Bayelsa Prosperity Media

Happy New Month Bayelsans!

It is the 6th month of the year.

I welcome you all to the month of June, 2026.

May God Almighty continue to shower His blessings upon you all.

I enjoin every citizen of Bayelsa State to join hands in building an enviable state with steady progress and development. Nua!

SDD

Gov Diri Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Kabir

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has extended warm greetings to the Muslim Ummah in the state and across Nigeria on the celebration of the festival of Eid al-Adha (Eid-el-Kabir).

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, on Wednesday, the Bayelsa governor noted that the festival commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Mohammed, which is a virtue required of every true believer.

Senator Diri urged adherents of Islam, in keeping with the tenets of their faith, to continue to pray for the peace, security and wellbeing of Bayelsa and the country at sacred moments as this.

He also admonished Muslims to look beyond the festival to consistently imbibe the virtues of patriotism, selflessness, patience and sacrifice.

Governor Diri charged them to be inspired by these moral fibres to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood as they live harmoniously with other residents and adherents of other faiths.

He noted that the country was undergoing a crucial socio-economic phase that required prayers, resilience and patience to navigate through, and expressed the hope that with a collective resolve, Nigeria will achieve its desired greatness.

“On behalf of the government of Bayelsa State, I wish our Muslim brothers Eid Mubarak!”

Barka da Sallah!

South-South Governors Forum (SSGF)

Message of Solidarity with APC First Term Governors

The South-South Governors Forum (SSGF) expresses solidarity with all first term governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) participating in the scheduled governorship primaries of the party on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

The SSGF in a statement by its chairman and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, said as first term governors, they have demonstrated visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the progress of their states.

The forum is proud of the achievements of our brother-governors as champions of grassroots development and economic growth of our country.

These governors have also been consistent in ensuring tangible transformation of their states in areas of infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social welfare among other sectors.

The forum believes that their second term in office would result in greater infrastructural and economic prosperity of their states and Nigeria as a whole.

On behalf of the SSGF, I extend best wishes for a peaceful and successful governorship primaries.

We are certain that democratic ideals will triumph and their exceptional service will be rightfully rewarded by the APC faithful.

SIGNED
His Excellency Senator Douye Diri
Chairman, South-South Governors Forum and Governor, Bayelsa State

Why Bayelsa APC Primaries Are Peaceful, Rancour-free - Gov Diri

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has attributed the peaceful primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to the adherence to rules by the party’s faithful.

Speaking in his hometown, Sampou, in Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area on Wednesday during the State House of Assembly primary election, Governor Diri lauded party members for their orderly conduct.

According to him, their cooperation has contributed to rancour-free primaries across the state.

He urged those that have registered as members of the APC but were yet to get their registration slip to be patient, assuring that it will get to them.

He also appealed to indigenes of Sampou yet to join the party to do so, saying it will improve its fortunes in the local government area and the state at large.

His words: "I did not do any magic to get the peace that we have witnessed in the primaries. We have only done what is right.

“Bayelsans and members of the APC are doing what is right. That is why you see people cooperating. This is what we need in this country; we must abide by the rules. When people abide by the rules, you get this kind of peaceful and orderly process.

"Every politics is local and that is why you always see me coming home. I thank every one for your support.

“Those yet to get their party registration slip, you will get it. I encourage those yet to register to do so for our party to continue to grow stronger.”

Speaking on reports that the APC National Working Committee directed that the results of primaries results should be announced in Abuja, Governor Diri stated that the information he got was slightly different as results can be announced at collation centres before they are forwarded to the party’s national secretariat for approval.

He allayed any fear that the national secretariat would announce results different from what emanated from the wards, insisting that the final results will reflect the people’s choices at the various wards.

He said: "The party told chairmen of the electoral committees not to grant press interviews because some signals might be misinterpreted. Results should be forwarded for approval based on what was collated. Abuja will not announce anything diffeent from the results collated from the wards."

The incumbent member represent Kolokuma/Opokuma state constituency 1 in the assembly, Hon. Werinipre Pamoh, emerged as the consensus candidate of the party.

The exercise was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state, including the Head of Department, Election and Party Monitoring, Mr. Francis Ikim, the Electoral Officer in KOLGA, Ajiwa Adeeya, and Engr. Prince Erasmus.

Also, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, who spoke after the House of Assembly primary at Ebedebiri in Sagbama Constituency 1, said the peaceful conduct of the process was a testament to the unity of the party in the local government and in the state.

“The peaceful nature of the primary election and the conviviality you noticed show that the APC here is united and we will go into the election as a united party,” he said.

Daniel Alabrah
Chief Press Secretary
May 20, 2026

Gov Diri Commends APC Unity At Reps Primary
*2,565 Sampou/Kalama Ward Members Endorse Oboku For Second Term

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said that internal unity and cohesion were the strength of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Governor Diri spoke on Saturday shortly after the party’s House of Representatives primary election at his Sampou/Kalama Ward 6 in Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area.

