Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has urged African leaders to stop blaming their woes on the colonial era but rather make deliberate efforts to develop their countries.
Governor Diri represented by his deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo spoke on Tuesday at the double launch of the books titled, The African Voice and Once A Soldier, at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.
The two books are authored by the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo.
Senator Diri noted that institutions such as PABOD Breweries, textile industries, paper mills in Delta and Akwa lbom states, crude oil discovery, Cocoa House were established prior to the colonial era and wondered why they had become comatose.
The governor, who stressed the need to do away with policies that create barriers to regional integration and economic development, advised that such policies should be jettisoned to allow for more integration to fast-track development in the continent.
Senator, however, lauded African leaders for taking steps to establish the African Continental Free Trade Area, which promotes intra-African trade thereby deepening integration.
His words: “the problem is with us and not colonialism. I don’t believe our predicament is still about the colonial masters. After all, it was not only Africa that was colonized. China, India and America were also colonized so why the perpetual cry about colonialism?
“There was colonialism before we had the Cocoa House, oil boom, PABOD Breweries, textile industry in Kaduna, paper mills in Sapele, Delta State and Oku Iboku in Akwa Ibom State. What has happened to those assets?
“I think it is time for us to take a step back and move forward and take right decisions. Look at Nigeria today, we are still talking about state of origin. These are deliberate blocks erected to stifle our progress and integration.
“I believe that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement instituted by African leaders is one best way to trigger development in our own continent.”
While congratulating King Dakolo for his literary feat in producing 3 books within a space of 2 years, Senator Diri said the Monarch braced all odds to achieve his goals in life.
He, therefore, urged the youths to emulate the shinning example of the King and stop seeking justice through violence and criminal means.
According to him, the Prosperity Administration has priotized education in order to produce literary icons like Gabriel Okara, Christian Otobotekere and King Dakolo, who all incidentally hail from the same Ekpetiama clan.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Dr Godknows Igali said the literary works of King Dakolo underscores the need for the Niger Delta people to reflect on their culture, history and identity as a people and chart a common way forward for sustainable development.
Dr. Igali, who is also Chairman of all Pro Chancellors of universities in Nigeria, noted that traditional rulers were custodians of a people’s cultural heritage and history, describing King Dakolo as an epitome of a 21st century monarch.
He said one of the books King Dakolo authored, “Riddle of The Oil Thief,” captures the discovery and production of crude oil in 1956 til date as well as encapsulates the gains and pains of the oil industry.
Reviewers of the book, The African Voice, were Dr Ebidenyefa Nikade and Prof. Solomon Ebobrah, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Niger Delta University while Once A Soldier was reviewed by Maj. Gen. Solomon Udounwa represented by the Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira and Justice Simon Amaduobogha.
At the launch, which had the Bayelsa First Lady, Dr Gloria Diri, in attendance, King Bubaraye Dakolo read excerpts from his two books and expressed gratitude to the governor and his deputy for their support.
King Dakolo, who noted that he started writing while he was still in military service also appreciated guests and well wishers for gracing the event.
The Chief Launcher, High Chief Victor Wayles of the Wayles Group represented by Mr. Adam Okoro made a donation of N5 million while Mr Okoro made a personal donation of N200,000.
Others who made donations include, Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku represented by Pastor, Obeya Oworibo, Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Maj Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd) represented by one of his aides, Chief Freston Akpo.
Brig. Gen. Mohammed Sadauki Agaie (Rtd) of 38 Regular Course, the Ijaw National Congress, represented by its Vice Chairman Chief Nengi James, and Prof. Steve Azaiki, member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency also made financial donations at the event.