https://www.facebook.com/113940533322826/

Bayelsa Prosperity Media, Bayelsa State Government House, Yenagoa (2026)

06/10/2026

Air Crash: Gov Diri Condoles With President, NAF, Families

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has commiserated with President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the families of the victims over the fatal crash that claimed the lives of 32 military personnel on Monday, October 5, 2026.

Governor Diri in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, also extended his condolences to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and expressed sadness over the tragedy.

“On behalf of the Government and People of Bayelsa State, I extend our deepest condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigerian Air Force and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, over Monday’s tragic air crash.

“This sad incident, which resulted in the death of 32 gallant personnel of our military, particularly the Nigerian Air Force, leaves our nation in a moment of shared grief and pain.

“We stand in solidarity with our military, the families of the victims, and the entire nation as we pray that the Almighty God strengthen and comfort all the bereaved."

Daniel Alabrah
Chief Press Secretary
October 6, 2026

05/10/2026

Lesotho, Bayelsa Explore Economic Cooperation
*Gov Diri Attends Country’s 60th Independence Celebration

The government of Lesotho and Bayelsa State have held talks on areas of economic cooperation, including agriculture, oil and gas, tourism, cold water development and textile warehousing.

The bilateral meeting between the country’s Prime Minister, The Rt. Honourable Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, took place on Sunday at the State House in Maseru, the capital city.

Governor Diri, who recalled an earlier meeting with Matekane in Abuja, Nigeria, said Bayelsa was interested in exploring areas of economic benefits, particularly where it had comparative advantages.

He said the state was rich in crude oil and very large gas deposits, in addition to having the longest coastline in the country that places it at a strategic position in the Gulf of Guinea.

Lesotho is one of the world’s smallest, landlocked nations located in Southern Africa and it is rich in diamond and a leader in cold water production and export as well as in textile production.

Governor Diri said: “I think this meeting was divinely orchestrated. The meeting in Abuja had so many other presidents and leaders, but at the end of the day, we were attracted to Lesotho, and Lesotho was equally attracted to us.

“Bayelsa was the first place in Nigeria where oil and gas was found in commercial quantities in 1956 by the British during colonial rule. So, Nigeria became an oil-producing country because of Bayelsa.

“My state is in the southern part of Nigeria, in the coastal area, and it is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Guinea. We seek collaboration and partnership in oil and gas, on how to harness the vast resources in our coastal and maritime environment as well as in terms of tourism.”

Governor Diri also stated that Bayelsa was looking at exporting industrial starch from its cassava processing factory.

“Our cassava starch extraction factory is now functional and it was aimed for international exports. The local demand in Nigeria is so high. But our target is export.

“Rice production is another commodity that has possibility for collaboration. Bayelsa is a massive wetland and the entire state is a rice belt.“

On inter-African trade, Diri noted that countries on the continent do business more with those outside the region and that it was time for this to change.

“I think there is a very big opening that is going to be mutually beneficial to both Lesotho and Nigeria, particularly Bayelsa State, from what has come on the table here. I agree with you no less that inter-country trade has been more with countries outside of Africa.

“But if African countries have this kind of meetings, we can begin to change the direction as the possibilities are there. We have not been able to explore them.”

He said his administration was winding down and that both teams have to act fast to make the partnership a reality.

Also, the Director-General of the Bayelsa Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA), Patience Abah, in a presentation, said Bayelsa was following the general framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Abah stated the importance of the meeting and that agreements reached were just words on paper except the participating states take steps to actualise them.

“So, that is the spirit with which we are approaching this. His Excellency has spoken about our oil and gas potential. But beyond that, Bayelsa wishes to leverage also its coastal assets.

“We have two claims to fame that no other state in Nigeria can make. We have the longest coastline in the country of at least 203 kilometers. The other is we have proven gas reserves exceeding 18 trillion cubic feet. These are assets with which we can explore collaboration.

“We know Lesotho specialises and is a world leader in cold water production. But our ecosystem is different, with more of swampy terrain and fresh water. So, we can partner on resources like catfish, tilapia, shrimps, fish processing, and cold chain logistics networks to span not only the Southern African region but all the way down to West Africa as well.

