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JONATHAN DEDICATES BAYELSA STATE HONOUR TO LATE MENTOR ALAMIEYESEIGHA
Bayelsa’s 30th anniversary celebrations saw former President Goodluck Jonathan pay tribute to his late mentor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, by dedi...
By Wavers Multimedia
Jonathan received the honour during an anniversary dinner and awards ceremony in Yenagoa, where he spoke about Bayelsa’s development since its creation and the influence of people who contributed to the state’s history.
JONATHAN HONOURS ALAMIEYESEIGHA
Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Jonathan dedicated his recognition to Alamieyeseigha, under whom he began his political career as deputy governor.
Jonathan acknowledged the role his late mentor played in giving him the opportunity to enter government and begin the political journey that eventually took him to the governorship of Bayelsa State and later the presidency of Nigeria.
He expressed appreciation for the recognition and said the honour was also a reflection of the contribution made by people who helped shape the state.
BAYELSA HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS
Reflecting on Bayelsa’s 30 years, Jonathan said the state had recorded significant progress despite still having more work to do.
He acknowledged that Bayelsa had not yet reached the level of development it should attain but said he was pleased with the progress made since the state was created.
Jonathan also noted the importance of having leaders with clear visions and plans, saying successive administrations could build on what previous governments had achieved.
TRIBUTE TO BAYELSA'S FOUNDING YEARS
Jonathan also expressed appreciation for the creation of Bayelsa State, which was established on October 1, 1996, during the administration of the late former Head of State, General Sani Abacha.
He said the creation of the state had given its people a distinct political identity and an area they could call their own.
63 INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS HONOURED
Jonathan was among 63 individuals and organisations recognised during the anniversary awards.
The honourees included people associated with the creation, development and identity of Bayelsa State, with awards also presented to individuals from areas including public service, education, sports and culture.
The late Abacha, Alamieyeseigha, Major Isaac Adaka Boro and Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye were among those recognised.
Sports personalities including Daniel Igali, Blessing Oborududu, Samson Siasia and Finidi George were also honoured, alongside several other prominent Bayelsans and contributors to the state.
JONATHAN COMMENDS ANNIVERSARY ORGANISERS
Jonathan commended the organisers for recognising individuals who had contributed to Bayelsa and society.
He acknowledged that selecting people for honours could be difficult, drawing from his own experience with national honours during Nigeria’s 50th independence anniversary and the centenary celebration of the amalgamation.
He said recognition could encourage people to contribute more to society while also bringing pride to the families of deceased honourees.
The former president thanked Governor Douye Diri, his wife, the deputy governor, diplomats, ambassadors and other dignitaries who attended the anniversary event.
Bayelsa State marked its 30th anniversary with a series of activities celebrating the state’s history, its development and the contributions of individuals who played roles in its journey.