The exercise witnessed the endorsement by consensus of the incumbent Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Oforji Oboku, by 2,565 members of the party in the ward, including Governor Diri.

According to the governor, “in Bayelsa, we have been able to bring the APC together, and we are acting as one family. What you have witnessed is being replicated across the other four federal constituencies in the state. The leadership of the party has worked tirelessly to ensure unity, avoid division, and position the party for success in the forthcoming general election.”

The governor expressed satisfaction with reports from other constituencies, noting that the peaceful and orderly conduct of the primary in the ward was consistent with developments across the state.

He equally described the outcome of the primary as a clear demonstration of confidence in Oboku’s leadership and representation.

“There is only one aspirant, and that aspirant is the incumbent legislator representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency. This is clearly an endorsement of his aspirations. The turnout witnessed here reflected the overwhelming support for Oboku,” he said.

The APC Returning Officer for the ward, Hon. Fortune Panebi, after the exercise, announced that out of the 3,411 registered members of the party in the ward, 2,565 members voted and unanimously endorsed Oboku.

The Returning Officer duly returned him as the party’s candidate for the federal constituency.

Daniel Alabrah
Chief Press Secretary
May 16, 2026

Diri Pays Tribute To Mother At Memorial Service

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Friday, paid glowing tributes to the memory of his late mother, Mrs. Rose Diri, describing her as a woman of virtue.

Governor Diri stated this during her 13th memorial service at Ayamasa in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the Bayelsa governor as saying that mothers were special and play critical role in the lives of their children because of the love, care and warmth they provide.

He noted that the late Diri family matriarch positively impacted not only the lives of her children but also the entire family and all those that crossed her path as her kind deeds remain evergreen in their memories.

His words: "Mothers occupy very special places in our hearts. We were indeed very close to our mother.

“We are only remembered by what we have done after our lives on earth. Although she died many years ago, Mama's memories will remain evergreen in our hearts.

"As we gather here, let us take a moment to reflect on who we are. In all we do, let us try to touch the lives of others. She will forever be remembered for her good nature and enduring legacies.”

The Bayelsa helmsman noted that on May 15 every year after her demise in 2013, he and his siblings gather quietly to honour her memory, but that this year’s turned out to be different as dignitaries from all walks of life joined the family for the memorial service.

Diri expressed gratitude to the guests at the well-attended service, which included his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, and his wife, Dr Favour Akpe.

Others were Senator Konbowei Benson representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, and House of Representatives member, Hon. Oforji Oboku (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma federal constituency).

Also in attendance were the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, former deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi, former APC governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon, as well as former Director-General, Department of State Services, Dr. Matthew Seiyefa.

Also present were the state’s representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission, Deinyabofa Dimaro, former presidential adviser, Kingsley Kuku, the new AIG Zone 16, Abubakar Zubairu, and the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa Command, Daniel Iyamah.

The governor read the only lesson at the service from the Book of 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

In a brief exhortation titled: "Mama Rose Came, Saw and Conquered," Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, Rev. Godspower Asingba, emphasised the need for people to live exemplary lives so that they would be remembered positively for their deeds.

Rev Asingba said Mama Rose touched many lives during her lifetime and left indelible marks on her children.

"We are here to celebrate her legacies because one of her fruits happens to be the governor of Bayelsa State and is delivering genuine service to his people. So let your life be a blessing to others."

Wreaths were laid at the tomb of Mrs Diri by the governor, his brothers, Friday and Ebiegberi and the latter’s daughter, Mrs Damiebi Trust.

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, BAYELSA STATE

We Went Through Rigorous Process To Operate Bayelsa Aircraft, Says Airline MD
*To Commence Flights May 25

Managing Director of newly certified Pioneer Airline, Capt. Henry Ungbuku, has said the process of acquiring an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) was very stringent.

Capt. Ungbuku spoke on Thursday at the Government House, Yenagoa, after presenting the certificate to Governor Douye Diri.

A statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said the airline is expected to commence flight operations at the Bayelsa airport on May 25.

The Governor Diri administration had last year acquired two aircraft under an agreement with Pioneer Airline.

One of the planes, an ATR 72-600, had its inaugural flight on November 26, 2025 from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to the Bayelsa International Airport and then had to undergo the NCAA certification process for commercial flight operations.

Accompanied by the Managing Director of the Bayelsa State International Airport, Air Vice Marshal Nelson Calmday (rtd), Ungbuku said the airline achieved the feat in four and a half months with the support of the state government.

He said the process, which typically takes between eight months and two years, was completed in record time.