“Using your expertise and terrain advantage, we can also partner on hydro energy as well as renewable and clean energy. Beyond that, we are also looking at your world-class garment manufacturing factory for export. Bayelsa can act as a strategic West African assembly point for warehousing and distribution of your finished textiles in the region and beyond.”

The Lesotho Prime Minister, Ntsokoane Matekane, in his remarks, said the country was interested in any economic relationship and investment that was mutually beneficial.

Ntsokoane, who was a reputable businessman and the country’s richest man before winning election in 2022, said African countries must first derive the benefits from their natural resources rather than relying on the imported finished products from them.

He said: “Africa has been home to a number of minerals and natural resources, but we always export everything we have. They get value outside and come back more expensive for us.

“Now, when you look at the trade between Lesotho and China or US and compare it with between Lesotho and Nigeria, it is a totally different story. So, it is very important for us to start these engagements to ensure that there is intra-trade between African countries.”

Ntsokoane stated that Lesotho was targeting 100 per cent renewable energy and export it to the Southern African region.

“We generate power using hydro because our terrain is a masterpiece. We experience eight to 12 times of snowfall in Lesotho, which is the highest source of water in the Southern African region. And, of course, the mountains and gorges are a huge potential for our hydropower. So, in partnership with Bayelsa State and other African countries, we can build a very strong base load in the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.”

He also spoke about the possibility of setting up data centres for digitised businesses, taking advantage of Lesotho’s cool temperatures and abundant water supply from the mountains.

He further stated that the country depends on Nigeria’s expertise in the oil industry and that Bayelsa will be a strategic partner in that sector because of its history and experience in oil exploration activities.

After the meeting, the Bayelsa governor participated in the Diamond Independence Jubilee celebrations of the country at the National Stadium in Maseru.

The King of Eswatini and his wife and representatives of the government of Botswana, Zambia as well as heads of diplomatic missions and international organisations joined the King of Lesotho, David Mohato Seeiso, Letsie III, at the colourful ceremony.

Daniel Alabrah
Chief Press Secretary
Maseru, Lesotho
October 5, 2026

02/10/2026

Abacha’s Creation Of Bayelsa Freed Ijaw People From Oppression, Says Gov Diri
*State Honours Late Head Of State, Jonathan, Ex-MILADS, Boro, Dickson, Others
*Former President Dedicates Award To Alamieyeseigha

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Thursday night paid tribute to former Nigerian Head of State, the late General Sani Abacha, expressing gratitude on behalf of the Ijaw nation for the creation of Bayelsa on October 1, 1996.

Governor Diri said Gen. Abacha deserved continuous commendation for the gesture as he freed the Ijaw people from oppression and injustice.

The Bayelsa governor spoke at the Dinner and Awards Night of the Bayelsa at 30 anniversary celebrations tagged “Celebrating Legacies” at the Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa.

The well-attended grand finale of the four-day celebrations attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, Abacha’s family, including Alhaji Abba Abacha and Alhaja Fatima Gumsu Abacha, National Assembly members, the diplomatic community, business moguls, top government officials among others.

At the event, state honours were presented to 63 recipients.

Top on the list were the late Abacha, Jonathan, Major Isaac Adaka Boro, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, former military administrators of the state, including the late Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd), Navy Captain Phillip Ayeni (rtd), Police Commissioner Habu Daura (rtd) and Col. Edor Obi (rtd) as well as the immediate past governor, Senator Seriake Dickson.

Governor Diri emphasised that mentioning Abacha’s name in all his remarks was significant, explaining that the late Head of State might mean different things to different people, but to Bayelsans, he was the one who freed them by creating a homogeneous Ijaw state.

His words: "If at every point in my remarks I keep calling him, it is because of what God used him to do for the Ijaw ethnic nationality. As I said yesterday, General Abacha might mean different things to different people, but to Bayelsans, he is the one who freed us from oppression.

