Immediate past Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has described the pace of development in Bayelsa State as emotional and inspiring.
Speaking on Monday at Oporoma, headquarters of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, during a grand reception held in his honour, Prof. Osinbajo said he was deeply impressed by the people-oriented projects executed by the administration of Governor Douye Diri.
According to a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the former vice president recalled his visit to the state on February 19, 2022, for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Angiama-Oporoma bridge project. He admitted that he initially doubted the feasibility of the project due to the difficult terrain, which he described as forested.
Prof. Osinbajo, however, expressed delight that Governor Diri had proved him wrong by completing the 630-metre bridge and the access road to Oporoma projects that had remained on the drawing board for over six decades.
He noted that the governor’s achievements demonstrated that his emergence as Bayelsa’s leader was not by chance, adding that the people were evidently satisfied with his performance.
The former vice president also praised the completion of the referral hospital in Oporoma, which he inaugurated. The hospital, originally initiated 53 years ago in 1973, is now fully operational and already performing surgeries.
While inaugurating the Agbura-Oxbow Lake Road in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Prof. Osinbajo described the project as impactful, noting that it connects communities, reduces travel time, and links key federal institutions such as the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Federal Secretariat.
Commending Governor Diri, Osinbajo described him as a leader who keeps his promises an uncommon trait in Nigerian politics.
“This is a very special and emotional day for me. I was here for the groundbreaking of the Angiama bridge when it was just a dream. There was no access road to one of the most prolific oil-producing local government areas in the country,” he said.
“I had my doubts, but today we are witnessing history. Douye Diri has shown that God made the right choice in him. He proves every day that he is the right man for the job.”
Osinbajo further described the governor as a man of character who remains faithful to his promises, adding that such qualities translate into effective governance.
In his remarks, Governor Douye Diri thanked the former vice president for honouring the invitation to inaugurate key projects in the state.
He noted that Osinbajo’s consistent support for Bayelsa reflects his love for development and the people of the state.
Diri emphasised that the essence of governance is to improve the lives of the people and assured that his administration would continue to prioritise impactful projects.
“A few years ago, you were here as Vice President for the groundbreaking of the Angiama bridge. Today, that project has been completed and commissioned. We are grateful for your steadfast support,” the governor said.
He added that the referral hospital in Oporoma has been fully equipped and is ready to serve residents, while also promising the construction of access roads to the facility and its fencing.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Moses Teibowei, stated that the 6.72-kilometre Agbura-Oxbow Lake Road would significantly improve access to Swali and other parts of Yenagoa, reducing travel time.
Similarly, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, expressed gratitude on behalf of the people of Southern Ijaw, noting that the new road marks the end of decades of neglect despite the area’s contribution to the nation’s oil production.
The event featured the presentation of gifts to the former vice president, as well as cultural performances by the BayelsaState Council for Arts and Culture troupe.
