By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has been honoured as Nigeria’s Best Governor in Infrastructure Development by First Daily Newspaper at its fifth anniversary lecture and awards ceremony held on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
The event was chaired by former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, while the award was received on Governor Diri’s behalf by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah.
The anniversary lecture and awards drew several high-profile attendees, including former Rivers State Governor and immediate past Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi; PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Boladei Igali; former Secretary to Bayelsa State Government, Prof. Steve Azaiki; former Rivers governorship candidate, Dr. Dakuku Peterside; Dr. Azibola Robert; and Prof. Sam Amadi, who delivered the keynote address titled “2027: How Can We Make Our Votes Count?”
Speaking through his representative, Governor Diri expressed gratitude to First Daily Newspaper and its publisher, Dr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, for the honour. He described Bayelsa as “Nigeria’s biggest construction site,” citing the administration’s ongoing projects across the state, including roads, bridges, housing schemes, and public facilities.
He dedicated the award to the people of Bayelsa State, noting that their steadfast support has been instrumental in driving the government’s infrastructure agenda and development programmes.
Governor Diri emphasized that the recognition would further motivate his administration to sustain its focus on delivering quality infrastructure that promotes economic growth, enhances connectivity, and improves living standards across Bayelsa’s eight local government areas.
“This award is a recognition of our commitment to transforming Bayelsa into a model of sustainable infrastructure development,” he said. “It belongs to every Bayelsan who believes in our vision of building a prosperous and united state.”
The award adds to a growing list of accolades recently received by the Bayelsa governor. Within the past week, Diri was also honoured with the Iconic Achiever Award by the Bayelsa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and celebrated with the establishment of a Professorial Chair on Leadership and Good Governance in his name by the University of Lagos.
Governor Diri’s administration has continued to prioritize infrastructure renewal and expansion as part of its development blueprint, focusing on enhancing access to rural communities, improving education and healthcare facilities, and strengthening the state’s economic base.
