The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, has attributed the steady socio-economic and infrastructural growth of Bayelsa State to the peacebuilding initiatives of Governor Douye Diri.
Prince Amgbare, who spoke with journalists on Friday in Abuja, said the governor’s commitment to peace and unity has created a stable and secure environment necessary for investment, economic growth and sustainable development. He also congratulated the governor on his sixth anniversary in office.
According to him, Governor Diri’s leadership style—anchored on empathy, inclusiveness and bipartisan engagement—has significantly reduced political tension and strengthened social cohesion across the state.
He noted that Bayelsa has recorded remarkable progress in infrastructure under the Diri administration, citing the ongoing construction of a 25,000-seat modern stadium, a nine-storey secretariat complex, and the procurement of a 60-megawatt gas turbine aimed at addressing power challenges in the state.
“These projects clearly demonstrate the governor’s commitment to the socio-economic advancement of the oil-rich state,” Amgbare stated.
The NDBDA boss further highlighted reforms in the education sector, including the reintroduction of technical colleges and free boarding schools across the local government areas. He said the establishment of 12 model schools equipped with modern facilities is positioning Bayelsa youths for entrepreneurship, innovation, skills acquisition and self-reliance.
Prince Amgbare stressed that the administration has made notable strides across critical sectors such as sports, power, agriculture, education, road infrastructure, healthcare, human capital development, culture and tourism, transportation, the blue economy and social services.
“Without peaceful coexistence, there can be no meaningful development,” he said, adding that the expansion of the state’s road network has enhanced connectivity, improved accessibility and boosted economic activities across communities.
He explained that a peaceful environment attracts both local and foreign investors, creates employment opportunities and stimulates economic growth. According to him, peace also promotes social cohesion, reduces conflict-related losses and strengthens relationships among communities.
“There is no doubt that Governor Diri’s administration has ushered in renewed hope and a new dawn for the people of Bayelsa State,” he said, expressing confidence in the governor’s resolve to complete all ongoing legacy projects.
Amgbare maintained that peacebuilding empowers communities to take ownership of development initiatives, makes them more resilient to conflict and ensures the sustainability of projects. He added that reduced conflict lowers the cost of infrastructure damage, loss of lives and displacement, thereby freeing resources for development.
He also emphasized that peacebuilding fosters collaboration among government, civil society and the private sector, leading to more inclusive governance, improved access to healthcare, education and other basic services, and enhanced economic opportunities across the state.
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