Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State emphasized during the Easter Sunday service at St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, that offering palliatives is not the enduring solution to the country’s economic challenges. Instead, he highlighted the importance of implementing sustainable structures and systems to address these issues.
Reading from the book of John 20:1-18 as the first lesson during the service, Governor Diri expressed his stance on palliatives, emphasizing the need for long-term empowerment policies and programs over short-term measures. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to initiatives aimed at empowering the people of the state in the long run.
Diri outlined various measures being undertaken by his government, including the establishment of technical colleges across the eight local government areas, skills acquisition programs, infrastructure development such as road construction, and other socio-economic empowerment initiatives. He emphasized the importance of addressing manpower shortages and skills gaps through these initiatives.
The governor emphasized the role of individuals in contributing to their own well-being and that of the state, urging them to engage in businesses and meaningful ventures to enhance their value and contribute to the development of Bayelsa State. He emphasized that government efforts alone cannot cater to everyone’s needs, underscoring the importance of individual participation in economic activities.
Reflecting on the significance of the Easter celebration, Governor Diri urged Christians to draw lessons from the biblical accounts of betrayal and doubt, emphasizing the virtues of trust, honesty, and faithfulness as essential for building a better society.