— Oil, Gas Imprisoned Nigeria, Says Darah
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Thursday, said the state had overcome the daunting terrain challenges that confronted it at creation, recording significant transformation in infrastructure, connectivity and human development in its 30 years of existence.
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Diri stated this at an exhibition and anniversary lecture marking the 30th anniversary of the state at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa.
The governor said Bayelsa State, created on October 1, 1996, by the late former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, was initially confronted by difficult terrain, limited infrastructure, poor connectivity and a fragile economic base, but successive administrations had steadily transformed the landscape.
He said the emergence of roads and bridges where communities were previously separated by creeks, the development of an international airport, and the establishment of universities and other institutions demonstrated the extent to which the state had overcome its geographical limitations.
He stated: “Today, where there was once swamp, we have an international airport. Where there were once creeks, we now have five universities as well as polytechnics. Where communities were separated by water, bridges and roads now bind us together.”
According to him, Bayelsa had also expanded its federal presence with the establishment of facilities such as the Nigerian Content Tower, Federal Secretariat, Nigerian Law School and various security formations.
Diri acknowledged the contributions of successive administrations to the development of the state, stressing that the progress recorded over the past three decades was a continuum built on the efforts and sacrifices of previous leaders and citizens.
The governor said renewed attention was being given to the state’s senatorial roads, while the Independent Power Project was being expanded from 60 to 100 megawatts.
He also cited the ongoing construction of the 30,000-capacity stadium and the nine-storey Secretariat Complex as major projects expected to strengthen public services, connectivity and economic activity.
The Bayelsa State helmsman, however, said the 30th anniversary should go beyond celebrating past achievements, stressing the need to build stronger institutions, create opportunities for youths and women, protect the environment and ensure balanced development across the state.
He challenged Bayelsans to transform the sacrifices of the state’s founding fathers into a foundation for a more prosperous and united future.
“The legacies of yesterday must become the launchpad for the Bayelsa of tomorrow: a Bayelsa that is more connected, more prosperous, more just, more peaceful, and more promising for every citizen and resident.”
Oil, Gas Imprisoned Nigeria — Darah
Delivering the anniversary lecture, renowned scholar and public intellectual, Professor Godini Darah, said Nigeria’s dependence on oil and gas had constrained the country’s economic development.
Darah said the nation’s over-reliance on petroleum resources had prevented it from fully developing other productive sectors of the economy.
The scholar also called for fundamental reforms to Nigeria’s fiscal federalism and greater resource control for producing regions.
He described the 13 per cent derivation allocation to oil-producing states as “87 per cent deprivation,” arguing that the Niger Delta bears the environmental consequences of resource extraction while having limited control over its natural wealth.
Darah attributed the situation to historical and constitutional arrangements, including Petroleum Decree No. 51 of 1969 and Section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution.
He challenged Niger Delta leaders to move beyond dependence on crude oil by investing in knowledge, science, technology, research and value-added industries.
The academic advocated the development of specialised universities and research institutions in areas including oceanography, marine engineering and commercial aquaculture.
He also called for the conversion of natural gas into reliable electricity and the development of petrochemical and other industries that could create jobs and wealth within the region.
Darah urged state governments and Host Community Development Committees to channel Petroleum Industry Act funds into human capital development and transformative infrastructure.
He further encouraged the use of locally available materials, including clay, in construction and industrial production, arguing that the region should maximise its abundant natural resources.
Darah urged Bayelsans to use the anniversary to renew their commitment to the development of the state and the unity of Nigeria.
The anniversary programme featured a panel discussion moderated by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Professor Solomon Ebobrah, with Professor Ibaba Samuel Ibaba of Political Science, Professor Young Ayotamuno, and Professor Ongoebi Maureen Etebu, Nigeria’s first female professor of mechanical engineering and former Commissioner for Special Duties, among the participants.
There was also an exhibition showcasing Bayelsa’s history, the struggle for its creation and the developmental milestones recorded in the state over the past three decades.
The event was attended by former President Goodluck Jonathan; his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan; the governor’s wife, Dr. Gloria Diri; Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe; and members of the family of the late former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, including Mohammed Abacha, Abba Abacha and Fatima Gumsu Abacha, among other family members.
Also present were members of the National Assembly, state legislators, top government officials, traditional rulers and a large gathering of Bayelsans.
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