“He freed us from injustice and gave a homogenous state for a people that had been balkanised into various states, and making us minority in some.

“Today is also the 66th independence anniversary of our country. So, we are celebrating the national independence and at the same time celebrating our own state at 30 years. We cannot acknowledge and thank General Abacha enough, ably represented here by his own son, Abba Abacha, and his sister. Please take our appreciation and gratitude back home to your mother.”

Justifying the celebration, Diri said the journey from total absence of infrastructure to a state with legacy projects, road networks and hope for the future was a testament to the vision of its founding fathers and the grace of God.

Giving a sectoral breakdown, he said at creation, Bayelsa had zero tertiary institution, but today boasts over five, including universities, polytechnics and college of education, and still counting.

He also contended that at inception, the state had just a single-lane Mbiama-Yenagoa road, but today it had a network of roads, dualised highways and the three senatorial roads opening the state from all angles.

“Do we talk about the healthcare transformation? So much has been done, and we can rightly say that Bayelsa had moved forward and no longer where it used to be,” Diri stated.

He congratulated the awardees, describing them as part of the Bayelsa legacy.

Responding on behalf of the honourees, Dr. Jonathan dedicated his award to his late boss and political mentor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who brought him into politics as a deputy governor.

Jonathan further stated that despite the cynicism of many young people, who ask what Bayelsa had to celebrate at 30, the state had made significant progress.

He said: “Although we have not reached where we are supposed to be, I am happy where we are. I am happy that Bayelsa State was created, and we have gained tremendously. Most people might not know, we have gained tremendously following the creation of the state.

“Bayelsans will always remain grateful to late Gen. Sani Abacha who made it possible for Bayelsa to be among the last six states he created.”

He equally commended Governor Diri for organising the anniversary and honouring those who laboured for the creation and development of the state.

Among other recipients were all who facilitated the creation of the state (Contribution to sustenance of ljaw Existence category), late British-born linguist, Prof. Kay Williamson (Promotion of Ijaw Language category), and Olympians Daniel Igali and Blessing Oborududu and former Super Eagles players and coaches, Samson Siasia and Finidi George (Sports).

Other illustrious Ijaw sons and daughters honoured were former Ijaw National Congress president, Chief Joshua Fumudoh, musicians - late King Robert Ebizimor, Inetimi Odon (Timaya), and Timi Dakolo, as well as the immediate past Head of Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack (Public Service).

In the Education category were Prof. Ayebaemi Spiff, late Prof. Lawrence Ekpebu, Prof. Ebiegberi Alagoa, Prof. Dimie Ogoina and Prof. Youpele Beredugo.

The recognition also covered Bayelsa-born businessmen - Chief Dan Etete, Engr. Gesi Asamaowei, Engr. Preye Berezi, Chief Ken Etete, King Ebitimi Banigo, Dr. Ephraim Faloughi, Dr. Daru Owei and Chief Robert Enogha.

The multiple-award winning Bayelsa State Cultural Troupe was equally honoured as well as the late former National Security Adviser, Gen. Owoeye Azazi (Military), Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri, who was one-time Speaker of the House of Assembly (Legislature), foremost nationalist and pioneer editor of Daily Times Newspaper, Ernest Ikoli, teenage chess sensation, Deborah Quickpen and a host of others.

Dignitaries present at the event included the wives of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Ama-Diri, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, his wife, Dr. Favour Akpe, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, represented by the Deputy Speaker, as well as members of the House of Assembly and the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei.

Others were Lokpobiri, Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, Ebitimi Amgbare, Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service Alhaji Bashir Adeniyi, Col. Edor Obi (rtd), chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, and other traditional rulers.

In attendance were the Ambassadors of Germany, Portugal, Italy, Vietnam, Angola, Czech Republic and São Tomé and Principe.

