FIC Report (Bayelsa State) – The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has commissioned the second phase of the Glory Drive dual carriageway, a 10.2-kilometre road project delivered by the Bayelsa State Government under Governor Douye Diri.
The newly completed stretch links Igbogene through key communities to Onopa in the Yenagoa metropolis, marking a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing urban infrastructure expansion. The project, originally conceptualised during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan when he served as governor of Bayelsa, has now been brought closer to full realization.
Speaking at the Commissioning ceremony, the Sultan expressed admiration for the pace of development in the state, describing the project as a testament to purposeful leadership. He noted that his visit—his second to Bayelsa in over two decades—revealed notable progress.
“I am impressed with the level of development that has taken place in Bayelsa. I am honoured to be part of this historic commissioning,” he said, urging the governor to sustain efforts aimed at improving the welfare of the people.
The Monarch also underscored the importance of national unity, stressing that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity. He called on leaders across regions to collaborate and learn from one another in delivering development.
Governor Diri, in his remarks, reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, insisting that infrastructure projects in the state are not driven by partisan considerations.
“This project is not for PDP, APC or Labour Party supporters alone, but for all Bayelsans,” he said. “We are focused on delivering shared prosperity across the state.”
The governor explained that upon assuming office in 2020, his administration re-awarded the road contract to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation to ensure its completion, citing its economic importance and strategic value to the state.
Diri further emphasised the link between peace and development, noting that sustainable growth can only thrive in a stable and harmonious environment.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Moses Teibowei, disclosed that the project was executed at a cost of N30 billion. He explained that earlier efforts to deliver the road had stalled despite significant funding.
According to him, a previous contractor engaged during the administration of former governor Timipre Sylva had only partially completed the work before abandoning the site.
Teibowei detailed the road’s specifications, noting that it spans 10.2 kilometres with dual carriageways measuring 7.3 metres each, two-metre shoulders, a four-metre median, pedestrian walkways, a major roundabout and 12 culverts.
He added that Governor Diri has approved the commencement of the third phase of the project, which will extend from the airport road to Onopa and the Government House, further enhancing connectivity within the State Capital.
Earlier during his visit, the Sultan met with the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, where he called for stronger collaboration between governments and traditional institutions to drive grassroots development.
Signed
Ighovojah Gloria Afure
Senior Information Officer
FIC Yenegoa, Bayelsa
12 May 2026
