By Robinson Ere Erebi
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The 2026 edition of the Bayelsa State Weekly Prosperity Roadwalk, led by the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, commenced at 6:30 a.m. today from the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, amid a mammoth crowd brimming with energy.
Participants jogged and danced to rhythmic songs accompanied by drums and trumpet sounds from a mobile band, creating a lively and colourful atmosphere throughout the exercise.
Today’s roadwalk was unique as it exceeded the usual five-kilometre distance. On reaching the earlier designated destination, the Governor made an unscheduled detour, extending the walk by an additional distance before finally ending at the Peace Park, opposite Government House, Yenagoa. The exercise was aimed at demonstrating that Bayelsans are healthy and fit to pursue their endeavours in the new season of envisioned prosperity in the state.
Speaking shortly after the routine calisthenics that precede the Prosperity Roadwalk, Governor Diri described the exercise as the first official workout of the year.
“This is the maiden workout for 2026, our first workout for the year. As a family striving to be fit and prosperous in health, let me start by wishing you a Happy New Year. Happy New Year!” he said.
He added, “May our workout this year be better than 2025, and may we all be in sound health. There will be no visiting of FMC, no visiting of Okolobiri, no visiting of BMU. You will be healthy, your families will be healthy, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.”
The Governor thanked participants for the large turnout, noting that it was a positive sign for the year ahead.
“I want to thank you for the very massive turnout today. This signifies that this year will be better. Today, we have recorded a very impressive turnout of our regular participants,” he stated.
Governor Diri explained that some activities planned for the day could not hold due to the absence of key officials.
“The Commissioner for Sports is out of the country on official duties, and some members of the House of Assembly are also away. Because of that, what we planned to do today may not happen. We will wait, and if anyone came specifically for that, I am sorry,” he said.
He, however, emphasized that the essence of the roadwalk was health and fitness.
“I know most of us came because we want to be prosperous in our health. As soon as the Commissioner returns, in one of our workouts, we will do the needful and conclude our exercise for last year,” he assured.
Encouraging participants to sustain the culture of regular exercise, the Governor urged them to invite others to join.
“Tell those who are not coming out the benefits you have seen. Some of you have formed clubs, which means you will not be exercising just once a week but maybe three or four times weekly. That way, there will be no hospital visits. Small headache will not worry you; headache will see you and run away. Malaria will see you and flee,” he said humorously.
He continued, “You have a secret. Anyone who wants to know the secret, tell them, so you can save more lives. That is why we ended 2025 on a sad note, but we are beginning 2026 on a fresh note, with renewed faith that all of us will be alive from January to December.”
Governor Diri also advised participants to maintain order during exercises and focus on the purpose rather than proximity to leaders.
“What is important is that you have come out to exercise yourself. Your joints, your legs—being able to move is what matters most, so that even when you are aging, you age gracefully,” he said.
He cited examples of elderly participants who still actively take part in the roadwalk, adding, “That is the kind of Bayelsa I want to see.”
The Governor concluded by reiterating his administration’s philosophy of prosperity.
“When we say this is a government of Assured Prosperity, prosperity is not only money in your pocket. Prosperity is, more importantly, your health. Health is wealth,” he said.
“Thank you, and God bless you all.”
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