By Julius Agadaga, Yenagoa
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo SAN, has praised the Bayelsa State Go,vernor Senator Douye Diri for prioritizing projects that impact citizens directly, stressing that thle essence of politics is to improve lives.
Speaking at the official inauguration of the Agbura–Ox-Bow Lake Road in Yenagoa,. Osinbajo commended the governor for delivering on key infrastructure, noting that loyalty to friends and fidelity to promises are marks of a leader who will be faithful to the people he serves.
Osinbajo described the Agbura–Ox-Bow Lake Road as “very special in many ways,” noting that it opens up Agbura, Swali, and other communities in Yenagoa Local Government Area.
He added that the road also links the Ogbia axis, home to the Federal University Otuoke and Oloibiri, where crude oil was first discovered in commercial quantity in Nigeria.
“I want to thank His Excellency the Governor for the honour, but also to commend him for doing what is right — to provide facilities that make the lives of people easier.
” This is the whole point, as he himself has said, of politics. The whole point of politics is not just to serve and have a title; it is to make life easier for the people. And this road certainly will make life easier for the people,” Osinbajo noted.
“We traveled through the forest, and when he said there was going to be a bridge here, I seriously had my doubts because it was just all forest we saw that day. We were driving and driving on what seemed to be an endless road. But we thank God that not only has he proved to be a man of his word, that bridge stands there today. As has been said, I will have the pleasure of confirming that the bridge is there,” he stated.
Osinbajo prayed for the governor, the government, and the people of Bayelsa State, expressing optimism that the current development strides are only the beginning.
Im his remarks, Governor Douye Diri reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver inclusive prosperity across all communities in the state.
Diri thanked Prof. Osinbajo for returning to the state to inaugurate another key project, describing him as “a true son of Bayelsa” because of his consistent support.
The governor said projects like the Agbura–Ox-Bow Lake Road demonstrate the government’s fidelity to its promise of inclusive prosperity, stressing that development must reach remote parts of the state.
Diri rejected the notion of “difficult terrain” in Bayelsa, insisting it is the responsibility of government to develop the environment the state is endowed with.
The governor expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its continued partnership and support, and specifically thanked President Bola Tinubu for his “personal commitment and encouragement.”
He added that the administration’s “Assured Prosperity” agenda is on course and will be replicated across all local government areas and thanked host communities for their cooperation during construction.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, ESV. Moses Teibowei said the project spanned a total length of 6.72 kilometres (6720 metres), features a 7.3-metre carriageway finished with two layers of asphalt (binder and wearing courses), and 2.35-metre shoulders on both sides, and included 1 kilometre of drainage on either side in the developed areas.
According to him, construction commenced on 17th May 2024 and was successfully completed in February 2026.
Teibowei said the project to be inaugurated is not just the delivery of quality infrastructure, but a significant milestone in the Prosperity Administration’s commitment to opening up communities, improving connectivity, and enhancing the quality of life for our people.
