Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has officially begun a statewide “Thank You” tour across the eight local government areas of the state, with the first stop being Brass Local Government Area.
The tour is intended to express appreciation to the people of Bayelsa for their support during his re-election in November 2023 and his second inauguration, which took place in February 2024.
Governor Diri, who was accompanied by Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and several high-ranking officials in his administration, was warmly received by the people of Brass on Monday. The governor acknowledged the support he received from the area during the election period, noting that their solidarity went beyond political party lines.
During his speech, Governor Diri extended special appreciation to the traditional ruler of Brass, His Royal Majesty King Alfred Diete-Spiff, for his leadership and the role he played in ensuring peace and mobilizing support throughout the election process. The governor emphasized that the visit was not only a gesture of gratitude but also an opportunity to assess ongoing projects and address community concerns.
As part of the visit, Governor Diri toured the Nembe-Brass Road project. He traveled through the Kiberi River and along the completed asphalt section of the road, highlighting that the infrastructure had already begun reducing travel time for residents of the area. He reaffirmed his government’s determination to complete the project, which is seen as a major lifeline for the riverine communities. Diri also commended the Federal Government for awarding the second phase of the road project, stating that the collaboration between state and federal authorities was a welcome development for the region’s progress.
The governor used the opportunity to engage directly with local residents, listening to their requests and concerns. One major issue raised was the need for improved healthcare services, particularly the state of the Twon-Brass General Hospital. In response, Governor Diri immediately directed the Commissioner for Health to commence a full renovation of the hospital. He stressed the importance of accessible and quality healthcare for residents in riverine and rural areas and pledged that the government would prioritize the necessary upgrades to the facility.
The tour, which marks a key post-election outreach initiative by the governor, is aimed at deepening his administration’s connection with the grassroots and reinforcing his commitment to inclusive governance. Diri stated that the tour would take him to all eight local government areas in the state and that he would continue to listen to the needs of the people in each location.
He reiterated that his administration remains focused on delivering infrastructure, improving healthcare, and providing social services to all parts of the state, including hard-to-reach communities. Governor Diri also assured the people of Brass that his government would not relent in its development agenda and would ensure that no community in Bayelsa is left behind.
Residents of Brass turned out in large numbers to welcome the governor, with many expressing appreciation for his willingness to visit the area personally and assess their challenges. Community leaders, youth groups, and women’s associations praised the administration for its developmental strides, particularly in areas of road construction and health interventions.
As the tour progresses, it is expected that similar engagements will take place in the remaining seven local government areas, where the governor plans to interact directly with constituents and provide updates on state projects and future initiatives. The government has said that the visits will also allow it to assess the impact of ongoing projects and receive firsthand feedback from local communities.
Governor Diri’s “Thank You” tour is seen by political observers as both a goodwill gesture and a strategic effort to consolidate support ahead of the administration’s broader development programs. With more stops scheduled in the coming weeks, attention will be focused on how the administration addresses local concerns raised during the tour and the pace of project execution across Bayelsa State.
