APC Bayelsa welcomes Diri, others with open arms

Nolly Box November 07, 2025

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.

By Samuel Oyadongha

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has formally welcomed Governor Douye Diri and his team following their official defection to the party.

In a statement issued on Friday in Yenagoa, the State Chairman of the APC, Chief Dennis Otiotio-Odoni, expressed the party’s appreciation to Governor Diri, Speaker Rt. Hon. Abraham Ngobere, members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, and other political leaders who have joined the APC.

Chief Otiotio-Odoni commended Governor Diri for leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and embracing the APC, describing the move as a demonstration of the governor’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He highlighted several of the governor’s ongoing developmental efforts, including the construction of the three senatorial roads and the ongoing installation of a 60-megawatt plug-and-play gas turbine, describing them as impactful initiatives that align with the APC’s vision for progress.

The APC Chairman urged party members to warmly receive the new entrants, stressing that “every member, old and new, has equal rights and obligations within the party.”

He also assured Governor Diri of the APC’s unwavering support and loyalty as he assumes leadership of the party in the state.

The post APC Bayelsa welcomes Diri, others with open arms appeared first on Vanguard News.

Source: APC Bayelsa welcomes Diri, others with open arms