Governor Douye Diri Endorsed by Bayelsa Student Community (Photos)

Yenagoa—In a significant development, Governor Douye Diri and his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, received an endorsement from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Union of Bayelsa State Students (NUBSS) for a second term.

The endorsement was made during a students summit organized by the Bayelsa State Students Management Committee in Yenagoa, which aimed to equip students with entrepreneurial skills.

Comrade Yenne Ebobrah Dennis, the President of NUBSS, revealed that his group endorsed the duo due to the remarkable developmental projects initiated by the state government in the education sector and other critical areas.

He expressed that the students’ support was a gesture of gratitude for the significant investments made by the Diri administration in education. He further stated that they would ensure the governor’s return to office to continue implementing his commendable policies for the sector and the state.

Comrade Kings Tamarautuapreye, the NANS Zone B Coordinator, commended Governor Diri for sustaining the Higher Education Students Loans Scheme, which has assisted numerous indigent students in continuing their studies.

Tamarautuapreye expressed the students’ happiness with the governor’s administration and mentioned that endorsing him was an easy decision due to his achievements and fatherly disposition.

Precious Apiri, the President of the Niger Delta University Students Union Government, expressed appreciation to the governor for the infrastructural development in the state’s pioneer university, particularly the recent approval for the construction of a convocation arena.

During the summit, Governor Diri emphasized the relevance of the theme, “Transcend: Upscaling Bayelsa State Students on Entrepreneurship and Self-Development,” stating that it aligned with his administration’s focus on entrepreneurial development.

He highlighted that the objective of his government was to promote entrepreneurship by equipping young people with skills that would enable them to become self-employed and employers of labor.

He also revealed plans to initiate a floating fund that would support young Bayelsans in starting businesses after graduating from tertiary institutions, with the aim of transforming Bayelsa from a consumer state to a production state.

Governor Diri acknowledged the peaceful disposition of the students on various campuses, which has contributed to a peaceful state, and encouraged them to remain focused on their studies.

He emphasized the importance of education for societal growth and expressed his desire for the state to transition from a civil service-oriented state to an entrepreneur-driven one.

“The topic of this summit is apt. Entrepreneurship is the way our government is going. We are going toward skills acquisition.

“We have to move toward productive students that will stand tall among other youths even in other places. Youths that will be employers of labour and not begging to be employed. That is the essence of prosperity that we talk about.

“Higher institutions and universities are the training grounds for leaders. For you to be successful in leadership and entrepreneurship, you must go through these institutions.

“I have put this before the Deputy Governor, the Commissioner for Education and all those handling such affairs to explore ways to cater to students post-NYSC after graduation so that in the acquisition of skills and entrepreneurship, the government would provide a floating fund for all Bayelsa graduates. Rather than going about looking for jobs, you become employers of labour.

“No society can grow beyond its level of education. We can build all the roads and bridges but if our people are not educated, all of that would be at the expense of our manpower development. I like this state to move away from a civil service tag to an entrepreneur state. The students and youths are the focus.

“I like to thank the students for the way you have conducted yourselves; the way you have brought peace to various institutions of learning. That has added to the peace, security and stability of our state,” he stated.

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The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, emphasized the need to educate youths and equip them with skills that would prepare them for future challenges.

As a gesture of appreciation, Governor Diri presented Sienna vehicles to several student organizations in the state, including NUBSS, NANS Zone B, National Association of Joint Students Campus Council, National Union of Izon Ibe Students Worldwide, and the NDU Students Union Government. The students reciprocated by presenting a life-sized portrait of the governor, a plaque, and a muffler as tokens of their appreciation.