Daniel Alabrah
Chief Press Secretary
October 2, 2026

02/10/2026

Bayelsa State at 30 celebration dinner

02/10/2026

Bayelsa at 30 Dinner

@30

01/10/2026

Diri Eulogises Bayelsa Founding Fathers, Says State Has Made Progress At 30
*’Roads, Power, Jobs Remain Priorities’

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has paid tributes to its founding fathers, stating that the homogenous Ijaw state created by the former Head of State, late Gen. Sani Abacha, on October 1, 1996, has recorded significant progress in 30 years.

Governor Diri, however, said that much remains to be done to fully realise the aspirations of the founding fathers.

Diri stated this in a live broadcast to mark the 30th anniversary of the state and Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary on Thursday.

He said the twin anniversary provided an opportunity to honour those who laid the foundations of the state and reflect on what the present generation would leave behind.

According to him, Bayelsa’s creation was the product of years of advocacy, petitions, protests, prayers and sacrifices by generations of Ijaw people seeking justice, recognition and a greater voice within the Nigerian federation.

Diri recalled that the creation of the old Rivers State from the former Eastern Region in 1967 was an important milestone in that struggle spearheaded largely by the Ijaws and which also eventually culminated in the creation of Bayelsa twenty-nine years later.

The Bayelsa helmsman recalled the roles played by some of the state’s heroes, including Major Isaac Boro, Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, Chief Melford Okilo, Pa Ernest Ikoli, Chief Joshua Fumudoh, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Dr. Lambert Eradiri, Chief N. A. Frank Opigo, Senator Amatari Zuofa, Dr. Amba Ambaiowei, T. K. Ogoriba, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Chief Dan Etete, Vice Admiral Victor Ombu and Rear Admiral W. G. Yanga, among others.

He said their sacrifices imposed an enduring responsibility on the present generation to build a better state.

“Some gave their time. Some gave their resources. Some gave their liberty. Some paid the ultimate price. To all of them, we owe an enduring debt of gratitude.”

He noted that the state inherited enormous challenges at creation, including difficult terrain, inadequate infrastructure, poor connectivity, a fragile economic base and the need to deliberately develop Yenagoa as the state capital.

According to him, the development of an international airport, universities and polytechnics, roads and bridges, as well as increased federal presence, had transformed the state from its humble beginnings.

He acknowledged the contributions of successive administrations, stressing that development was a continuum and that the progress of Bayelsa belonged to all those that served and sacrificed for the state.

He said his administration was consolidating on the foundations laid by previous governments through investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, power and human capital development.

On infrastructure, the governor said the three senatorial roads were receiving renewed attention, while the state’s Independent Power Project was being expanded from 60 megawatts to 100 megawatts.

He also disclosed that work was progressing on the 30,000-capacity stadium and the nine-storey secretariat complex.

Diri said his administration was also committed to completing inherited projects, noting that scarce public resources must be prioritised for projects with the greatest benefits to the people.

“Much has been achieved, and much remains unfinished. Our roads must reach every corner of the state. Our power supply must grow to match our ambitions. And our young people must find real opportunities to work, to build and to prosper.

“As we celebrate 30 years of Bayelsa State, let us not merely look back with pride. Let us look forward with purpose.”

After the state broadcast,
Senator Diri also hosted a live media chat during which he responded to questions from a panel of journalists on a wide range of issues.

He spoke on his administration’s success story and expressed joy that it had succeeded in its vision to place the state on the path of industrialisation.

Diri, who assured people of the state that electricity supply would get to more communities when the distribution network was sorted out, advised residents to be ready to pay for electricity consumed.

He described the journey to statehood "as a long journey seeking for identity, independence and space in the Nigerian project and some persons in the course of that journey paid the supreme price."

He described road infrastructure as a major investment of his administration, stating that at creation, only the headquarters of the current Sagbama, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia and Yenagoa were accessible by land but that today, the headquarters of Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor, Nembe councils have been connected to the capital city.

Diri noted that the development had greatly reduced travel time, improved security and boosted socio-economic activities of the people.

"These local government headquarters cannot be allowed to be exploited the way they have been exploited. If everybody thought that constructing a 630-meter bridge across River Nun to Oporoma was an impossibility, we have proved and will continue to prove that it is not an impossibility.

