The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has successfully concluded its 2025 Budget Retreat, held from November 13 to November 15, 2024, in Asaba, Delta State.
The retreat was designed to prepare lawmakers for the year ahead and align them with Governor Douye Diri’s ambitious development agenda. With the theme “Delivering Governor Douye Diri’s A.S.S.U.R.E.D Agenda,” the retreat brought together key members of the Assembly to engage in comprehensive discussions on public financial management and governance strategies.
At the closing ceremony, Rt. Honourable (High Chief) Abraham Ingobere, Speaker of the Assembly, expressed his appreciation for the active participation of all attendees, praising the constructive contributions that shaped the success of the event. He emphasized the importance of the retreat in equipping the lawmakers with essential skills in managing the state's finances effectively and ensuring that public resources are used efficiently to benefit the people of Bayelsa.
A core focus of the retreat was on strengthening public financial management, with lawmakers trained on how to allocate scarce resources more effectively to address the state's numerous challenges. The discussions also centered on advancing the A.S.S.U.R.E.D Agenda—Governor Diri’s visionary plan for the state, which covers key areas including Agriculture, Sports, Security, Urban Renewal, Robust Healthcare, Energy, and Diversified Education. Lawmakers were also encouraged to look at the emerging governance challenges facing Bayelsa and develop practical solutions to overcome them.
Speaker Ingobere urged his colleagues to take the knowledge gained from the retreat back to the Assembly and put it into action. He called on them to sponsor progressive bills, provide effective oversight, and engage in informed debates that will drive Bayelsa’s growth and prosperity. He also stressed the need for resilience, saying that despite the challenges, lawmakers must remain committed to serving their constituents and improving the state’s overall governance.
The Speaker also extended his gratitude to key individuals and organizations who played a significant role in making the retreat a success. He thanked Governor Senator Douye Diri, Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, retreat organizer Dr. John Mutu, and the Africa Parliamentary Resource Center for their support.
In a related development, Speaker Ingobere and the Bayelsa State House of Assembly delegation attended the presentation of Delta State’s 2025 Budget by Rt. Honourable Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State, at the Delta State House of Assembly. The Speaker commended Delta State for its warm hospitality and strong governance, noting that the visit further strengthened the relationship between the two states.
The retreat marks a significant step towards the implementation of Governor Diri’s A.S.S.U.R.E.D Agenda, as the Bayelsa State House of Assembly commits to enacting legislation that will foster long-term development and progress in the state.
