Photo Caption: L-R: Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, Governor Douye Diri, former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Senator Konbowei Benson, and the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Moses Teibowei, during the commissioning of the Agbura-Oxbow Lake Road in Yenagoa local government area on Monday
Immediate past Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, has described the pace of development in Bayelsa State as emotional, following the completion of key infrastructure projects in the state.
Speaking on Monday at Oporoma, headquarters of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, during a grand reception held in his honour, Osinbajo expressed admiration for the people-oriented projects executed by Governor Douye Diri, noting that the governor clearly understands the essence of governance.
According to a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Osinbajo 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 after seeing the terrain, which he described as largely forested.
The former vice president, however, said he was delighted that the Diri administration had proven him wrong by completing the 630-metre bridge and its access road to Oporoma—an infrastructure project that had remained unfulfilled for over six decades.
He further commended the completion and inauguration of the Oporoma referral hospital, a project initiated in 1973 but only recently completed by the current administration. Osinbajo noted that the hospital was already performing surgeries, describing it as a major milestone in healthcare delivery for the area.
While inaugurating the Agbura-Oxbow Lake road in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Osinbajo said the road would significantly improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and link communities to key federal institutions such as the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Federal Secretariat.
“I am privileged to be alive and to be a part of history. This is a very special and emotional day for me,” he said. “At the time of the bridge groundbreaking, it was merely a dream, as there was no access road to one of the most prolific oil-producing local government areas in the country.”
Osinbajo praised Governor Diri’s leadership, describing him as a man of integrity who keeps his promises—an attribute he said is rare in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“I had my doubts, but today we are witnessing history. Once a leader understands the purpose of leadership, the people will be happy. Douye Diri has shown that he is the right man for the job,” he added.
In his remarks, Governor Diri expressed appreciation to Osinbajo for honouring the invitation to inaugurate the projects, noting that the former vice president has consistently demonstrated his love for the development of Bayelsa.
Diri reiterated that the essence of governance is to improve the lives of the people, assuring that his administration would continue to execute impactful projects. He disclosed plans to construct a road linking Oporoma to the hospital in Osokama and to provide fencing for the facility.
He also referenced the formal commissioning of the Angiama bridge by President Bola Tinubu on April 10, describing it as a fulfillment of collective aspirations.
Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Moses Teibowei, earlier noted that the 6.72-kilometre Agbura-Oxbow Lake road would provide easier access to Swali and other parts of Yenagoa, significantly reducing travel time.
Similarly, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, said the people of Southern Ijaw were grateful for the long-awaited access road, despite the area’s status as one of the highest crude oil-producing local government areas in the country.
The event featured cultural performances by the Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture troupe and presentation of gifts to the former vice president.
