By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, have commended Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri for his transformative investments in education, describing his policies as instrumental in advancing a knowledge-driven society.
The commendations were made on Wednesday during the launch of Leadership Chronicles of Governor Douye Diri, a book edited by Prof. Hope Eghagha and Sola Ojewusi under UNILAG Consult. The event also featured the endowment of a Professorial Chair on Leadership and Good Governance at UNILAG’s Department of Political Science.
Representing Vice President Shettima and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat praised Diri’s leadership style as “refreshing, deliberate, and deeply attuned to the aspirations of his people.”
He noted that Governor Diri’s blend of compassion and competence has defined his nearly six-year tenure, marked by inclusive governance, dialogue, and consistent pursuit of progress.
“This book captures the spirit of his leadership, his core values, and his courage,” Hamzat said. “It reminds us that leadership is not about self-aggrandizement but about making a lasting impact—lifting communities, fostering peace, and creating opportunities.”
Delivering the keynote address, Governor Mutfwang described Diri as “a great Nigerian” who has demonstrated exemplary leadership across key sectors, including education, healthcare, security, and energy. He called for unity among Bayelsans, the Ijaw nation, and the South-South region to sustain peace and development.
“Several people have led and been forgotten, but when Governor Diri vacates the scene, the drums will still be beating,” Mutfwang said.
In her remarks, Prof. Ogunsola said the book offers an insightful examination of governance, conflict management, and development in the Niger Delta. She noted that the Professorial Chair aligns with UNILAG’s mission to promote academic excellence through education, research, and innovation, commending Diri for investing in knowledge as a lasting legacy.
Responding, Governor Diri expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as motivation to deepen his service to Bayelsa and Nigeria. “Those in authority must be accountable and earn the people’s trust, without which confidence in governance wanes,” he said. “I accept this honor on behalf of Bayelsa State and pledge continued support for initiatives that strengthen education and leadership.”
The event also featured a book review by veteran journalist Babajide Kolade-Otitoju of TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout and raised over N 1 billion in pledges from lawmakers, government agencies, corporations, and private individuals to support the Professorial Chair and other academic initiatives.
Dignitaries present included Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Ama-Diri, wives of the governor; Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; Hajia Fatima Tajudeen-Abbas, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and Senators Benson Agadaga and Sunday Katung.
Others were members of the House of Representatives from Bayelsa, state legislators, the Chief Judge of Bayelsa, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, traditional rulers, former state leaders including Chief David Lyon, and prominent clerics and industry leaders.
