By Gideon Maxwell
April 20, 2026
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on has commissioned key infrastructure projects in Bayelsa State, praising Governor Douye Diri for delivering on long-standing development promises.
Osinbajo inaugurated the Agbura–Oxbow Lake Road alongside the Oporoma Referral Hospital during a high-profile ceremony attended by government officials and community stakeholders in Yenagoa and Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
The road project, spanning approximately 6.72 kilometres, is strategically designed to connect multiple communities and critical government institutions, including the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board complex, the Federal Secretariat, and the Central Bank of Nigeria facility in the state.
Speaking at the event, Osinbajo described the infrastructure as “very special,” noting that it would significantly improve mobility, unlock economic opportunities, and enhance access to historically important locations such as Oloibiri, where oil was first discovered in commercial quantities.
ALSO READ: Osinbajo: Africa’s trusted hand amid global uncertainty
He also recalled his earlier visit to the area during the project’s groundbreaking phase in 2022, admitting he had doubts due to the difficult terrain.
However, he commended Governor Diri for completing the project against the odds, stating that delivering on promises remains a rare quality in Nigerian politics.
“The whole point of politics is to make life easier for the people,” Osinbajo said, emphasising the direct impact of the road on easing transportation challenges and stimulating economic activity across Bayelsa communities.
In addition to the road, the commissioning of the Oporoma Referral Hospital marks a significant boost to healthcare delivery in the riverine region.
The facility, which had been in development for decades, is now operational and positioned to serve residents of Southern Ijaw and surrounding areas.
Governor Douye Diri, in his remarks, highlighted the economic and social benefits of the projects, noting that construction activities created jobs for local youths and improved connectivity across previously inaccessible riverine communities.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that development reaches all parts of the state, regardless of geographical challenges.
