacle, is actually a blessing that can drive innovative solutions in infrastructure development.
"We have come a long way as brothers in this challenging terrain. While some may see it as a curse, we view it as a blessing," Diri stated. "What we are seeing today is proof that what once seemed impossible is now a reality. This is a call for the federal government to increase our allocation, so we can continue to develop alongside other states in Nigeria."
Governor Diri also expressed his gratitude to Governor Umo for the show of solidarity, underlining the historic ties between Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa. Their shared geography and challenges, he said, have fostered a strong bond between the two states, making them partners in progress.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Bayelsa, Mr. Moses Teibowei, provided technical details about the road project. The 2.1-kilometer dual carriageway, with a width of 7.3 meters on each side and 1.3-meter shoulders, not only improves access to the new commissioners and legislators' quarters but also sets the stage for further urban development. He noted that the project would accelerate the construction of residential buildings in the area, adding to the aesthetic appeal of New Yenagoa City.
Teibowei further explained that the vision for the New Yenagoa City was initially conceived by the previous administration of Senator Seriake Dickson, with Governor Diri now bringing it to fruition.
The Managing Director of Lubrik Construction Company Limited, Engr. Hadi Cherade, also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to Governor Diri for entrusting his company with the execution of such a significant project. "It is an honor to be part of this historical development in Bayelsa State," Cherade said, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in driving infrastructural advancement.
