Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has conferred the prestigious Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadan (MOFI) award on Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.
The ceremony took place at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State, as part of the 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival.
The festival promotes unity and friendship between indigenes and other Nigerians, highlighting the country’s rich cultural diversity.
Governor Diri’s recognition underscores his commitment to fostering inter-state relations and cooperation.
The CCII described Senator Diri as “a distinguished son of the Niger Delta, a symbol of purposeful leadership, resilience, and transformational governance”.
Senator Rasheed Ladoja, former Governor of Oyo State and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, presented the award, citing Governor Diri’s support for Ibadan indigenes in Bayelsa State and his inclusive governance style.
The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Oyo State Governor Oluseyi Makinde, his deputy Adebayo Lawal, and Speaker of the House of Assembly Adebo Ogundoyin.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Diri expressed gratitude to the CCII, commending Governor Makinde for his people-centred leadership and outstanding performance.
He emphasized that governance is about the people and that good leadership brings joy to the citizens. The Bayelsa governor’s recognition is a testament to his dedication to promoting peace, stability, and development in his state.
Governor Diri’s achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including the Vanguard Newspapers Personality of the Year Award in the Good Governance category. His administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability has been impressive, making him a standout among Nigerian leaders.
The Bayelsa helmsman has also received the Most Impactful Governor of the Year Award at the Bayelsa Media Awards.
The CCII’s gesture highlights the growing bond between Ibadan indigenes and Bayelsa State, demonstrating the power of collaboration and mutual respect.
Governor Diri’s leadership style has been praised for its inclusiveness and focus on the collective wellbeing of all Bayelsans.
His administration’s policies and decisions prioritize the needs of the people, driving development and progress in the state.
Governor Diri has also been honored with the title of Izon-Ibe-Sibeowei 1 of Tuomo Kingdom in Delta State, recognizing his contributions to the Ijaw people. Additionally, he received the Hero of Nigerian Students Award from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) for his outstanding performance in the education sector.
The recognition from CCII is a significant milestone in Governor Diri’s illustrious career, showcasing his ability to build bridges and foster unity across different communities. As he continues to lead Bayelsa State, his commitment to good governance and people-centred leadership will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in his footsteps.