He also explained that Pioneer as a privately-owned carrier has a dry lease agreement with the Bayelsa government and that ticket bookings will open within a seven to ten-day window ahead of the May 25 launch date.

“At our meeting with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Honourable Minister of Aviation in Abuja on Wednesday, they confirmed that Pioneer Airline is the fastest to get an Air Operator Certificate in Nigeria. Normally, it takes between eight months and two years. But we got it in four and a half months,” Ungbuku said.

He credited the record-breaking process to Governor Diri’s consistent push to ensure flights begin from Bayelsa, and thanked the governor for the support to obtain the certificate.

“We came today to say thank you, Your Excellency, for all the support you have given us.

“The Bayelsa government owns the assets and Pioneer will pay monthly lease rentals to use them to generate revenue. For now, the aircraft will operate under Pioneer Airline. The approval to brand them as Bayelsa Air is still pending with the NCAA.

“It is not a direct scheduled service yet. However, you can book through designated ticketing and travel agencies or arrange group bookings and charter to anywhere in Nigeria. If you want an aircraft to fly to Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna or anywhere today, we are ready to fly,” Ungbuku stated.

Yesterday, the Bayelsa State-owned airline named PIONEER AIRLINE was presented its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by the regulator, the NIgeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), signalling the beginning of its commercial operations. Afterwards, the airline team led by its MD, Capt. Ungbuku, paid me a courtesy call to present the AOC to me.

I remarked at the occasion that the rise in State-owned airlines is as a result of excellent aviation policies put in place by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that we should look out for more of such in the immediate future. This would significantly assist air travellers to have more choices of airlines with which they can travel.

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, BAYELSA STATE

Bayelsa Receives Top NECO Performance Award

Bayelsa State has been honoured with an award of excellence by the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Presenting the award to Governor Douye Diri during the weekly state executive council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, said the country’s examinations body honoured Bayelsa among other states as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations.

Dr. Emelah informed the council that the state got the award on merit for having the highest percentage of candidates with five credits and above in NECO examinations since its inception.

He noted that by rewarding excellence at the state and institutional levels, NECO reinforced a culture of healthy competition, accountability, and continuous improvement in the education sector.

He explained that the award was not just a recognition of past performance but a call to action for other states and institutions to raise their standards to align with NECO's broader mission of promoting
quality education and ensuring that assessment outcomes translate into national progress.

Giving a breakdown of the state’s students’ performance in the national examination, he said Bayelsa came first in the country “with the highest percentage of candidates who obtained five credits and above in NECO SSCE (Internal) since inception” of the body.

The state was followed by Ogun State in second position while Edo came third.

Responding, Governor Douye Diri expressed appreciation to NECO for the honour, saying it was a call for more action in the education sector.

He charged the Commissioner for Education to ensure the state maintained the standard as a decline will be unacceptable.

His words: "This is a wake up call to receive this type of award, particularly when you are competing with states that had been there over the years and that are believed to be educationally ahead of you.

"It is a wake up call for you (Education Commissioner) and the ministry that now that Bayelsa has come to the limelight educationally and competitively, we must wake up to the point of no return. I do not want to receive an award like this today and next year we go down. Let it be that we are improving on this."

Daniel Alabrah
Chief Press Secretary
May 13, 2026

PRESS RELEASE

Gov Diri To INC: Shelve New Exco Inauguration

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has advised the outgoing Prof. Benjamin Okaba-led executive committee of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Electoral Committee not to proceed with the advertised inauguration of a new executive scheduled for May 14, 2026.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the Bayelsa governor said his decision was based on the legal issues arising from the recent purported election of a new executive for the foremost Ijaw nation socio-cultural organisation.

Governor Diri, who was the pioneer INC Organising Secretary, contended that as a leader and key stakeholder, his primary interest was the unity of the Ijaw ethnic nationality and the resolution of all the issues thrown up by the election.

He expressed concern that the INC leadership, without informing him or seeking his consent, went ahead to use his name and official title in advertising the forthcoming programme.

He said this was capable of sending out a wrong signal and creating confusion within the Ijaw nation.

“Let me be unequivocal that I am not in support of anyone trying to fractionalise the INC or cause disaffection in the Ijaw nation.

“At the moment, Ijaw leaders are working towards resolving the crisis that arose from the purported election of a new INC leadership. The matter is even still a subject of litigation. So why the hurry?

“My advice to the outgoing Okaba-led Exco is to tread cautiously and allow the dispute resolution processes to go through.

“As a leader of the Ijaw nation, my uppermost concern and responsibility is to ensure that our people are united and co-exist in harmony.”

He cautioned against promoting division and disunity through an important leadership organisation as the INC.

According to the Bayelsa governor, the INC remains the most critical and effective voice of the Ijaw people and no attempt should be made to undermine its legitimacy and integrity.