"Today, the people of Oporoma, the people of Southern Ijaw, are happy. The economic benefits are enormous. There are security benefits, economic benefits, political benefits, and social benefits of road infrastructure.”

On the need for public-private partnership to generate employment, the governor said his administration had invested in aquaculture at the Bayelsa Aquaculture Village at Yenegwe and harnessing the potential inherent in the agricultural sector as well as the blue economy for job creation.

He urged the youths to acquire skills rather than rely on white collar jobs, and stated that underwater welding would be introduced in the curriculum of the technical colleges and other higher institutions in the state.

"Underwater welding should be introduced to our vocational and technical schools, and to our higher institutions. The blue economy is a huge one. We have already started with the Agge Sea Port.

"From when the ministry was created, we have linked up with the Federal Ministry and recently, the Minister made some far-reaching statements about deep seaports and the development of some other seaports outside Lagos. Our wealth is actually in the Atlantic Ocean, and you know all our three senatorial roads lead to the Atlantic Ocean.”

Daniel Alabrah
Chief Press Secretary
October 1, 2026

01/10/2026

Celebrating our dear country, Nigeria, at 66, and our beloved state, Bayelsa, at 30.

@30

30/09/2026

ANNOUNCEMENT

BAYELSA @ 30: His Excellency Governor Douye Diri To Address The State, Hold Live Media Chat

On Thursday, October 1, 2026, His Excellency Governor Douye Diri will address the people of Bayelsa State via a live broadcast as part of the activities marking the 30th anniversary of the state’s creation.

The statewide address will be aired on all the Yenagoa-based radio and television stations.

Time: From 10am

This will be followed by a 60-minute live Media Chat to be aired on Arise Television, Nigeria Television Authority, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Television and all the radio stations in the state.

Time: 11am

Both activity will take place in the Governor’s Conference Hall in Government House, Yenagoa.

Signed:

Mr. Daniel Alabrah
Chief Press Secretary to Governor of Bayelsa State

30/09/2026

Diri: At 30, Bayelsa Has Overcome Terrain Challenges.. Oil, Gas Imprisoned Nigeria, Says Darah

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Wednesday said the state has conquered the daunting terrain challenges that confronted it at creation, recording significant transformation in infrastructure, connectivity, and human development over its 30 years of existence.

Diri stated this at an exhibition and anniversary lecture marking the 30th anniversary of the state at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa.

The governor said the state, created on October 1, 1996 by the late former Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, was beset by a difficult terrain, limited infrastructure, poor connectivity and a fragile economic base, but that 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 said: “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 has also expanded its federal presence with the establishment of facilities such as the Content Towers, Federal Secretariat, Nigerian Law School and various security formations.

He 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.

Diri 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 helmsman, however, stated that 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.”

Delivering the anniversary lecture, renowned scholar and public intellectual, Prof. Godini Darah, said Nigeria's dependence on oil and gas had constrained the country's economic development.

Darah stated that 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 Number 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 development of the state and the unity of Nigeria.

The anniversary programme featured a panel discussion anchored by the Vice Chancellor, University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Prof. Solomon Ebobrah, Professor of Human Rights and Public Law; Ibaba Samuel Ibaba, Professor of Political Science, Young Ayotamuno, and Prof. Ongoebi Maureen Etebu, Nigeria's first female professor of mechanical engineering and former Commissioner for Special Duties.

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 had in attendance former President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, wife of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri, the deputy governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, as well as Abacha’s children, including Mohammed Abacha (eldest son), Abba Abacha, Fatima Gumsu Abacha among other family
members.

Also present were National Assembly members, state legislators, top government officials, traditional rulers as well as Bayelsans who attended in their numbers.

Daniel Alabrah
Chief Press Secretary
September 30, 2026

25/09/2026

Chief Ndutimi Alaibe speaks on Bayelsa at 30

Bayelsa Prosperity Media

06/10/2026

05/10/2026

02/10/2026

02/10/2026

02/10/2026

01/10/2026

01/10/2026

30/09/2026

30/09/2026

25/09/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request