JONATHAN URGES BAYELSANS TO BUILD ON 30 YEARS OF PROGRESS

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged residents of Bayelsa State to recognise the progress recorded since its creation while working towards greater development.

Jonathan spoke at a dinner and award ceremony held on Thursday as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the state. He was among personalities honoured at the event.

The former President said Bayelsa had not yet reached its desired level of development but had gained significantly since its creation on October 1, 1996.

He said the creation of the state gave the people a distinct political identity and a homeland they could call their own.

Jonathan encouraged young Bayelsans not to dismiss the achievements recorded over the past three decades. He said sustained progress would require visionary leadership, proper planning and a clear development direction.

The former President recalled an initiative introduced during his tenure as governor in 2006, when secondary school students were asked to write essays projecting what they wanted Bayelsa to become 25 years later.

He said the exercise demonstrated the importance of allowing young people to express their vision for the future of the state.

Jonathan also congratulated the state government and the anniversary committee for recognising individuals who contributed to Bayelsa’s development.

He dedicated his own award to the late former governor, DSP Alamieyeseigha, whom he credited with giving him the opportunity to begin his political career as deputy governor.

Jonathan urged current and future leaders to build on the contributions of previous generations and continue working towards Bayelsa’s development.