In a bid to address the hardships faced by commuters in
Bayelsa State due to the Federal Government’s
removal of fuel subsidy, Governor
Douye Diri unveiled an ambitious new transport scheme. The initiative, which
aimed to alleviate the suffering of the people and boost the transportation
sector, was launched at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall premises in
Yenagoa.
During the inauguration ceremony, Governor Diri expressed his
concern for the people of Bayelsa, acknowledging the difficulties they were
facing as a result of the subsidy removal. In a statement released by his Chief
Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, he emphasized that the fleet of transport
vehicles being introduced marked a historic day for the state.
With the ban on commercial tricycles at night still in force,
the governor assured the public that the newly introduced taxis would serve as
an effective replacement, providing transportation within the city of Yenagoa
and its surrounding areas. The taxis were planned to cover routes to the Niger
Delta University at Amassoma, the airport, Federal University Otuoke, and other
towns.
Governor Diri expressed his gratitude to the people of
Bayelsa for their patience and assured them that the government had their
welfare at heart. He encouraged the youths of the state to take advantage of
the transport scheme as an opportunity to empower themselves. He anticipated
that over 100 young individuals would be engaged as drivers within the
intra-state and intra-city transport system, providing them with valuable
employment opportunities.
In a symbolic gesture, Governor Diri handed over the keys of
the vehicles to the General Manager of the Bayelsa State Transport Company,
Chief Timi Fanama. He emphasized that this new transport arrangement would be
different from previous government initiatives in the state and urged the
management to make good use of the vehicles to enhance the transport system.
Chief Timi Fanama, the General Manager of the Bayelsa State
Transport Company, encouraged the youths to seize this opportunity and consider
driving as a viable career option.
During the welcome address, the Commissioner for Transport,
Grace Ekiotene, expressed her appreciation to Governor Diri for introducing the
scheme. She acknowledged its potential to cushion the impact of the hardship
experienced by Bayelsans due to the subsidy removal.
With the unveiling of the new transport scheme, Governor
Douye Diri hoped to alleviate the suffering of commuters, boost the state’s
transportation sector, and provide opportunities for young people in Bayelsa
State to empower themselves and build a better future.
