The Bayelsa State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has expressed with concern the slow pace of development in the eight local government areas of the state


The council in a COMMUNIQUÉ issued at the end of its Congress held on Thursday, 25th June, 2026, at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Azikoro Road, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, commended Governor Douye Diri’s ASSURED Prosperity Mantra, recording several infrastructural development across the state.


The Communiqué noted that such projects are key to improving residents' living conditions and stimulating socio-economic growth, however expressed concern over what it described as the slow pace of development in the state's eight local government areas.


It consequently constituted a five-member committee to interface with the council chairmen to identify projects executed since they assumed office and ascertain the challenges facing the councils ahead of the next local government elections announced by the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission.


The Congress also renewed its call for the rehabilitation and maintenance of internal roads in Yenagoa to improve connectivity and ease movement within the state capital.


The journalists condemned the increasing cases of abandoned newborn babies in refuse dumps and public places, urging government agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, social welfare institutions and other stakeholders to take urgent action to address the situation.


Congress further expressed concern over the rising incidents of child kidnapping and called on security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and surveillance to protect lives and property.


The Union also decried the growing number of mentally disturbed persons roaming the streets of Yenagoa, linking the trend to drug abuse and substance addiction urging health authorities, drug control agencies and relevant stakeholders to implement sustainable programmes for prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration of affected persons.


The Congress reaffirmed its commitment to ethical journalism, good governance and the sustainable development of Bayelsa State, while calling on residents to continue supporting efforts aimed at promoting peace, security, unity and development across the state.


The Congress after deliberated on issues affecting the Union and the development of Bayelsa State and the welfare of its people resolved as follows:


1. Congress commended the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, for the ongoing infrastructural development across the state, noting that the projects have significantly improved the living conditions of residents and are stimulating socio-economic growth.


2. Congress, however, expressed concern over the slow pace of development in the eight local government areas of the state. It therefore resolved and constituted a 5-Man Committee, in line with the constitutional role of the press, to interface with the 8 Local Government Councils' Chairmen to identify the projects undertaken by them since inception of office, and the immediate challenges confronting the local governments, particularly at a time the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC) has announced another circle of local government elections.


3. While Congress applauded the Bayelsa State Government for its commitment to road construction across the state, it nevertheless reiterated its earlier call for a comprehensive approach to the rehabilitation and maintenance of internal roads in Yenagoa, the state capital, to enhance connectivity, facilitate movement, and improve access.


4. Congress condemned the rising cases of abandoned newborn babies at refuse dumps and other public places across the state. It called on relevant government agencies, social welfare institutions, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to take urgent and coordinated actions to address the disturbing trend.


5. Congress expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of child kidnapping in the state. It urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance surveillance, and intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property.


6. Congress once again decried the growing number of mentally disturbed persons roaming the streets of Yenagoa, a situation believed to be linked to drug abuse and substance addiction. It called on relevant health authorities, drug control agencies, and other stakeholders to implement sustainable intervention programmes aimed at prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of affected persons.


7. Congress reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical and responsible journalism, supporting good governance, and contributing meaningfully to the sustainable development of Bayelsa State. It also pledged continued collaboration with the government and relevant stakeholders in the overall interest of the people.


8. Congress called on all citizens and residents of Bayelsa State to continue supporting efforts aimed at sustaining peace, security, unity, and development across the state.



Signed:


Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha

Chairman, NUJ

Bayelsa State Council


Comrade Aqua Akpuruku

Ag. Secretary, NUJ

Bayelsa State Council



Communiqué Drafting Committee:

Comrade Eunice Nnachi – Chairman

Comrade Dennis Renner – Member

Comrade Beatrice Okotobei– Member