February 10, (THEWILL) – The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said the state is enjoying steady growth due to the continuity policy of his administration.
Gov Diri stated that continuing projects of previous administrations had not only saved the State funds but ensured that they reaped the full benefits of the policy.
The Governor spoke during the inauguration of a new complex for the Bayelsa Health Insurance Scheme (BHIS) in Yenagoa, on Wednesday, noting that the scheme was a brainchild of the immediate past administration of Senator Seriake Dickson.
Diri said his administration decided to continue with the health scheme due to its benefits to the people of the state.
He, however, stated that his administration expanded it to accommodate the informal sector so as to reach out to more people.
“This health scheme was initiated by my immediate past predecessor. We looked at it and saw the benefits for our people. We decided to continue and expand it. Today, it has accommodated the informal sector,” he stated.
Delta State Governor and vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, inaugurated the BHIS House as part of activities to mark the third anniversary of the Diri administration.
Okowa commended the implementation of the Health Insurance Scheme in Bayelsa, saying it is among the few states in the country where the scheme is functional.
Describing health insurance as important, Okowa said it caters for the health needs of the poor, adding that the essence of governance is to touch the lives of ordinary people.
He lauded the Diri administration for building a befitting office space for the scheme, saying it will enhance its implementation.
The PDP vice presidential candidate also hailed former Governor Seriake Dickson, for initiating the BHIS and commended Diri for not deviating, saying continuity in governance is laudable, especially when the policy is about the people.
Okowa, however, decried the non-release of funds by the APC-led Federal Government, which he said had stalled the implementation of the scheme at the federal level.
He promised that when elected into office, the PDP will ensure that every aspect of the Health Act is made operational.
In a related development, the Bayelsa State Ultra Modern Transport Terminal at Igbogene, was also inaugurated.
Diri described the project as more than a transport terminal as it comprises two banking halls, a medical centre, retail stores and a VIP lounge.
The Governor said his government had already procured vehicles to take commuters from the terminal to their destinations and called on transporters at different terminals in the State capital to relocate to the new terminal.
In his remarks, the immediate past Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, thanked Governor Diri for his dedication and passion, which has ensured the completion of projects inherited from his administration, adding that he was glad to witness the dividends of democracy being demonstrated by his successor.
