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For The Records

Labour Day: Diri’s address

Charles Okogene 0

ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR DOUYE DIRI, GOVERNOR OF BAYELSA STATE, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2025 LABOUR DAY CELEBRATIONS HELD AT PEACE PARK, YENAGOA, MAY 1, 2025.

PROTOCOLS

  1. Distinguished workers, comrades, friends and partners in progress.
  2. Exactly one year ago, I joined you here to celebrate this great occasion, reserved annually in salute to the labour and sacrifice of workers worldwide. Today, through the abiding mercy of Almighty God, we are once more privileged to gather in unity and purpose. Let us offer thanks for His abiding grace, which continues to preserve and guide us and our beloved state.
  3. As the son of a dedicated classroom teacher, and as one who has himself known the fulfilment and responsibility of teaching, I feel a profound personal solidarity with every worker in Bayelsa State. I understand first-hand the sacrifices you make, the diligence you show, and the hope you carry for a better tomorrow – for yourselves, your families, and generations yet unborn.
  4. This annual event is thus for me far from a routine or an obligation. For your government of Assured Prosperity, today is a deeply significant moment to express our immense gratitude and to pay tribute to the spirit, resilience, and diligence that the workers of Bayelsa State demonstrate so consistently and selflessly. You set the standard for excellence across our nation. We will continue to prioritise your efficiency, welfare and interests.
  5. Today, let us not only salute the formal workforce – our civil servants, teachers, nurses, and public administrators – but also our dynamic farmers, courageous fishermen, industrious drivers, skilled artisans, creative entrepreneurs, and all who labour in the informal and private sectors. Your sweat sustains our economy; your commitment fuels our progress. I assure you that our administration deeply values your steadfast cooperation and contributions and we do not, and will never, take them for granted.
  6. As you are aware, we have commenced recruitment of a thousand workers into the state’s civil service as well as, employing additional teachers for our secondary and technical schools, alongside interventions in other critical sectors such as healthcare. This we believe will further strengthen our workforce, while providing the platform for more Bayelsans to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the state.
  7. Our commitment to improved working conditions for civil servants is further validated by the ongoing construction of the 9-Storey State Secretariat Complex – an iconic structure that will soon offer a world-class working environment, fostering collaboration, efficiency, and pride among our civil servants, visitors and Bayelsans.
  8. Beyond this, we are pressing forward with unflinching dedication to complete a state-of-the-art sports stadium, a clear signal of our pledge to youth development, healthy living, and sporting excellence. Equally transformative is our ongoing investment in a sustainable and uninterrupted power supply, which we are confident will be a reality before this year draws to a close.
  9. These projects are not mere structures; they are stepping stones for growth and opportunity. For instance, with uninterrupted and affordable energy, Bayelsa will undoubtedly become a preferred destination for investors, leading to an upsurge in business activity, job creation for our youths, and a substantial increase to our internally generated revenue.
  10. Our journey so far has been made possible by your strong support, trust, and confidence in your Government of Assured Prosperity. This enduring partnership is building a legacy that will bring to life the vision of our founding fathers: a state characterised by justice, fairness, prosperity, and the splendour that truly earns it the title: ‘Glory of all Lands.’
  11. Dear comrades, I recognise that challenges remain: the rising cost of living, the evolving socio-economic demands, and the urgent need for continuous skills development and fair compensation. I assure you that your government will not relent in actively engaging organised labour and stakeholders to ensure that Bayelsa remains a model for a progressive, respected and empowered workforce.
  12. As you are aware, we have broadened the scope and coverage of the Bayelsa Health Insurance Scheme to encompass all citizens. This aims to alleviate the financial burden on families, and I encourage you to take advantage of this initiative. More importantly, prioritise preventive healthcare. Please incorporate the Weekly Prosperity Workout into your routine. A healthy workforce is a productive workforce.
  13. I am delighted to note, as your leaders have graciously mentioned, the completion of the new Labour House – a fitting edifice for your assemblies, dialogue, and shared advancement.

RESPONSE

  1. I have noted the various requests you made through your leaders and wish to respond as such…
  2. Finally, let me emphasise – the story of Bayelsa’s development is written with your hands, hearts, and hopes. On this Labour Day, I urge you to keep faith – with yourselves, with your government, and with the brighter future we are building together.
  3. ⁠May God bless all the workers of Bayelsa State. May God bless our beloved state, now and always. Happy Workers’ Day!