By Hon. Deme Ataribo Ayawari
It was a bright sunny day on 1st October 1996 when General Sani Abacha graciously announced the creation of Bayelsa State, with Yenagoa as the capital and the Government House located in Yenagoa-Ovom Town.
The people received the good news with great joy and celebration. Oh, I could still remember vividly how the fountain of joy flowed and glowed in the hearts and minds of the sons and daughters of Bayelsa State, the Jerusalem of the Ijaw Nation, both at home and abroad.
The stars, the sun, and the moon celebrated the creation of a new dawn. Although I was still in my Senior Secondary School but unwavering hope suddenly welled up that faithful day. I saw that a great future had emerged, a greater and better future lay ahead of our people. Light shone in the tunnel and darkness disappeared.
The people from both the riverine and upland communities in the 8 LGAs celebrated the event with a joyful Song and rough driving of speed boats and vehicles on both land and water ways of the state displaying an overwhelming joy. It was a mark of a new hope and a new beginning for the people. However, just a few years later, in 1999, the entire state was plunged into violence and total unrest as a result of the people’s resistance against decades of exploitation, deprivation, suppression and marginalization.
Reflecting on our journey so far as people of Bayelsa State, we are reminded of an inspiring South African song with these words: “…the journey of life is not an easy one, but we don’t lose hope; we keep holding on.”
-Newie Nthabalala, song of hope.
In our journey as a people, we will never hastily set aside the horrific and painful memories of Odi massacre of 1999 nor the suffering our people endured during the era of militancy in the Niger Delta region, when Bayelsa State, the Jerusalem of Ijaw Nation was seen globally as a theatre of war, branded as “a no go area” by the United States of America and “a no project zone” by the federal government of Nigeria. A worrisome finding during the height of the militancy from 2007 to 2010, under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration confirmed that Bayelsa State had the least federal projects and the lowest mileage of federal roads in Nigeria, with critical shortages in trunk roads, bridges and federal institutional secretariats.
The story of Bayelsa State reflects cycles of joy and pain, light and darkness, conflict and peace, a journey shaped by both state and non-state actors alike. Nevertheless, our focus will centre on the contributions of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri to the progress and prosperity of Bayelsa State.
THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF SENATOR DOUYE DIRI TO THE PROGRESS OF BAYELSA STATE
Growing up, my Dad would often tell me that each of us has a part to play in this world. As the late Rev. Evangelist Dr. Uma Ukpai put it, “Destiny is the assignment God gives to man to fulfill here on earth.
Fellow Bayelsans, let it be known universally that Governor Douye Diri’s journey to Creek Haven was not accidental but it it a divine reward for his sacrificial service to his people which unlocked the gates of leadership for him to occupy the throne of Bayelsa Government House. A leader whose historic journey of life began from the classroom to the Creek Haven throne. Hence, I will outline the chronicles of Governor Diri’s contributions to the progress of Bayelsa State by starting with this simple saying: “You reap what you sow.”
HIS TEACHING CAREER:
Governor Douye Diri began his working life as a teacher in several rural public schools across Bayelsa State. He served in areas that many contemporary teachers today would consider as punishment postings, but understanding that educational backwardness was a major constraint to the growth and progress of our young state, he remained deeply committed to imparting knowledge at the grassroots level. This was his first major contribution to the development of Bayelsa State.
ACTIVISM:
During the darkest days of exploitation, marginalization and militarization of the Ijaw Nation by various authoritarian military leaders in Nigeria, a time when many intellectuals and so-called gentlemen chose to suffer and die in silence rather than speak truth to power, a time when many parents and guardians advised their children and loved ones to avoid speaking publicly against the military concerning the marginalization and suffering of Ijaw people, the goose that lays the golden eyes, Governor Douye Diri stood at the forefront. He placed his life on the line as a sacrificial lamb in defence and service of the Ijaw people not minding the consequences.
He served as the First National Organizing Secretary of the Ijaw National Congress (INC).
As a prominent pan-Ijaw activist and social crusader, his advocacy drew global attention and contributed to the establishment of intervention agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC), created to develop our degraded land and improve the well-being of our people.
PUBLIC SERVICE ROLES:
He served as Executive Secretary of the Centre for Youth Development, Bayelsa State, between 2000 and 2002, and later as Commissioner for Youth and Sports from 2005 to 2006 under Governor Goodluck Jonathan, where he made significant contributions to youth development in Bayelsa state.
DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF:
He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff, a period during which he was instrumental in shaping government policies and programs aimed at improving the lives of Bayelsans.
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE SECRETARY:
As Principal Executive Secretary, Governor Douye Diri served as the chief administrative anchor of Government House, coordinating policy execution and ensuring seamless interface between the Governor’s office, Ministries, and key stakeholders.
LEGISLATIVE CAREER
MEMBER OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
From 2015 to 2019, he represented Kolokuma/Opokuma-Yenagoa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, where he deployed constituency funds to execute tangible projects that improved the lives of his people and sponsored impactful bills and motions for their betterment.
