By Sam Jones
YENAGOA (Sundiata Post) – Vice President Kashim Shettima, former presidents Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, governors and federal lawmakers were among dignitaries that attended the second tenure inauguration of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo in Yenagoa on Wednesday.
The Vice President of Liberia, Mr. Jeremiah Koung, was also present as Diri pledged to diversify the state economy through a five-year economic plan that would focus on the provision of power, water and agricultural development.
He said the five-year economic development plan has been developed and it outlined the strategies and initiatives to diversify and strengthen the state’s economy, create jobs and attract investments.
The governor said his Prosperity Government achieved remarkable milestones in various sectors of the state’s economy in his first tenure.
“We have developed a comprehensive and ambitious five-year economic plan for the state. This plan outlines our strategies and initiatives to diversify and strengthen our economy, create jobs, attract investments, and improve the standard of living for all Bayelsans.
“To kickstart the implementation of this economic plan and to engage stakeholders, we are excited to announce the upcoming Bayelsa State Economic Development Summit in Yenagoa, the state capital. This summit will serve as a platform for sharing ideas, discussing opportunities, and forging partnerships to accelerate the economic growth of our state.”
Reeling out his achievements, he said the administration worked hard to improve road infrastructure, schools, hospitals, created more jobs, and tackled the disunity and insecurity affecting the people.
He said: “As we embark on this second term, let me earnestly assure you that our commitment to the progress and advancement of Bayelsa remains steadfast. Your unwavering support and faith in our vision for a better Bayelsa fuels our determination to continue working tirelessly for our collective welfare and development.
“Whereas we achieved remarkable milestones in various sectors during our first term, we also recognise that there is still more to be done. Indeed, we can say with humility that in the last four years, we did not merely count the years, we have made the years truly count.
“During our first term, we worked to improve the condition of our roads, schools and hospitals, created more jobs for our people, and tackled the disunity and insecurity affecting our people. Four years later, we can modestly tell ourselves that we have done well.
“We are happy to report some life-changing interventions in different spheres, including prompt payment of pensions and outstanding gratuities, expansion of the State Health Insurance Scheme, introduction of a robust science, technical and vocational education programme and the construction of new technical colleges to boost manpower development.”
Diri expressed gratitude to people of the state for their unflinching support.
He highlighted potable water, agriculture, education as some areas that would receive priority attention to drive economic growth.
“Together, we will achieve greatness and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Let us work tirelessly to build a Bayelsa State that is the envy of the nation, a shining example of unity and love in action. Let us rise above political divisions and work towards a shared vision of a prosperous Bayelsa.”