Jonathan Says Bayelsa Has Gained Tremendously in 30 Years

Former President Goodluck Jonathan says Bayelsa State has made significant progress in its 30 years of existence, urging residents to appreciate the gains recorded while working toward greater development.

Jonathan spoke Thursday night at a dinner and award ceremony held as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State.

The former president, who was among personalities honoured at the event, said the state had yet to reach its desired destination but had gained tremendously since its creation.

“We may not have reached where we are supposed to, but I’m happy where we are. I’m happy that Bayelsa State was created, and we have gained tremendously,” Jonathan said.

Bayelsa was created on Oct. 1, 1996, by the then military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, alongside Ebonyi and Ekiti states. Jonathan said the creation gave the people a distinct political identity and a homeland they could call their own.

“Bayelsa State was created for us to at least give us identity as young people, and that has given us a home that we can say this is our own,” he said.

Jonathan urged young Bayelsans not to conclude that there was nothing to celebrate about the state, saying sustained development would require visionary leadership, proper planning and continuity from one administration to another.

He recalled an initiative during his tenure as governor in 2006, when secondary school students were asked to write essays on what they wanted Bayelsa to become in 25 years. He said the exercise produced what he described as “beautiful essays” and showed the importance of giving young people the opportunity to articulate their vision for the state.

“As long as we have a vision and as long as we have leaders, governors that have vision, that have plan for the state, one will hand over to the other one, and God willing, we’ll get where we want to go,” Jonathan said.

The former president also congratulated the Bayelsa State Government and the anniversary committee for recognising people who had contributed to the development of the state.

Jonathan dedicated his own award to his former boss and friend, the late Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha, whom he credited with giving him the opportunity to begin his political career as deputy governor.

“For me, my own award, I have dedicated it to my friend and my boss, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha, because he brought me in as a deputy governor. If I did not start that journey as a deputy governor, no way I would have gone to where I am,” he said.

He said recognising individuals for their contributions could encourage others to serve society and provide families of deceased recipients with a sense of pride in the legacies left by their loved ones.

Jonathan thanked Gov. Douye Diri, his wife, the deputy governor, diplomats, ambassadors and other dignitaries who attended the anniversary dinner.

He said the 30th anniversary should serve as an opportunity to remember the contributions of past leaders and citizens while inspiring current and future generations to contribute to Bayelsa's continued development.