Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has stood firm in defending the construction of the massive Ernest Ikoli Media Complex in Yenagoa, the state capital. He emphasized that this decision was motivated by the media’s crucial role in societal development.
During a visit to the complex, which now houses the state-owned media outlets – Radio Bayelsa, Niger Delta Television, and New Waves Newspaper, Governor Diri expressed satisfaction with the newly installed state-of-the-art digital broadcast equipment, highlighting its significance in the industry.
In a live interview on NDTV, Governor Diri emphasized the media’s importance as the fourth estate of the realm and assured that his administration would treat it with the utmost seriousness it deserves.
Regarding the three senatorial road projects, the governor emphasized their significance in providing access for rural communities to the state capital and opening up economic zones. He expressed concern about the politicization of these crucial projects and urged opposition politicians to seek expert opinions rather than making ignorant comments.
Addressing the issue of flooding, Governor Diri assured that the state government was actively taking measures to tackle the menace. He also called on the federal government to implement practical steps, such as building dams to regulate water release from dams outside the country.
His words, “I saw the level of decay in the physical infrastructure, especially of the radio station, arising from a storm. The television station was far away in Gbarantoru, and knowing the importance of the media, I said something had to be done.
“When we inaugurated this structure (in February 2022), there were a lot of naysayers who said we were inaugurating an empty structure. But today I am happy I am living here on NDTV, and I am seeing very modern equipment that is arguably comparable to the best in the industry.
“The three senatorial roads are important to us. That is why we are investing so much in them. It is unfortunate that some people are playing politics with it by making comments on areas in which they do not have the requisite knowledge rather than seeking the opinion of experts.”
During his visit to Radio Bayelsa, Governor Diri actively engaged in a live program. In a stroke of luck for some ad hoc staff currently undergoing training at the television station, the governor inquired about their status and promptly instructed the commissioner for information to facilitate their immediate employment in the state civil service.
