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God had plan for bringing me to APC – Gov Diri

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Saturday, February 14, 2026

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Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri on Saturday commemorated the sixth anniversary of his administration, stating that God had a plan for bringing him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Diri stated this at a thanksgiving service at the Ecumenical Cent...

UNILAG to honour Gov Diri with Professorial Chair, book launch for exemplary leadership By Prisca Sam-Duru In a major announcement recognizing outstanding public service, the University of Lagos Consultancy Services (UNILAG Consult) has revealed plans to honour Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri. The honour is in recognition of his transparent, inclusive, and visionary leadership style. The triple-event tribute is slated for November 5, 2025, at the University of Lagos Main Auditorium. The ceremony will feature the public presentation of a new book titled: “Leadership Chronicles of Governor Douye Diri,” an International Public Lecture, and the formal launch of a Professorial Chair on Good Governance. The Managing Director and CEO of UNILAG Consult Limited, Professor John Oyefara, who confirmed the initiative on Wednesday during a press briefing, emphasized Governor Diri’s commitment to inclusive governance and the strategic use of technology to advance the health and education sectors. According to Prof Oyefara, the Professorial Chair is designed as an enduring academic legacy dedicated to research, teaching, and policy dialogue that champions the principles of good governance and leadership excellence across Nigeria and Africa. The initiative, he stated further, aims to document and preserve the crucial lessons of transformational leadership for future generations, stressing that integrity, inclusiveness, and accountability form the bedrock of national progress. The forthcoming book he said, will delve into the governor’s political journey, philosophy, and societal impact stressing that, “This Chair will serve as a living academic legacy, dedicated to promoting research, teaching, and policy dialogue on ethics in leadership, transparency, innovation, and people-centred governance.” He added, “The triple event is designed to celebrate and institutionalise the leadership ethos and accomplishments of governor Diri, a man whose governance style exemplifies vision, inclusiveness, and integrity. His commitment to technology-driven governance, democratic values, and national unity stands as a model for both current and aspiring leaders.” Distinguished Professor of English at UNILAG and the book’s General Editor, Professor Hope Eghagha, also highlighted that the event speaks eloquently of the University’s mission to bridge the gap between academia, policy, and practical leadership so as to strengthen democratic governance in the continent. Prof Eghagha commended governor Diri’s focus on driving quality healthcare in the state with technology, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and education, which he maintained has positioned Bayelsa State as a model of inclusive governance in the Niger Delta. Project consultant Sola Ojewusi further highlighted the Governor’s significant achievements, particularly in healthcare. Ojewusi cited the innovative use of drones for drug delivery to remote parts of Bayelsa, a strategy that has reportedly saved lives and ensured rapid medical access for the citizenry in critical situations. The event is set to host several national and international dignitaries, members of the academia, policymakers, and the diplomatic community to discuss the future landscape of governance in Africa.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri on Saturday commemorated the sixth anniversary of his administration, stating that God had a plan for bringing him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Diri stated this at a thanksgiving service at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene.

This year’s celebration was subdued in observance of the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away.

At the service, Governor Diri paid tribute to his late deputy, noting that Ewhrudjakpo began the journey with him in 2020.

Reading the sole Bible lesson from Psalm 23:1-6, Diri thanked Bayelsans and other arms of government for their support, which he said contributed to the successes achieved by his administration.

He urged citizens to embrace unity, tolerance, and reconciliation for the development of the state.

“All we need to do is to unite and harness the human and material resources that abound in our state for our collective benefits. Bayelsa is so blessed with oil and gas and so much more.

“Now we are changing the narrative about Bayelsa’s difficult terrain by building roads to open up our hinterland and connecting communities and we are still awarding more contracts.

“God had a plan for bringing me to the APC from the PDP. Let us keep uniting and speak with one voice and we pray that God will bring another God-fearing leader that will perform better than me,” he said.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described Diri’s emergence as governor as divine intervention.

He said, “I am very happy to be here to celebrate your sixth year in office. A lot of people may not know why you are called the ‘Miracle Governor.’ You are in fact one of the few miracles I have seen in my life.

“As I listened to the preacher, what he said about Psalm 127 was very instructive concerning what happened to us in the All Progressives Congress before today. He said except the Lord builds, the man who builds does so in vain. We in APC then built in vain.

“Just like what the Bible says, no matter what you do, the Lord gives power to whoever He wants. So no man can ascend to any office without God.

“I say so because myself, Chief Timipre Sylva, Chief David Lyon, and all of us were building, thinking that APC would take over Bayelsa in 2015. But because God was not building with us, we built in vain.

“Today, under your leadership, all of us are gathered here. That is why I am saying in church that no matter what you do, it is God that gives power to whoever He wants. Only God made you governor.”

Dignitaries at the service included former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan; wives of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Diri; Senator Sunday Katung included Senators Benson Agadaga and Konbowei Benson, and House members Chief Fred Agbedi, Oforji Oboku, and others.

Also in attendance were the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, former deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, chairman of the state Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, Managing Director of Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, APC caretaker chairman Dr. Dennis Otiotio, and Chief David Lyon, among others.

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