SENATE:
He was elected Senator representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly (2019–2020), where he recorded significant achievements in the Red Chamber. Though his time in the Red Chamber was brief, yet he made his indelible mark.
GOVERNORSHIP:
Since his emergence as Executive Governor of Bayelsa State in 2019 till date, his administration has focused on road infrastructure, education, healthcare, sports, power, agriculture, civil service welfare and peace-building.
ON ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE:
Given that 75% of Bayelsans are riverine settlers who depend solely on boats and canoes for the movement of goods and services within the state, the administration’s prioritization of road network construction has successfully linked all eight LGAs, thereby drastically shifting the transport system from water to land.
ON EDUCATION:
Governor Douye Diri has redefined education as the foundation for inclusive development. Hence, over 12,000 teachers have been trained and equipped with digital tools in partnership with Microsoft, with more than 37,000 pupils across 220 schools benefiting. His policy shift from white-collar education to technical, vocational and science-based education is aimed at producing self-reliant graduates and improving employability.
Under Governor Douye Diri’s administration, Bayelsa State has won the following nationally and internationally recognized Awards in the education sector: In 2025, Bayelsa state was awarded as the No.1 state in Nigeria with the highest percentage of candidates with 5 credits and above in NECO SSCE. While on September 2025, the Independent Newspaper awarded Governor Douye Diri as Platinum Education Ambassador. The World Bank also honoured Bayelsa State with an international Award as the top performing state on educational reforms.
ON HEALTHCARE SERVICE:
Governor Douye Diri has made healthcare a major priority. His administration has completed and equipped the 500-bed Bayelsa Medical University Teaching Hospital, the Haemodialysis and General Outpatient Centre, and referral hospitals across the state. Primary Healthcare Centres in rural and riverine communities have been built, renovated, and better equipped.
In partnership with Zipline, the government now uses drones to deliver vaccines, essential drugs, and critical medical supplies to hard-to-reach areas.
Under Governor Douye Diri’s administration, Bayelsa has won the following nationally recognized awards in the health sector: Best State in Eye Health, 1st Runner-up in the Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge, and 1st Per-Capita in Health Investment in Q1 2026.
ON SPORTS DEVELOPMENT:
Governor Douye Diri who recently received the “Best Sports Governor in Nigeria award” from NUKSA in far United Kingdom, has invested over N100 billion in sports infrastructure. This includes the construction of a 35,000-capacity FIFA-standard stadium, the upgrade of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, and the hosting and sponsorship of major sporting events in the state.
POWER SUPPLY:
On power supply, Governor Douye Diri has kept his promise of uninterrupted electricity by installing the 60-megawatt gas turbine and begun free distribution of prepaid meters, whereby today Bayelsans are enjoying steady electricity.
AGRICULTURE:
On Agriculture, Governor Douye Diri is supporting farmers with a ₦200 million monthly grant across the eight LGAs to boost food security in the state. He is also distributing modern tools, high-yield seedlings, fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides, and training of farmers, of which over 180 youths were recently trained in soilless farming and empowered with cash grants and equipments.
CIVIL SERVICE:
The Assured Prosperity Administration of Governor Diri has wiped away decades of unpaid gratuities, pensions and death benefits that many thought would never be paid. He is also implementing prompt promotion of civil servants and payment of salaries when due.
ON PEACE AND SECURITY:
Our greatest pride and joy is the peace that we’re enjoying under Governor Douye Diri’s Assured Prosperity administration. He has successfully transformed Bayelsa State from a theatre of war into a safe haven, and today Bayelsa is ranked as one of the safest states in Nigeria.
Fellow Bayelsans, the history of Bayelsa State will remain incomplete without the mentioning of Senator Douye Diri’s contributions to the state. He has truly demonstrated the words of Sir Winston Churchill, the famous Prime Minister of Great Britain about greatness, when he said; “One mark of a great man is the power of making a lasting impact upon the people he meets or leads.” Indeed, Senator Douye Diri is a great man. Please, may this serve as a lesson to our young people who wants to be great in life.
DIRI & AKPE
It is also impressive to note that just as the history of Bayelsa State would be incomplete without Senator Douye Diri, likewise the history of Governor Diri’s achievements cannot be fully told without his Deputy, Pastor Pereotubo Agboola Akpe, Ph.D, a very loyal partner who has stood tirelessly with him for the advancement of Bayelsa State. He has served alongside him from his first tenure as Deputy Chief of Staff to Chief of Staff and now as Deputy Governor, a partnership that has been vital to the success, progress and prosperity of Bayelsa state.
For all of this, we wish to sincerely express our profound appreciation to His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, and his Deputy, His Excellency, Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe, PhD, for their visionary leadership that has brought us thus far.
God bless Bayelsa State!
God bless His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa!
God bless His Excellency, Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State!
God bless all the members of the State Executive Council. Amen.
Hon. Deme Ataribo Ayawari is the Director-General, Bayelsa APC Grassroots Forum(BAGF)
