Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State was on Wednesday sworn in for his second term in office.
Diri was inaugurated alongside his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, at the Samson Siasia Sport Complex, Yenagoa, amidst tight security.
The state Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, administered fresh oaths of office and allegiance on the governor and the deputy governor who were relected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 11, 2023 governorship poll.
They were given their certificates of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on November 17.
Addressing the crowd after the taking oath, Diri said that his administration would implement a 10-year comprehensive economic plan with strategies and initiatives for the development of Bayelsa in his second term.
He highlighted the achievements of his administration in his first tenure in various sectors including road infrastructure, agriculture, education, health, youth and women empowerment, security and public institutions, among others.
He said in his second tenure, the government would focus on addressing the challenge of the lack of access to potable water by residents of the state.
Diri said, “With this vision in mind, we have developed a comprehensive and ambitious 10-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 kick start 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.
“We shall focus attention on areas with comparative advantage, including agriculture, rice, cassava and oil palm production, seeking new partnerships and investors along the way.”
He further said that in his second tenure, citizens of the state would have a more active and direct role in shaping and participating in the economy, stressing that “from small business owners and entrepreneurs to industry leaders and investors, everyone has a part to play in driving economic growth and prosperity.”
Diri also announced the dissolution of the state executive council and congratulated the political appointees for their “sacrifices and industry as our first term in office officially ended today.”
He called for unity and togetherness towards overcoming obstacles, achieving a great feats and building a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Bayelsa.
Dignitaries that attended the second-term swearing-in ceremony of Diri and Ehwrudjakpo were the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima; his Liberian counterpart, Jeremiah Kounang; former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Peace; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; former senate president, Bukola Saraki; national chairman of PDP, Adolphus Wabara; his predecessor, Iyorchia Ayu; former governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson; Senator Ben Murray-Bruce.
Also present were Governors Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Umaru Bago (Niger), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa) and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom).
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