The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, has attributed the rapid socio-economic and infrastructural development in Bayelsa State to the peacebuilding initiatives of Governor Douye Diri.
Amgbare stated this on Friday while speaking with journalists in Abuja, where he commended the governor’s leadership style, describing him as empathetic, passionate about peace and committed to fostering unity across political divides.
Congratulating Diri on his sixth anniversary in office, the NDBDA boss said the administration’s emphasis on peaceful coexistence had created a stable and secure environment necessary for investment, economic growth and sustainable development.
He noted that the state had recorded significant milestones in infrastructure, including the ongoing construction of a 30,000-capacity stadium, a nine-storey secretariat complex and the procurement of a 60-megawatt gas turbine to address power challenges.
According to him, the projects underscore the governor’s resolve to advance the socio-economic fortunes of the oil-rich state.
Amgbare also lauded the reintroduction of technical colleges and free boarding schools across local government areas, adding that 12 model schools equipped with modern facilities were positioning young people for entrepreneurship, innovation and skills development.
He said the administration had made appreciable progress across key sectors such as sports, power, agriculture, education, road infrastructure, healthcare, human capital development, culture and tourism, transportation, blue economy and social services.
“Without peaceful coexistence, there can be no meaningful development,” he said, adding that improved road networks had enhanced connectivity and stimulated economic activities across the state.
He stressed that peace remained a catalyst for attracting local and foreign investors, creating jobs and strengthening social cohesion.
Amgbare further noted that peacebuilding efforts reduce the costs associated with conflicts, such as destruction of infrastructure and loss of lives, thereby freeing resources for development projects.
He added that sustained peace fosters partnerships among government, civil society and the private sector, promotes dialogue and reconciliation, and enhances inclusive governance and access to essential services.
