This morning, I presented the 2027 Bayelsa State Appropriation Bill of One Trillion, Two Hundred and Forty-Two Billion, Six Hundred and Eighty-Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Five Hundred and Twenty Naira, Twenty-Two Kobo (₦1,242,688,970,520.22 ) only for the consideration and approval of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
The 2027 Appropriation Bill christened, “Budget of Assured Prosperity for Sustainable Growth and Development” is 22 per cent higher in figures than the 2026 budget.
Of the ₦1.242 trillion budget proposal, a sum of ₦840.79 billion representing 68% of the total is allocated to capital expenditure, while ₦401.90 billion (32%) is for recurrent expenditure. This underscores our commitment to channeling more resources into projects and infrastructure that directly impact our people.
Our priorities include roads and bridges, education, healthcare, electricity, agriculture, security, and other critical sectors that drive sustainable development.
As we enter Bayelsa’s fourth decade, our focus remains on consolidating the gains already made, completing ongoing projects and opening new opportunities for our people.
The 2027 budget is not just figures; it is a commitment to a future where our communities are connected, our economy grows and prosperity is accessible to all.
Interestingly, while the 2026 Budget has helped to bridge communities, improve power supply and advance roads long awaited by our people, the 2027 Budget is designed to build on that progress and complete what we have started in various sectors.
Together, we will continue building a Bayelsa of sustainable growth and development.
While in the premises, I took time to inspect ongoing construction of the new Assembly Complex.
Let me appreciate Mr. Speaker and other members of the State House of Assembly for the harmonious relationship we have shared in the past years. Thank you.
Today, along with my wives, Dr.(Mrs.) Gloria Diri, and Hon. Justice (Mrs.) Patience Ama Diri, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, his wife, Dr. Favour Akpe, leaders of the state and our valued citizens, we again gathered at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene in Yenagoa for the 15th Bayelsa State Annual Thanksgiving Service to appreciate God for the peace, security and progress of the State.
I also thank our people for their prayers and support for this Government of Assured Prosperity as we continue our journey towards building a new and prosperous Bayelsa.
While we continue to sue for peace in the land, I am drawing strength from the popular worship song,” I have a very big God o, He is always by my side, ….”, to pray for protection and victory in every turbulent situation. I declare peace and unity in the land. Our State will develop, grow, and attract investors.
As I have always said, our Government is steadily confronting the state's developmental challenges, and we remain committed to completing our ongoing legacy projects across the eight Local Government Areas. Once again, Happy 15th Thanksgiving Day. Nua! i
Happy New Month Bayelsans!
Welcome to the month of November, 2026, our month of the State Annual Thanksgiving.
Let’s continue to appreciate this good God for His love, mercy, and grace upon this land and its citizens.
We must work together to sustain the peace and security we have built over the past few years, especially at this time of political activities.
The Government of Assured Prosperity is ever committed to building a greater, united, and prosperous Bayelsa State.
May Almighty God continue to bless this land of promise as we pray for peaceful campaigns and elections in the coming months. Amen. Nua!
Today, I joined the Governing Council, Management, Staff and Students of the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) Yenagoa for the unveiling of the institution’s Strategic Plan (2025-2029) and the inauguration of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Robotic Tutor, named “Funowei” to drive digital learning.
I am particularly pleased with the Vice-Chancellor of the school, Prof. Dimie Ogoina, for his many innovations aimed at positioning the institution on the global stage for medical excellence and tourism.
The Aspire dream for the next five years remains feasible, as enshrined in the plan, and the projection to make BMU an internationally recognised University for excellence in academic, research, and medical innovation is achievable. While I noted in my address that no amount of technological innovation in teaching and learning could replace the physical classroom experience for the dedicated teachers, the introduction of an AI Robotic Tutor at the University was in line with current global realities.
I am particularly happy with the growth and expansion of BMU with its additional programme accreditations and the new campus at Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area. Again, our Government of Assured Prosperity has completed a brand new Bayelsa Medical University Teaching Hospital (BMUTH) to support the students with their clinical and professional training.
