Bayelsa: Gov Diri Launches Ijaw History Book As He Marks Two Years In Office

Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State during the week launched the Ijaw history book, ‘The Izon of the Niger Delta’ as part of events to mark his two years in office.

At the event, Governor Duoye Diri called for support for the book project started by the late DSP Alamieyeseigha.

He said the move will help in ensuring that the Ijaw language does not go into extinction just as he lauded the past governors for initiating and funding the project.

The governor also praised the only surviving editor of the book, Emeritus Professor E.J Alagoa, for taking up such a bold project.

Governor Diri expressed joy that at 89, Professor Alagoa still reads without lenses.

This is as he prayed for the repose of the souls of two co-editors of the book – late Prof. Tekena and late Prof. John Pepper Clark.

The Bayelsa governor was not the only high-profile personality who graced the event. The Chief Launcher, High Chief Emonena Victor Wayles (JP) at the occasion reiterated that the Ijaw culture was built on truth and asked the Ijaw people to maintain the momentum.

According to him, his donation at the event is a starting point as he thanked Diri for making the book launched a reality.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the President of the Ijaw National Congress President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, recalled when the rally cry of “Ahh Izon” represented steadfastness to the Izon cause.

The co-chairman of the launch, however, expressed sadness that many parents have failed to inculcate the Izon culture in their children, thus putting it at risk of extinction.

Other notable Izon people who made presentations at the event include the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Abraham Ingobere; Chief Judge of the State, Justice (Mrs) Kate Abiri; Immediate past Deputy Governor of the State; Rtd. Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jsuppo Onah; Prof. Paingha Alagoa; Prof. Mark Okorobia, Dr. ThankGod Apere; Mr. Dianam Dakolo; Mr. Matthew Seiyefa; Hon. David Alagoa among others.

Politicians, traditional rulers, top government functionaries, technocrats, and captains of industries, including High Chief Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore (JP), Chairman, De Wayles Group of Companies and others, were present at the book launch where millions of naira was donated to the cause.

Seyi Makinde and Duoye Diri

Meanwhile, part of the two year celebration was the commissioning of a 4.5km road at Igbedi named Duoye Diri road, Kolokuma in Opukema Local Govt. Area by the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Markinde on Thursday, 10th February, 2022.

Duoye Diri road