BY Milcah Tanimu
In a significant development for Bayelsa State, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, presided over the inauguration of phase two of the newly-completed Glory Drive dual carriageway. This 10.2-kilometer road project, masterminded by the administration of Governor Douye Diri, is a noteworthy achievement.
Stretching from Igbogene through multiple communities to its termination point at Onopa in the Yenagoa city center, this road project was originally conceived by former President Goodluck Jonathan during his tenure as the state’s governor.
During the inauguration ceremony, the Sultan expressed his pride in being associated with Governor Diri’s commendable efforts in developing Bayelsa State. He emphasized the importance of leaders from different regions coming together to appreciate and collaborate on state development, highlighting the nation’s strength in its diversity.
The Sultan, whose visit to Bayelsa marked his second in 22 years, urged Governor Diri and his team to continue their commitment to improving the lives of the state’s residents.
In response, Senator Douye Diri reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to non-partisan development. He stressed that the Glory Drive project benefits all citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations, emphasizing that development and peace are intrinsically linked.
Governor Diri noted that this project was initially conceptualized during the tenure of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, under whom he served as a commissioner. Upon assuming office in 2020, he decided to re-award the contract to the Chinese construction giant, CCECC.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Moses Teibowei, revealed that the project was executed at a cost of N30 billion. It was originally conceived during the Jonathan administration and was constructed from the East-West road to the Igbogene roundabout. However, it faced mismanagement under the Chief Timipre Sylva administration, leading to a contract re-award under Governor Diri’s leadership.
The road boasts a dual carriageway with a width of 7.3 meters for each drive lane, accompanied by two-meter-wide shoulders on both sides. It also includes a four-meter-wide median, 1.4-meter-wide walkways on each side, a major roundabout, and 12 culverts.
Governor Diri has approved the commencement of the Glory Drive Phase 3, extending from the airport road to Onopa and the Government House.
Before the inauguration, the Sultan visited the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, where he emphasized the importance of close collaboration between state governments and traditional rulers in fostering development.
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