Jonathan celebrates Bayelsa at 30, urges residents to seek more progress

Former President Goodluck Jonathan says Bayelsa State has gained tremendously in its 30 years of existence, urging residents to appreciate the progress recorded while working towards achieving greater development.

Jonathan spoke on Thursday night at a dinner and award ceremony organised as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State.

The former President, who was among the personalities honoured at the event, said although the state had yet to attain its desired destination, its creation had given the people a distinct political identity and a homeland they could call their own.

He said, “We may not have reached where we are supposed to, but I’m happy where we are. I’m happy that Bayelsa State was created, and we have gained tremendously.”

Jonathan recalled that Bayelsa was created on October 1, 1996, by the then Head of State, General Sani Abacha, alongside Ebonyi and Ekiti states.

He said the creation of the state was significant because it gave the people a distinct identity and provided them with a state they could call their own.

Jonathan said, “Bayelsa State was created for us to at least give us identity as young people, and that has given us a home that we can say this is our own.”

He urged young Bayelsans not to conclude that there was nothing to celebrate about the state, stressing that continued development depended on visionary leadership and proper planning.

The former President recalled an initiative during his tenure as governor in 2006, when secondary school students were asked to write essays projecting what they wanted Bayelsa to become in 25 years.

According to him, the exercise produced “beautiful essays” and demonstrated the importance of giving young people the opportunity to articulate their vision for the state.

He said, “As long as we have a vision and as long as we have leaders, governors that have vision, that have plan for the state, one will hand over to the other one, and God willing, we’ll get where we want to go.”

Jonathan also congratulated the state government and the anniversary committee for recognising individuals who had contributed to the development of Bayelsa.

He noted that selecting people for awards could be difficult, recalling his experiences in selecting Nigerians for national honours during the 50th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence and the centenary celebration of the amalgamation.

The former President dedicated his award to his former boss and friend, the late Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha, whom he credited with giving him the opportunity to begin his political career as deputy governor.

He said, “For me, my own award, I have dedicated it to my friend and my boss, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha, because he brought me in as a deputy governor. If I did not start that journey as a deputy governor, no way I would have gone to where I am.”

Jonathan commended the organisers for recognising individuals who had contributed to the development of the state and society at large.

He said such recognition would encourage others to contribute to society and also bring pride to the families of deceased recipients.

The former President thanked Governor Douye Diri, his wife, the Deputy Governor, diplomats, ambassadors and other dignitaries who attended the anniversary dinner.

He said the celebration should remind the people of the contributions of past leaders and citizens to the state while inspiring current and future generations to contribute to its continued development.