Bayelsa: Why I Retained My Predecessor’s Policies – Governor Diri

• Governor Diri retained predecessor’s policies like EDTF to sustain development and benefit Bayelsa State

• Diri emphasized human capacity building to create a thriving private sector independent of government support

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has explained why his administration chose to continue some policies initiated by his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, emphasizing their significance in driving the state’s development.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) Interventions and Graduation Ceremony of the Diri Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Programme, held at the Dr. Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Yenagoa, Governor Diri stated that policies like the EDTF were visionary and needed to be sustained for the overall benefit of the state.

The governor reaffirmed his commitment to investing in human capacity building to develop a thriving private sector in Bayelsa without government support.

At the event, the state government presented starter packs and tools to 2,850 graduates of the third batch of the Diri Skills Acquisition Programme. The trainees, who underwent five months of training, acquired skills in:

• Paint making
• Solar installation & electrical works
• Shoemaking
• Soap making
• Cosmetology
• Fashion & design
• Catering & pastries, among others.

Governor Diri urged the beneficiaries not to sell their starter packs but instead utilize their newly acquired skills to build successful careers and contribute to the state’s economic growth.

I consider this empowerment scheme as one of the key initiatives of my administration that will continue. Our goal is to create a state where people are not solely dependent on the government but can thrive in a strong private sector. You are the ones who will build Bayelsa’s future, so do not disappoint us, Diri said.

The governor also highlighted that out of 9,000 applicants, the selected graduates were allowed to enhance their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.

During the ceremony, Governor Diri presented the Honorary Ambassador of Education Award to notable figures to recognise their contributions to Bayelsa’s education and human capital development.

Recipients included:

• Former President Goodluck Jonathan (represented by Dr. Tobias James)
• Senator Seriake Dickson
• Senator Emmanuel Paulker
• Chief Fred Agbedi (Member, House of Representatives – Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency)
• Chief Ndutimi Alaibe (Former MD, NDDC)
• Maj. Gen. Allison Isaiah Allison
• Arc. Reuben Okoya
• Mrs. Diseye Nsirim (Retired Commissioner of Police)

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Dr. Tobias James, representing former President Jonathan, described the honor as a recognition of their efforts in promoting education in Bayelsa. He reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for accessible and inclusive education for all.