Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has implored Nigerians to love themselves and “emphasise the things that unite us as we have much in common than those things that divide us.”
He made the call in a statewide broadcast aired on radio stations in Yenagoa to mark Nigeria’s 60th Independence and Bayelsa’s 24th creation anniversaries yesterday.
Diri stressed the need to honour the memory of those that fought for the country’s political freedom in order to liberate the people from the shackles of poverty, ignorance, injustice and underdevelopment.
He described the October 1 annual celebration as “solemn and significant”, and congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerians for achieving the remarkable milestone.
Diri specifically called on Bayelsans to focus more on promoting unity, peace and sustainable development rather than dissipate energy on issues that cause disunity.
He also urged the people to join hands with his administration in building Bayelsa in line with the vision of its founding fathers.
The governor also saluted the courage, sacrifice and tenacity of all frontline medical personnel in the fight against the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.
Highlighting some of his development efforts, he noted that the state’s progress might have been slow but it was no longer where it was at creation 24 years ago.
“Whereas the noble dreams and lofty heights hoped for may not have been fully attained, we are nevertheless not where we started from. Progress may have been slow, but slow progress is still progress,” he stated.
Diri identified agriculture as his administration’s major sector targeted at engendering sustainable development and growth.
He said, “We have already identified some strategic areas to substantially invest in, which include rice, fish, cassava and plantain production”.
“Furthermore, we are seriously supporting SMEs to diversify the economy of the state by empowering over 1000 Bayelsans through the ongoing Diri Boost Scheme.”