Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has reaffirmed his dedication to laying a foundation of sustainable infrastructure for Bayelsa, describing his tenure as a rare privilege to serve his people. Speaking on Saturday during a gala in Yenagoa in honour of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), Diri spoke of his commitment to ensure that his administration’s impact would long outlast his tenure. The event marked the close of the 20th All-Nigerian Editors Conference, a prestigious gathering of the country’s leading media professionals.
“For us, it is a rare privilege to serve our people,” Diri reflected, acknowledging the constitutional two-term limit for Nigerian governors. “The legacy we leave in both human and material infrastructure will stand as our voice. Developing the state is now in our hands, and we will keep doing our best over the next three years to ensure Bayelsa continues to feel our impact, even after we’ve left office.”
The governor also responded to a request by NGE President Eze Anaba to establish an annual lecture in honour of Ernest Sesei Ikoli, a Bayelsa native and pioneering editor of the Daily Times. Starting in 2025, this lecture will serve as a tribute to Ikoli’s role in shaping Nigeria’s media landscape.
In his address, Mr. Anaba thanked Governor Diri for his hospitality, noting that his support underscored the governor’s commitment to a robust and responsible press. He also commended Diri’s contributions to the media sector, including the construction of a new media complex named after Ikoli, as an emblem of Bayelsa’s dedication to journalistic excellence.
The event’s high point came as the Guild presented Diri with an award, recognising his support for the media and commitment to development. It was a night that brought together prominent figures, including Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Dr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, and Mr. Azu Ishiekwene, Editor-in-Chief of Leadership Newspapers, alongside top editors and veterans of the media industry.
As the evening concluded, it was clear that Diri’s commitment to Bayelsa’s progress has made a lasting impression on the state and beyond. With three years remaining, Diri aims to continue building a Bayelsa equipped for future generations.
