By Rhoda Godwin
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said 2025 was a year of mixed fortunes for the state, marked by deep loss, tested faith and steady progress in governance.
Reflecting on the outgoing year, which his administration had envisioned as a “Year of Unexampled Miracles,” Diri said Bayelsa recorded notable achievements but also endured moments of profound grief that tempered celebration.
He noted that the state’s collective faith was sorely tried in the closing days of 2025 with the passing of the Deputy Governor, Senator Dr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on Thursday, December 11, just as preparations were underway for the Christmas and year-end festivities.
“Our shared faith was sorely tried in the closing days of 2025,” the governor said, describing the late deputy governor as a pillar of strength whose steadfast support, quiet wisdom and unshakeable resolve left an indelible mark on the Government of Assured Prosperity and on the people of the state.
Governor Diri made these remarks on Thursday during his New Year statewide radio and television broadcast, where he reflected on governance, faith and the path ahead for Bayelsa.
He said 2025 was not a year he could recall with unbridled joy, but stressed that the experience reinforced the need for collective resilience, compassion and total reliance on God.
“Even as our flesh may falter and our hearts may ache, let us recall that God is the strength of our hearts and our portion forever,” he said, adding that while God does not promise immunity from pain, He assures His presence through trials.
As the state steps into 2026, Diri said his administration was once again committing Bayelsa’s governance, peace and collective aspirations to God, describing the act not as a mere tradition but a solemn surrender.
In line with the custom of his administration, the governor declared the state’s Covenant Verse for 2026 as 2 Thessalonians 3:3: “But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.” He urged Bayelsans to remain thankful to God in all circumstances.
Turning to governance and development, Governor Diri assured that his administration would forge ahead with its critical programmes in 2026, particularly in the area of infrastructure, through the faithful execution of the 2026 budget christened “Assured Prosperity 2.”
He highlighted key road projects already captured in the budget, including phase one of the Nembe–Brass and Ekeremor–Agge roads, as well as the Akaba–Ogu–Okodi, Oporoma–Ondewari, Angiama–Eniwari–Fonibiri, Toru-Ebeni–Akeddei–Bolou-Orua–Toru-Orua, and Agbere-Abuetor-Osekwenike-Asamabiri-Elemebiri roads, describing them as vital arteries for the connectivity and progress of the state.
The governor also listed signature projects such as the nine-storey state secretariat complex, the 30,000-seat stadium, and key facilities at the Niger Delta University, including the Faculty of Environmental Sciences Building and the Convocation Auditorium.
He added that the 630-metre Angiama Bridge was nearing completion and that the state was on the verge of inaugurating its 60-megawatt independent power project, describing these efforts as lasting legacies of hope, progress and promises kept.
