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May 30, 2025

Bayelsa spends N160bn on capital projects in two months

UNILAG to honour Gov Diri with Professorial Chair, book launch for exemplary leadership By Prisca Sam-Duru In a major announcement recognizing outstanding public service, the University of Lagos Consultancy Services (UNILAG Consult) has revealed plans to honour Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri. The honour is in recognition of his transparent, inclusive, and visionary leadership style. The triple-event tribute is slated for November 5, 2025, at the University of Lagos Main Auditorium. The ceremony will feature the public presentation of a new book titled: “Leadership Chronicles of Governor Douye Diri,” an International Public Lecture, and the formal launch of a Professorial Chair on Good Governance. The Managing Director and CEO of UNILAG Consult Limited, Professor John Oyefara, who confirmed the initiative on Wednesday during a press briefing, emphasized Governor Diri’s commitment to inclusive governance and the strategic use of technology to advance the health and education sectors. According to Prof Oyefara, the Professorial Chair is designed as an enduring academic legacy dedicated to research, teaching, and policy dialogue that champions the principles of good governance and leadership excellence across Nigeria and Africa. The initiative, he stated further, aims to document and preserve the crucial lessons of transformational leadership for future generations, stressing that integrity, inclusiveness, and accountability form the bedrock of national progress. The forthcoming book he said, will delve into the governor’s political journey, philosophy, and societal impact stressing that, “This Chair will serve as a living academic legacy, dedicated to promoting research, teaching, and policy dialogue on ethics in leadership, transparency, innovation, and people-centred governance.” He added, “The triple event is designed to celebrate and institutionalise the leadership ethos and accomplishments of governor Diri, a man whose governance style exemplifies vision, inclusiveness, and integrity. His commitment to technology-driven governance, democratic values, and national unity stands as a model for both current and aspiring leaders.” Distinguished Professor of English at UNILAG and the book’s General Editor, Professor Hope Eghagha, also highlighted that the event speaks eloquently of the University’s mission to bridge the gap between academia, policy, and practical leadership so as to strengthen democratic governance in the continent. Prof Eghagha commended governor Diri’s focus on driving quality healthcare in the state with technology, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and education, which he maintained has positioned Bayelsa State as a model of inclusive governance in the Niger Delta. Project consultant Sola Ojewusi further highlighted the Governor’s significant achievements, particularly in healthcare. Ojewusi cited the innovative use of drones for drug delivery to remote parts of Bayelsa, a strategy that has reportedly saved lives and ensured rapid medical access for the citizenry in critical situations. The event is set to host several national and international dignitaries, members of the academia, policymakers, and the diplomatic community to discuss the future landscape of governance in Africa.

Gov Diri

By Emem Idio, Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State government said it has spent over N160b between March and April for various ongoing capital projects across the state.

The Special Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Treasury/Revenue and Accounts, Mr. Timipre Seipulo, disclosed this during the state government monthly transparency briefing in Yenagoa on Friday.

According to Seipulo, the state government expended over N99.96 billion for capital infrastructure in March and N61.32billion for same in April.

He said the state government also spent over N13 billion within the same period, N7.47billion and N6.05billion in March and April respectively.

Seipulo, who was flanked by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Ebiuwon Koku-Obiyai, the Accountant General of the State, AG, Tokoni Ifidi, and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Ebimowei Wordu, listed some of ongoing projects currently being financed to include, “Yenagoa Phase 2, Phase Roads, Power Plant, Dualization of Isampou Road and shore protection, Gloryaland Drive Phase 3(Three) , Stadium Land Reclamation, Amatolo/Bolo-Orua Roads, Agbura Roundabout/Ox-bow Lake Road, Nembe-Brass Road,”among others.

He also disclosed that the state government has implemented the minimum wage and 25% and 35% salary increment for tertiary institutions in the state.

Earlier in her remark, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Obiyai, said the religious adherent to the transparency policy is evidence that funds are well utilized, adding that the Douye Diri administration is eager and willing to do more, and solicit the support and encouragement from the people of the state.

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