Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has paid tribute to its founding fathers, stating that the homogeneous Ijaw state created by the former Head of State, late Gen. Sani Abacha, on October 1, 1996, has recorded significant progress in 30 years.

Diri, however, said that much remains to be done to fully realise the aspirations of the founding fathers. The governor stated this in a live broadcast to mark the 30th anniversary of the state and Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary yesterday.

He said the twin anniversary provided an opportunity to honour those who laid the foundations of the state and reflected on what the current generation would leave behind.

According to him, Bayelsa’s creation was the product of years of advocacy, petitions, protests, prayers and sacrifices by generations of Ijaw people seeking justice, recognition and a greater voice within the Nigerian federation.

Diri recalled that the creation of the old Rivers State from the former Eastern Region in 1967 was an important milestone in that struggle spearheaded largely by the Ijaws, which eventually culminated in the creation of Bayelsa 29 years later.

The Bayelsa helmsman recalled the roles played by some of the state’s heroes, including Major Isaac Boro, Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, Chief Melford Okilo, Pa Ernest Ikoli, Chief Joshua Fumudoh, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Dr Lambert Eradiri, Chief N. A. Frank Opigo, Senator Amatari Zuofa, Dr Amba Ambaiowei, T. K. Ogoriba, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Chief Dan Etete, Vice Admiral Victor Ombu and Rear Admiral W. G. Yanga, among others.

He said their sacrifices imposed an enduring responsibility on the present generation to build a better state.

He said: “Some gave their time. Some gave their resources. Some gave their liberty. Some paid the ultimate price. To all of them, we owe an enduring debt of gratitude.”

ALSO, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State said the twin anniversaries of Nigeria at 66 and Ebonyi at 30 have provided an opportunity for reflection on the journey of Nigeria and Ebonyi State, as well as a renewed commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and productive society.

Nwifuru stated this yesterday at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki, during the celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and the 30th anniversary of the creation of Ebonyi State, noting that he has completed more than 1,000 kilometres of roads, established new universities and commenced work on the Abakaliki Cement Company, describing the projects as major milestones recorded by his administration.

The governor said the twin anniversaries provided an opportunity to reflect on the journey of Nigeria and Ebonyi State, as well as a renewed commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and productive society.

He said his administration had placed education, human capital development, infrastructure and economic opportunities at the centre of its development agenda since assuming office in 2023.