GOV. DIRI’S 65TH INDEPENDENCE AND BAYELSA 29TH STATEHOOD ANNIVERSARY

State Broadcast by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State on the occasion of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary and Bayelsa’s 29th statehood anniversary on October 1, 2025

Dear citizens and fellow Bayelsans,

On this special day for our country and our state, it is my privilege to address you as we mark two significant milestones: the 65th Independence Day of our beloved Nigeria and the 29th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State.

On behalf of the government and the good people of Bayelsa state, I offer warm congratulations to our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to the government and people of Nigeria. To the good people of Bayelsa, I extend my heartfelt wishes for a joyful 29th anniversary.

When our forebears fought to end colonial rule, they did so in the hope that we would build a nation where no one is oppressed — a nation of peace and plenty. That same yearning for dignity, for resource control and for the protection of identity fuelled the agitation for a homogeneous Ijaw state and led to the founding of Bayelsa.

The road has not always been smooth. Some ask why we continue to commemorate this day. The answer is simple: self‑determination matters. As Bayelsans, we have spent almost three decades making our own decisions, setting our own course and running our own race. That capacity is a cause for celebration and a responsibility we must discharge with wisdom and humility.

Today, to the glory of God, we have much to be grateful for. Allow me to speak plainly about our journey over the past 29 years and about the progress of my administration in the last five.

The recent arrival of 60‑megawatt gas turbines mark a major milestone and brings us much closer to reliable, round‑the‑clock power in our state. That development will reduce household expenses, attract investment, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

Work is also progressing well on other landmark projects. The nine‑storey State Secretariat complex is advancing steadily and will provide modern, efficient administrative space for our public servants and the people they serve. To foster sport and youth development, we are building a 25,000‑capacity, Olympic‑standard stadium — a facility that will inspire our young people and showcase Bayelsa on the national and international stage.

Our schools are improving. Recent NECO results have shown strong performances by our students, with Bayelsa among the top five states in Nigeria. To deepen pragmatic education, we have established science, technical and vocational colleges in every local government area. The ones at Ayamasa, Ofoni, Swali, Sampou and Opume have been completed and functional while others are nearing completion in Brass, Igbeta‑Ewoma and Oporoma. I urge the Honourable Commissioner and all stakeholders to sustain this momentum.

I thank you sincerely for the solidarity and support you have shown. It is your cooperation that makes progress possible. I am grateful to all Bayelsans and to people of goodwill whose prayers, counsel and labour have helped to usher in this new dawn.

As we reflect on our history and look ahead, let us renew our collective commitment to unity, hard work and the careful stewardship of our shared resources. Let us support one another, hold our leaders to account with constructive engagement, and seize the opportunities we are creating together.

You have my pledge that your Government of Assured Prosperity, under God, remains steadfast in its commitment to the rule of law, to peace and to the security of every citizen. These are not mere slogans but the guiding principles of our governance.

In conclusion, I wish every Bayelsan and every Nigerian a peaceful and joyful Independence Day. May we continue to work together, in faith and determination, to build a Bayelsa and a Nigeria of which we can all be proud.

Together, by unity of purpose and steadfast labour, we shall turn our renewed expectation into lasting progress.

Happy Anniversary!

⁠God bless Bayelsa State

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Senator Douye Diri
Governor, Bayelsa State