BY Samuel Oyadongha

Yenagoa—President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, called on the Bayelsa State Government not to depend on oil alone for sustenance, but to diversify its economic base.

The President made the appeal during the first Bayelsa State Investment Forum with the theme, Unlocking Bayelsa Economic Potential: Opportunities and Challenges, in Yenagoa.
Represented by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, President Jonathan said: “Bayelsa must diversify its economic base. It should not focus on oil wealth alone. It should pay attention to agricultural, coastal landscape for tourism, maritime industry and new housing estates.

“The Federal Government will encourage home ownership through mortgages. The desire by the state government for development will be supported by the Federal Government.”
He stressed the need for peace in the country, noting that without it, there could be no meaningful development.”