Bayelsa at 30: Jonathan Dedicates State Honour To Late Mentor Alamieyeseigha

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has dedicated the award presented to him by the Bayelsa State Government to his late political mentor and former governor of the state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.

Jonathan received the honour on Thursday night during the dinner and awards ceremony marking Bayelsa State’s 30th anniversary, held at the Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa.

The former president, who was among 63 persons honoured by the state, said Alamieyeseigha played an important role in his political journey by bringing him into government as his deputy governor.

Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Jonathan said Bayelsa had made significant progress since its creation on October 1, 1996, although the state had yet to reach its full potential.

“Although we have not reached where we are supposed to be, I am happy where we are. I am happy that Bayelsa State was created, and we have gained tremendously,” Jonathan said.

He also expressed appreciation to the late former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, for creating Bayelsa among the six states established in 1996.

“Bayelsans will always remain grateful to late Gen. Sani Abacha who made it possible for Bayelsa to be among the last six states he created,” he said.

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Jonathan commended Governor Douye Diri for organising the anniversary and recognising people who contributed to the creation and development of the state.

Governor Diri, in his remarks, also paid tribute to Abacha, saying the creation of Bayelsa gave the Ijaw people a state where they could pursue their development and political aspirations.

Diri said the late military leader might mean different things to different people, but that Bayelsans viewed his decision to create Bayelsa differently.

“If at every point in my remarks I keep calling him, it is because of what God used him to do for the Ijaw ethnic nationality,” Diri said.

“As I said yesterday, General Abacha might mean different things to different people, but to Bayelsans, he is the one who freed us from oppression.”

The governor said the creation of Bayelsa brought together an Ijaw population that had previously been spread across different states, adding that the state had recorded progress in infrastructure, education and healthcare over the past three decades.

According to him, Bayelsa had no tertiary institution when it was created, but now has more than five institutions, including universities, polytechnics and a college of education.

He also pointed to the expansion of the state’s road network, including dual carriageways and major roads linking different parts of Bayelsa.

Diri said the state had also recorded improvements in healthcare and other sectors, describing the progress as part of the legacy of those who contributed to the creation and development of Bayelsa.

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The governor urged Bayelsans to continue building on the achievements of past administrations and work towards a better future for the state.

The anniversary dinner, tagged “Celebrating Legacies”, brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, diplomats, business leaders, academics and other dignitaries.

Among those honoured were the late General Abacha, Jonathan, former governor Seriake Dickson, the late Major Isaac Adaka Boro, the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, former military administrators of the state and other prominent Bayelsans.

Other recipients included the late British-born linguist, Professor Kay Williamson; Olympians Daniel Igali and Blessing Oborududu; former Super Eagles players and coaches Samson Siasia and Finidi George; musicians including the late King Robert Ebizimor, Timaya and Timi Dakolo.

The state also honoured academics, public servants, businessmen, traditional rulers, members of the Bayelsa State Cultural Troupe and other individuals who have contributed to the development and promotion of the state.

The event formed part of a four-day programme marking 30 years of Bayelsa State, with speakers reflecting on the state’s journey since its creation and the challenges and opportunities ahead.