In a significant show of regional solidarity and forward-thinking leadership, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, this morning hosted his Delta State counterpart, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, at the Government House in Yenagoa.The Delta State Governor was accompanied by his immediate predecessor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, a seasoned statesman, long-time friend, and close political ally of Governor Diri.During the high-level meeting, the three leaders engaged in wide-ranging discussions focused on deepening collaboration between Bayelsa and Delta States, especially in the context of shared economic interests and regional development.A central theme of the discussion was the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Project, a transformative federal infrastructure initiative that is expected to significantly impact the Niger Delta region. With the first phase of the project scheduled to be inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu this Saturday in Lagos, the governors emphasized the need for proactive planning to ensure that the states in the region derive maximum economic and developmental benefits as the project progresses.Speaking after the meeting, Governor Diri described the engagement as “fruitful and strategic,” noting that the coastal highway, which will traverse both Bayelsa and Delta states, presents immense opportunities for economic growth, logistics, trade, and tourism.”We must ensure that this project doesn’t just pass through our states, but that it truly connects our people, empowers our communities, and accelerates regional development,” Governor Diri stated.He further commended the vision of President Tinubu for prioritizing the project and reiterated Bayelsa’s readiness to cooperate with other Niger Delta states to align with national infrastructure goals while safeguarding the interests of host communities.Governor Oborevwori also expressed optimism about the outcomes of the meeting, emphasizing that collaborative leadership is essential to harness the full potential of federal projects.Senator Okowa, on his part, lauded the initiative and encouraged both current governors to sustain inter-state dialogue and unity in addressing regional challenges and leveraging shared opportunities.This latest engagement marks a renewed push by Niger Delta governors to work together for the holistic development of the region, especially in light of major national projects that will reshape the economic landscape of Southern Nigeria.
Source: Government House, Yenagoa