Once again, let me congratulate the Pro-Chancellor, Professor Tarila Tebepah, members of the Governing Council and the entire management led by the Vice-Chancellor, for your sound leadership in laying down a clear vision for building a strong ivory tower with smart campuses to produce innovative graduates.
As a government, we will continue to invest in the institution and join the leadership of BMU in the implementation of the strategic plan. And my administration will continue to prioritize vocational and science-based education, as the state's technical colleges will feed the medical university by producing students with strong technical and scientific foundations.
You can count on us.
Today, I joined our father and leader, the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, for the erection of the ‘Crude Distillation Unit’ signaling the final phase of the ongoing construction of the Azikel Refinery in Obunagha, Yenagoa Local Government Area of the State.
It is nostalgic to have Chief Obasanjo back at the site of the refinery where he performed the groundbreaking for the project eight years ago.
Let me appreciate Chief Obasanjo, for mobilising potential financial partners and other support towards the completion of this mega project, that has ushered in a new era of industrialisation.
Congratulations to my younger brother and friend, Dr. Azibapu Godbless Eruani, the Group President, for the vision to establish the refinery in his own state with the potential to make our people major players in the oil industry. We truly cannot be playing second fiddle in the industry when the main resources are found on our soil.
I am deeply touched by the honest comments of the former President when he restated the obvious position on the fact that the people of the oil-rich Niger Delta have not benefited enough from their God-given crude oil. It is even more inspiring to hear Chief Obasanjo, advocate an increase in the 13 per cent oil derivation, which was implemented at the start of his Presidency in 1999. God bless you sir for speaking truth to power.
Our government will continue to provide an enabling environment including steady power and security for businesses to thrive.
To Dr. Eruani, the Government of Assured Prosperity will stand firmly with you in this final phase of project completion toward daily production.
On the gracious invitation of the country’s Prime Minister, The Rt. Honourable Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, I was at Lesotho’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in Maseru, the capital city, on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
The 60th independence anniversary of the small, landlocked Southern African nation of picturesque mountain ranges came on the heels of our state’s recent 30th anniversary, which was rounded off on October 1, 2026.
I witnessed an excited people and country roll out the drums in celebration of their freedom.
Lesotho shares some striking similarities with Bayelsa. Like our state, it has a population of less than three million people. Equally, a resilient people like Bayelsans, they have been able to tame their environment to their benefit and have bright economic prospects.
The visit offered me an opportunity to engage with the top echelon of the country’s leadership and we held fruitful meetings on areas of economic cooperation between our state and the Southern African nation.
I was particularly honoured to be the guest of the Prime Minister, who despite being a reputable businessman and the country’s wealthiest man even before assuming office in 2022, displayed exceptional hospitality towards me and my delegation.
The country’s political head hosted us for the night in his community, Mantsonyane, took us to worship the next day at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church, and personally chauffeured me as he drove us round on a tour of his ancient but naturally beautiful hometown.
The visit left us with fond memories of a leader’s humility and passion for his country’s development.
On behalf of the Government and People of Bayelsa State, I again extend warm felicitations to the King, the Government and People of the Kingdom of Lesotho.
Happy 60th Independence Anniversary!
Happy 30th anniversary to Bayelsa.
To everyone who has contributed to the story in one way or another — thank you.
Here’s to the next chapter.
#BayelsaAt30
Bayelsa@30:Celebrating Legacies
This is the old Mbiama-Yenagoa road, renamed as Melford Okilo road. It was a single lane originally built in the 1950s. The first civilian Governor, late DSP Alamieyeseigha, dualised the road.
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The health sector in Bayelsa State has transformed to a modern and effective healthcare delivery service.
The Health Insurance House built by the Government of Assured Prosperity is to ensure effective administration of the scheme introduced by the immediate past administration.
Bayelsa@30: Celebrating Legacies
Chief Ndutimi Alaibe, former Managing Director/CEO of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), was a top bank executive in Lagos at the time of creation of Bayelsa State.
#BayelsaAt30#BayelsaCelebratingLegacies