Workers’ Day: Diri hails Bayelsa workers, unveils fresh commitments

By Tapre Timine, Bayelsa

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Thursday joined workers at Peace Park in Yenagoa to mark the 2025 International Workers’ Day, praising their resilience and unveiling fresh commitments to boost their welfare.

In an address delivered to a jubilant crowd of civil servants, labour leaders, and informal sector workers, Governor Diri paid glowing tribute to the state’s workforce, describing them as the bedrock of Bayelsa’s growth and prosperity.

He said, “As the son of a classroom teacher and a teacher myself, I understand the sacrifices and diligence that define your everyday life.

“Today is not just another event on the calendar. It is a solemn moment of gratitude to you, our workers, who continue to uphold the values of service and excellence.”

Governor Diri acknowledged the efforts of both the formal and informal workforce from civil servants and teachers to farmers, fishermen, artisans, and entrepreneurs, assuring them that his administration recognises their vital contributions to the state’s progress.

He highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the recruitment of 1,000 new civil servants, the employment of more teachers, and investments in health, power, and infrastructure. A key highlight was the construction of a 9-storey State Secretariat Complex, described by the governor as a “world-class working environment that will foster efficiency and pride.”

Also underway, he noted, is the completion of a state-of-the-art stadium and an ambitious drive to deliver uninterrupted electricity supply across the state before the end of the year.

Diri said, “These projects are more than buildings; they are launchpads for economic growth, youth empowerment, and investor confidence.”

The governor further assured workers of his government’s commitment to improved remuneration, broader access to health insurance, and deeper engagement with organised labour to address evolving socio-economic challenges.

On a lighter note, he commended the completion of the new Labour House in Yenagoa, calling it “a befitting symbol of unity, advocacy, and progress.”

In response to demands raised by labour leaders, Diri pledged to consider the requests, promising continued dialogue and cooperation.