Governor Diri Praises Bayelsa Community, Commends NDDC For Progress

By ‘Bike Ogbuokiri—

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has praised the people of Ayakoro community in the Ogbia Local Government Area for fostering a peaceful environment conducive to development, and commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its collaboration with the state government in transforming communities across Bayelsa.

Speaking at the grand finale of the Ayakoro Annual Cultural Festival held in Ayakoro on Saturday, Governor Diri expressed delight at the significant improvements in the area, stating that “this progress reflects strong collaboration between the community, the state government and the NDDC.”

In a statement released by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director of Corporate Affairs, NDDC, he said: “I commend the people for their peaceful nature and continued support for our Government of Assured Prosperity.”

Governor Diri assured residents that the state government would continue to prioritise development projects in the area, highlighting that “Ayakoro will benefit from the ongoing Akaba–Ogu-Okodi Road project, which will improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth.”

He added: “Our administration remains committed to ensuring that no community in Bayelsa State is left behind in our development efforts.”

The Governor also expressed hope that President Bola Tinubu would visit to commission the state’s 60-Megawatt Gas Turbine Project, which he said would provide 24-hour electricity across Bayelsa.

In his remarks, the Chief Host and NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, thanked the Bayelsa State Governor for his support of the Ayakoro community, particularly during the devastating floods of 2022 when the Governor visited to offer condolences.

Ogbuku observed: “When you visited this community, you wished us well, you wished us peace, and you sympathised with us. Since then, we have experienced nothing but good fortune.”

“Thank you for bringing blessings to this community. We are confident that with your continued support, we will see development in the Ayakoro quadruple.”

The NDDC boss noted that the annual cultural festival “celebrates the resilience and spirit of our people and their ability to overcome challenges, as facing the unknown is one of the greatest difficulties in life.”

He continued: “We are not only celebrating the community’s recovery from the floods and erosion that previously affected this area, but also the ongoing land reclamation work, which demonstrates that erosion remains a concern.”

Ogbuku emphasised that development cannot flourish without peace, adding: “The people of Ayakoro are peaceful and optimistic, believing that tomorrow will always be better.”

“Having demonstrated our commitment to peace, and with you as a man of peace, we hope to be rewarded with further projects from the Bayelsa State Government.”

The chairman of the occasion, Chief Obinna Iyiebu, praised Dr Ogbuku for the transformation taking place in the Ayakoro community.

He said: “Ayakoro community is fortunate to have a son like Dr Samuel Ogbuku. I can see development everywhere. Those in positions of power should not only seek personal wealth but also strive to bring development to their communities, and Dr Ogbuku has proven this by significantly improving Ayakoro.”

Earlier, in his welcome address, Community Spokesperson Chief Pureaziba Akpoti explained that the annual “Eyal Obeyin” festival is a significant cultural event showcasing the community’s rich heritage and promoting tourism.

He noted: “The Ayakoro annual festival, known as ‘Eyal Obeyin’ (Crossing), was established to honour and remember the community’s founding fathers.”

“This annual celebration fosters harmony, collaboration, peace, and tolerance, embodying the resilience and determination of our ancestors. By celebrating this festival, we honour their strength in the face of adversity.”