Governor Douye Diri Commits to Building 1,000 Housing Units in Bayelsa
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has pledged that his administration will build at least 1,000 affordable housing units across the state's eight local government areas. He also promised to provide pipe-borne water in Yenagoa, the state capital, and surrounding areas during his second term.
He made these commitments during a state broadcast in celebration of Nigeria’s 64th independence and Bayelsa's 28th anniversary. The governor emphasized his dedication to building a new Bayelsa where every resident has access to quality education, affordable healthcare, and economic opportunities that enhance their overall well-being.
During his first broadcast since his re-inauguration, Diri expressed gratitude to the people of Bayelsa for re-electing him and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
He reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing development and addressing environmental challenges, including soot pollution, flooding, and oil spills, which have impacted the state.
"We are 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, and communities are empowered to achieve financial security and well-being," Diri stated.
Reflecting on the past four years, the governor highlighted significant progress in peace and security, sports, education, healthcare, road infrastructure, human capacity building, and skills acquisition. He attributed these achievements to unity, cooperation, and a shared vision for development.
During his second term, the administration will continue key projects, including building an iconic state secretariat as part of its urban renewal plan for Yenagoa.
As part of the vision to develop New Yenagoa City, ongoing projects include the construction of the Glory Drive Phase 3, new quarters for legislators and commissioners, affordable housing estates, and a modern stadium.
The governor also mentioned other major initiatives, such as an independent power plant, providing pipe-borne water in Yenagoa and its surroundings, and constructing 1,000 affordable housing units across the eight local government areas. Additional infrastructure projects include the construction of Onuebum-Otuoke, Akaba-Okodi, Oxbow Lake-Agbura, and Toru-Ebeni-Okumbiri-Kabeama-Bolou-Orua roads.
Diri commended previous administrations for their contributions, acknowledging that Bayelsa has come a long way since its creation on October 1, 1996. He noted that the sacrifices and aspirations of the state's founding fathers have paved the way for progress and development.
"The courage, strength, and ingenuity of all of us have sustained the principles of development set out by our founding fathers. Your resilience, determination, and faith in our Prosperity Government have been the driving force behind our progress," he said.
The governor urged citizens to reflect on the sacrifices of Nigeria's heroes and the aspirations of Bayelsa's founding fathers, whose dedication to unity and progress has shaped the collective journey of the state and the nation.