Diri Commissions Bridge Project Facilitated By Bayelsa Rep

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has commissioned a constituency bridge project facilitated by Hon. Oforji Oboku, the member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The bridge, located in the Opolo community in the Yenagoa Local Government Area, was inaugurated on Monday as part of efforts to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activity in the area.

During the commissioning, Diri also approved the construction of an access road linking Opolo to Glory Drive in Yenagoa.

The governor commended Oboku for executing what he described as a landmark constituency project, noting that infrastructure of such magnitude was rarely undertaken by lawmakers as constituency projects.

“It would have taken your entire tenure and perhaps even longer to complete a project like this. I commend Hon. Oboku for remembering his people because charity begins at home,” Diri said.

Diri also appealed to residents of the Opolo, Okutukutu, and Edepie communities to maintain peace amid the lingering boundary dispute among the communities.

He said sustainable development could only thrive in a peaceful environment and urged community leaders to continue working towards maintaining peace.

“It is important for communities to live in peace. Maintaining peace is also the responsibility of community leaders, and I believe Opolo has capable leadership. I encourage you all to continue to uphold peace for the progress and development of your community,” he said.

Earlier, the Paramount Ruler of Opolo Kingdom, HRH Inia Nengibo Ogbogbo XII, described the bridge as a project that aligns with the Prosperity Administration's urban renewal agenda.

The monarch appealed to the governor to construct a 2.5 kilometre road linking the bridge to the new Yenagoa City.

He said the road would improve commercial activities, security and the movement of people and goods in the area.

“The road will enhance commercial activities, improve security and create easier movement for our people. We are grateful for your magnanimity in recognising the needs of our community,” he said.

The initiator of the project, Oboku, said the bridge was conceived to connect island communities, improve accessibility, strengthen security and stimulate socio-economic development.

He explained that although his constitutional responsibility was primarily to make laws and formulate policies, he considered it necessary to address the long-standing infrastructure challenges his constituents faced.

“As a young boy, I remember my people praying for government to build a bridge across this creek. Today, having the privilege to serve them, I decided to make that dream a reality. I am delighted that this project has been completed, and I appreciate Governor Diri for his support throughout the process,” Oboku said.

The Senator representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, Dr Konbowei Benson, described the bridge as a strategic infrastructure project that complements the state government's urban renewal and infrastructure development efforts.

Benson urged residents of Opolo to continue supporting the state government to promote sustained development and ensure greater dividends of democracy in the community.