The Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle Sports Facilities and Construction Ltd, Chief Ebi Ezekiel Egbe, has called on the Bayelsa State Government to move beyond anniversary celebrations and focus on building sustainable infrastructure, economic opportunities and institutions capable of transforming the state.
Egbe made the call as Bayelsa marks its 30th anniversary, saying the milestone should provide an opportunity for the state to reflect honestly on its achievements, shortcomings and future development.
In a statement to mark the anniversary, the Bayelsan entrepreneur congratulated the people of the state and acknowledged the sacrifices of the founding fathers whose efforts led to the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996.
However, he said the anniversary should also prompt difficult questions about whether the state has achieved the vision that inspired its creation three decades ago.
According to him, Bayelsans must ask whether Yenagoa has developed into the modern capital city envisioned at the creation of the state, whether sufficient economic opportunities have been created for young people and whether the state’s potential in sports, tourism, entertainment and other sectors has been fully harnessed.
“These are not questions meant to diminish our achievements. They are questions we must ask if we genuinely want to move forward,” he said.
Egbe, who maintains the corporate headquarters of his company in Yenagoa, said he deliberately chose to keep the headquarters of his Bayelsa-owned business in the state because of his belief in its potential and the responsibility of indigenous businesses to contribute to its development.
He said Bayelsa-owned companies should be encouraged to invest and operate in the state, stressing that government policies must create an environment where indigenous businesses can thrive and contribute meaningfully to economic development.
“Our own is our own,” he declared. The Monimichelle boss, however, stressed that the responsibility for developing Yenagoa into a functional and modern capital city could not be transferred to private individuals or legislators through constituency projects.
He said the strategic development of the capital city remained fundamentally a responsibility of government, which, according to him, must provide a comprehensive master plan, infrastructure, roads, drainage systems, public spaces, tourism facilities and an investment-friendly environment.
“Legislators have their constitutional responsibilities and constituency projects. Private individuals have their own contributions. But the strategic development of the capital city must remain a government-led responsibility,” Egbe said.
He also urged the state to reduce its dependence on oil by deliberately developing other sectors capable of generating employment, attracting investment and creating opportunities for young people.
Egbe identified sports, entertainment, culture, tourism, waterways and entrepreneurship among areas where Bayelsa could leverage its natural and human resources.
He said the state also had a large population of young people and globally recognised Bayelsans who could help attract investment and establish international partnerships if a deliberate framework was created to harness their potential.
According to him, sports infrastructure should form part of the state’s long-term development strategy because a properly planned sports ecosystem could create jobs, attract competitions, develop young talents, boost hospitality and tourism and provide positive opportunities for young people.
“This is why I believe Bayelsa’s next decade must be about building institutions and infrastructure that will outlive individual administrations,” he said.
Egbe urged political leaders and stakeholders to focus less on who had done what in the past and concentrate more on projects, institutions and systems that would remain beneficial to future generations.
“At 30, we should not only ask who has done what. We should ask: What are we building that will still matter when Bayelsa turns 50?” he asked.
The businessman said the question should form the basis of the state’s reflection as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. While acknowledging the progress recorded by Bayelsa since its creation,
Egbe said he remained concerned about the challenges that persisted but was optimistic about the state’s future.
He therefore called for the next decade to be dedicated to what he described as “serious building”, rather than focusing solely on political projects, ceremonial activities and anniversary celebrations.
“Build the capital. Build the economy. Build the infrastructure. Build the sports ecosystem. Build opportunities for our young people. Build a Bayelsa that can compete for investment and tourism,” he said.
Egbe concluded that Bayelsa’s 30th anniversary should mark the beginning of a new development chapter in which government, businesses and citizens work together to build a state capable of competing nationally and internationally.
“Bayelsa is 30. The next chapter must be bigger than the celebration. Our own is our own. Let us build it,” he said.