Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has appealed to Ijaw individuals and entrepreneurs in the diaspora to channel investments into their ancestral homeland to spur development in Nigeria’s only homogenous Ijaw state.
In his New Year address, Governor Diri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering partnerships with local and international investors. He highlighted Bayelsa’s secure environment as an ideal hub for professionals and entrepreneurs, expressing optimism for a prosperous future.
“We invite our Ijaw brothers and sisters in the diaspora to focus on their roots. Our state offers a secure and welcoming environment for businesses and individuals alike, setting us apart as a haven in the country,” Diri stated.
The governor outlined ongoing projects, including the development of “The Prosperity Estates,” a housing scheme aimed at delivering 1,000 affordable homes, and the installation of a 60-megawatt gas turbine to ensure sustainable power supply. He also emphasised the state’s strides in road rehabilitation, agriculture, and education.
Diri noted advancements in agriculture through collaborations like the rice cultivation initiative with South Korea, which includes the installation of rice processing mills. He reaffirmed his commitment to food security and infrastructure revitalisation, including plans for an ultra-modern stadium in Yenagoa.
The governor thanked Bayelsans for their resilience despite economic challenges, pledging to strengthen security with new CCTV installations and targeted investments across critical sectors to sustain Bayelsa’s position as one of Nigeria’s safest states.
