Stakeholders back Diri, seek infrastructure protection
Stakeholders have endorsed Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri’s infrastructure development agenda and called for stronger measures to protect public assets from vandalism.
The endorsement was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Bayelsa Infrastructure Rebirth 2.0 Breakfast Roundtable held in Yenagoa on Monday. The communiqué was signed by the Convener of the South South Reawakening Group, Elder Joseph Ambakederimo.
Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
Stakeholders have endorsed Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri’s infrastructure development agenda and called for stronger measures to protect public assets from vandalism.
The endorsement was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Bayelsa Infrastructure Rebirth 2.0 Breakfast Roundtable held in Yenagoa on Monday. The communiqué was signed by the Convener of the South South Reawakening Group, Elder Joseph Ambakederimo.
The participants urged the state government to sustain investment in quality infrastructure, describing it as a catalyst for economic growth, private investment and improved living standards.
They also passed a vote of confidence in Governor Diri’s administration, commending it for executing major infrastructure projects despite the challenges posed by Bayelsa’s predominantly riverine terrain.
According to the communiqué, the ongoing projects have disproved the long-held belief that the state’s difficult geography makes large-scale infrastructure development impossible.
The stakeholders, however, expressed concern over the vandalism of critical public infrastructure, particularly the recent attack that disrupted gas supply to the state’s gas turbine.
They condemned the act of sabotage and urged security agencies, host communities and other relevant authorities to strengthen efforts to protect strategic public assets.
According to the communiqué, safeguarding critical infrastructure is essential to ensuring uninterrupted power supply, economic stability and sustainable development.
The roundtable also called for the institutionalisation of Bayelsa’s infrastructure development agenda through a legal and policy framework that would guarantee continuity beyond the current administration.
Participants said embedding infrastructure planning in the state’s long-term development strategy would preserve existing achievements and provide a roadmap for future governments.
Earlier, the Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, said the proposed coastal road to Brass Kingdom would position Bayelsa as a logistics hub for Nigeria’s offshore oil and gas industry.
Ayawei said the road would significantly reduce travel time to offshore oil fields, attract private investment, create jobs and stimulate growth in logistics, hospitality, marine transportation and other related sectors.
Speaking at the event, Ambakederimo stressed the need for sustained engagement between government and citizens on governance and infrastructure development.
He said continuous dialogue would promote transparency, strengthen accountability and build public confidence by keeping citizens informed about government policies and development projects.
The roundtable, themed “Bayelsa’s Infrastructure Rebirth 2.0 Under the Assured Prosperity Government of Governor Douye Diri,” attracted government officials, professionals, civil society organisations, media practitioners and other stakeholders.
