Bayelsa State Ministry of Information, Orientation & Strategy

Governor Diri Constitutes Governing Councils for State-Owned Tertiary Institutions

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has approved the constitution of the Governing Councils of various higher institutions in the state, reaffirming his administration's commitment to strengthening educational development and institutional governance.

Government Hands Over Brand-New Car To Resident Doctors.

Bayelsa State Government recently inaugurated and handed over a Brand-new Car to the State Branch of the Association of Resident Doctors in Yenagoa.

In a brief ceremony, the Commissioner for Health Professor Seiyefa Brisibe who represented the State Governor, His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri, noted that the presentation
‎ was in fulfillment of a promise made to the medical community, during the Association's visit to the Governor on his 170th States' Executive Council Meeting, demonstrating demonstrating administration's unwavering commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of healthcare professionals.
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He acknowledged that ‎the role doctors play in delivering quality healthcare services across the state is very critical and also cannot be overemphasized hence the provision of the vehicle was aimed at enhancing the association's operational efficiency and supporting their activities in the interest of both members and the public.
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" ‎On behalf of the Governor, I assure members of the association that the government would continue to implement policies and initiatives designed to improve their working environment, professional development, and overall well-being.
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‎The inauguration marks another significant step in the prosperity administration's efforts to support healthcare professionals and improve the state's healthcare system through meaningful investments in human and institutional capacity as we continue in our efforts to join hands to build Bayelsa".
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Governor Diri’s Message On Eid-el-Kabir

The Bayelsa State Governor, His Excellency, 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 Islamic 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.

The Governor 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!

Bayelsa Holds 44th State Security Council Meeting.
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‎The Bayelsa State Governor His Excellency Senator Douye Diri has commended Bayelsans for the support in keeping the peace of the state.

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The ‎Governor made the commendation while speaking at the 44th state security council meeting at Government House in Yenagoa.
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‎Senator Diri while appreciating the efforts of the security agencies for working with government and the people of the state, the Governor stressed that what happened in Ogboinbiri Community and the actions taken by government, should be a warning to other communities.
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‎"I like to as always, appreciate the people of Bayelsa State for their peaceful nature, and also working with the government to ensure that our state is safe and secure.
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‎We had all the primaries of the All Progressives Congress, and it went peacefully across the 105 wards in the state.
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‎We urge our communities to be law abiding and peaceful. What has happened in Ogboinbiri and the actions government has taken should be a warning to other communities. As a government, we will continue to work with our communities to maintain the peace we are enjoying," Governor Diri added.
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Diri Commissions Six-Man INC Reconciliation Committee

..Charges Committee to Foster Unity Within the Ijaw Nation

The Bayelsa State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, has inaugurated a six-man Reconciliation Committee for the Ijaw National Congress (INC), with a mandate to address lingering disputes and strengthen unity within the Ijaw nation.
The inauguration ceremony took place at Government House, Yenagoa, where Governor Diri charged the committee to reconcile aggrieved individuals and varying interests within the INC, while restoring the vision and ideals of the founding fathers of the organization.

The Governor urged members of the committee to carry out their assignment with fairness, openness, and sincerity, emphasizing the need for recommendations that would unite rather than divide the Ijaw people.
According to him, “The strength of the Ijaw Nation is not in the loudness of our disputes, but in our unity.”

The six-member committee comprises respected leaders drawn from the three senatorial zones of the Ijaw nation. From the Eastern Zone are Dr. Goddy Damnabo and former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Alabo Gabriel Tobi. Representing the Western Zone are former Minister of Police Affairs, Chief Brodrick Bozimo, and former INC President, Chief J.B. Fumudor. From the Central Zone are former Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Matthew Seiyefa, and former Nigerian Ambassador, Prof. Boladei Igali.

Also appointed to manage the committee’s secretariat are former Administrator of the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme, Chief Kingsley Kuku, and former Commissioner for Ijaw National Affairs, Chief Erasmus Patrick.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, its Chairman, Mr. Matthew Seiyefa, expressed appreciation to Governor Diri for the confidence reposed in them and assured that the committee would diligently carry out its responsibility in the interest of peace and unity within the Ijaw nation.

