Nigeria@64 & Bayelsa @28: Diri speaks to Nigerians

State broadcast by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State on the occasion of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary and Bayelsa’s 28th statehood anniversary. 1. Fellow Bayelsans and citizens,2. This is my first broadcast to the state since my inauguration for a second term. I express heartfelt gratitude to Bayelsans for overwhelmingly re-electing me and my deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. We cannot thank you enough for your confidence in our stewardship.3. Today, we proudly celebrate two momentous milestones: Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary and Bayelsa’s 28th statehood anniversary. On behalf of the Bayelsa State government and people, I offer profound congratulations to President Bola Tinubu and all Nigerians. To the people of Bayelsa, I also wish you a joyous anniversary celebration.4. At this time, we reflect on the sacrifices of our independence heroes and the aspirations of our state’s founding fathers. Their staunch commitment to unity and progress has paved the way for our collective journey. This occasion is not just a commemoration of past glories, but a call to action for a brighter tomorrow.5. Let us in the words of our National anthem make a collective pledge that “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood, we stand.”6. Bayelsa State has come a long way since its creation on October 1, 1996. We recognise and appreciate the efforts of past administrations in our state. The courage, strength and ingenuity of all of us have sustained the principles of development set out by our founding fathers. Furthermore, your resilience, determination, and faith in our Prosperity Government have been the driving force behind our remarkable progress.7. In the past four years, we have made significant strides. These include but not limited to remarkable achievements in peace and security, sports, education, healthcare, road infrastructure, human capacity building, empowerment and skills acquisition. These are all a testament to the power of unity, cooperation, and a shared vision for development.8. These achievements have laid the foundation for our ASSURED PROSPERITY agenda, which is our compass steering us towards a happier future for Bayelsa State in our second term. This comprehensive framework is built on seven pillars, namely: A – Agricultural Revolution and Blue Economy S – Sports and Youth Development S – Security and Peace U – Urban Renewal and Rural Development R – Robust Healthcare DeliveryE – Energy Generation, Economic Growth and Tourism D – Diversifying Education towards Innovation and Technology with guaranteed quality delivery – each representing a critical aspect of our development strategy.9. We are thus filled with renewed optimism and a steadfast commitment to building a new Bayelsa. A Bayelsa where:- Every citizen has access to quality education- Healthcare is affordable and reliable- Economic opportunities abound- Jobs are plentiful- Businesses flourish- Communities are empowered to achieve financial security and well-being.10. In this second term, we have continued and embarked on some key projects, which include building an iconic State Secretariat to give Yenagoa a facelift as part of our urban renewal agenda. Towards building the New Yenagoa City, a number of key projects including ongoing construction of the Glory Drive Phase 3, New Legislatures Quarters, New Commissioners Quarters, Affordable Housing Estates and a modern stadium are being executed. Other signature projects include an independent power plant, provision of pipe-borne water within Yenagoa and environs, 1000 Units of Affordable Housing across the 8 Local Government Areas, Onuebum-Otueke Road, Akaba-Okodi Road, Oxbow Lake-Agbura road, and the Toru-Ebeni-Okumbiri- Kabeama-Bolou-Orua Road. 11. With your continued support, we will transform Bayelsa into a shining example of what can be accomplished when a state and its people are united.12. With our rich natural resources, including crude oil and natural gas, the state has the potential to become a shining example of progress. We will pursue development and continue to address environmental issues like soot pollution, flooding, and oil spillage that have plagued the state.13. Our administration pledges not to let you down. Let us join hands to create a brighter future, building a Bayelsa and Nigeria where every citizen feels valued, represented, and empowered.14. Thank you, and may God bless Bayelsa State and Nigeria.