Dignitaries present at the event included the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Akpe; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimbofa Ayawei; Acting Chief of Staff, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai; alongside other top government officials.

26th May, 2026

GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

This is to inform the General Public and Head Teachers of Public Primary Schools that the Bayelsa State Ministry of Education will conduct its Junior Secondary (JSS1) Scholarship Entrance Examination for 2026/2027 Academic Session into the prestigious Captain Samuel Timinipre Owonaro Ijaw National Academy, Kaiama on Thursday 4th of June, 2026 at 10:00am prompt.

Consequently, Head Teachers of Public Schools are to present:

1. Four best primary six pupils

2. Pupil must be a Bayelsan

3. Pupil must come along with report card and promotion from primary five to six.

4. Head teachers are to bring list of students they are presenting.

5. Pupils should come dressed in their school uniforms.

6. Pupils must come along with 2 passport photographs for identification.

EXAMINATION CENTRES ARE:

1) BRASS LGA: Government Model Secondary, Twon-Brass

2) EKEREMOR LGA: Government Model Secondary School, Ekeremor

3) KOLOKUMA/OPOKUMA LGA: C.S.T.O Ijaw National Academy, Kaiama

4) NEMBE LGA: Nembe National Grammar School, Nembe

5) OGBIA LGA; Government Model Secondary, Ogbia Town

6) SAGBAMA LGA: Government Model Secondary School, Sagbama

7) SOUTHERN IJAW LGA: Southern Ijaw Secondary School, Oporoma

8) YENAGOA (1): St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata for Girls

9 YENAGOA (2): Bishop Dimieari Grammar School (BDGS) for Boys

Signed;

Mr. Simon-Peter Okene
Permanent Secretary, Bayelsa State Ministry of Education.

We Are Committed to Building Inclusive Grassroots Blue Economy Ecosystem - Dr Mrs Zibs-Godwin

The Bayelsa State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive, sustainable and community-driven blue economy ecosystem capable of expanding livelihoods, attracting investment, strengthening coastal resilience and driving long-term economic transformation across the state.

The Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy Dr Mrs Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin disclosed this while speaking a one-day stakeholders’ engagement on the development of Bayelsa State Blue Economy Clusters, held on Monday, May 25, 2026, at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Yenagoa.

The Commissioner noted that the engagement was designed to validate the structure and composition of Bayelsa’s grassroots blue economy clusters, while also generating practical recommendations to support the ongoing World Bank-approved cluster conceptualisation process.

She added that the prosperity and future growth of Bayelsa are closely tied to the sustainable management and utilisation of its vast marine and coastal resources, stressing that government remains committed to policies, partnerships and investments that will improve livelihoods, stimulate enterprise development and promote inclusive economic participation the across coastal communities.

The workshop, which also recorded active virtual participation from stakeholders across the state, featured technical sessions and strategic engagements on the blue economy cluster ecosystem approach, climate resilience, sustainability, investment opportunities and coastal livelihoods.

At the end of the event, participants identified major challenges confronting the sector, including climate-related threats affecting coastal communities amongst others.

Stakeholders were subsequently divided into five breakout groups covering Fisheries and Marine Harvesting; Aquaculture and Blue Food Systems; Women, Processing and Coastal Livelihoods; Trade, Logistics and Marine Enterprise; as well as Youth Innovation, Governance and Investment.

The groups reviewed existing sector realities, identified immediate, medium-term and long-term priority needs, and proposed investment opportunities and quick-win projects such as solar dryers, ice plants, fish processing hubs, structured landing sites, export corridors and integrated marine industrial ecosystems.

The workshop ended with the adoption of key resolutions and recommendations aimed at strengthening institutional coordination, deepening private sector participation and enhancing stakeholder collaboration towards unlocking the vast potentials of Bayelsa’s blue economy sector in the state.

Bayelsa Calls for Sober Reflection During Eid-el-Kabir Celebrations

The Bayelsa State Government has called on Muslim faithful in the state to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir with peace, love, unity, and sober reflection, while sustaining the harmonious coexistence Bayelsa is known for.

Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, made the call during the distribution of bags of rice, cows, and cash gifts to Muslim faithful across the state as part of activities marking the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, Rev. Asingba Godspower, the Governor stated that the gesture demonstrates the administration’s commitment to religious harmony, inclusiveness, and support for all faith communities in Bayelsa State.

He explained that the intervention was aimed at assisting Muslim families to celebrate the festival with joy and dignity despite the prevailing economic challenges facing the country.
Rev. Asingba Godspower further commended Governor Diri for sustaining policies and programmes that continue to promote peaceful coexistence among religious groups in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the Muslim community, the Chief Imam of the Bayelsa State Council of Islamic Affairs, Imam Bilyaminu Muhammadu, described Eid-el-Kabir as a celebration that symbolizes obedience, sacrifice, and gratitude to Almighty Allah.
According to him, the festival traces its origin to Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God before Allah sent Angel Jibril with a ram as a substitute.

The Islamic cleric appreciated Governor Douye Diri and Rev. Asingba Godspower for their continuous show of love and support to the Muslim community in the state.

Also speaking, the Acting Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Bayelsa State, Alhaji Yahaya Izonbodoh-Okee, commended Governor Diri for his inclusive leadership style and consistent support for Muslims in the state.

Some beneficiaries, including Amir Abdullahi, Meriam Ayoka, and Mrs. Karimota Adewuye, expressed gratitude to the Bayelsa State Government, describing the gesture as timely and thoughtful as preparations for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration gather momentum.

Bayelsa Polytechnic Conducts Maiden Convocation Ceremony

..Diri Expresses Joy Over Relocation to Permanent Site

It was a historic moment on Saturday, 23rd May 2026, as Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri, in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state, held its maiden combined convocation ceremony.
The Bayelsa State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, was among the dignitaries who attended the event.

In his remarks, Governor Diri congratulated the graduands and expressed delight over the formal relocation of the institution to its permanent site in Aleibiri Town, Ekeremor Local Government Area.

The Governor also expressed excitement that all programmes presented for full and interim accreditation received approval from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Senator Diri congratulated the Governing Council, Management, academic and non-academic staff, as well as the students, on the milestone and success recorded by the institution.

“Again, a hearty congratulations to the 413 graduands who have been found worthy in character and learning to be awarded National Diploma and Higher National Diploma certificates,” he stated.
He noted that the state government appreciates the commitment and support of TETFund, other intervention agencies, and the host community towards the growth of the institution. He stressed that government would continue to invest in the infrastructural development of the Polytechnic to enable it achieve its core objectives.

Governor Diri further disclosed that, in line with his administration’s commitment to the institution, he has directed relevant ministries and agencies to ensure the implementation of earlier promises made to the school, including the provision of two coaster buses, perimeter fencing of the Polytechnic, additional classrooms, and other basic facilities.
“That is our commitment,” the Governor stated.

The Governor also commended the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Wisdom Clinton Soreh, for his steadfastness, resilience, and dedication in his pioneering efforts towards building and repositioning the institution for academic excellence.

Healthcare Development: Bayelsa Holds Citizens Town Hall Meeting.

The Bayelsa Citizens’ Town Hall Meeting, on healthcare development organized by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Primary Health Care Board, was successfully held in Yenagoa, with the theme: “Strengthening Primary Healthcare Services in Bayelsa State Through Citizen Engagement and Ownership.”

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of Bayelsa State Primary Healthcare Board Dr Williams Appah noted that the event served as an important platform for dialogue, collaboration, and collective commitment towards improving primary healthcare delivery across communities in the State.

He said that the meeting brought together critical stakeholders including Directors of Primary Healthcare Services in Yenagoa LGA, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth representatives, healthcare workers, community influencers, and development partners.

Dr Appah added that discussions focused on strengthening community participation in healthcare programs, improving access to quality primary healthcare services, promoting accountability, and encouraging citizens to take active ownership of the healthcare system within their communities.

In their separate goodwill messages, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting policies and initiatives that will enhance healthcare delivery, increase awareness on preventive healthcare practices, and foster stronger collaboration between communities and health institutions.

The town hall meeting further highlighted the importance of inclusive citizen engagement as a key driver in building a resilient, accessible, and people centered primary healthcare system for all residents of Bayelsa State.