By Peter Omopo
Yenagoa – September 25, 2025 – Two prominent clerics, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, and the General Overseer of the Word of Life Bible Church, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, have lauded the Governor Douye Diri-led administration for its developmental achievements and strong commitment to Christian values in Bayelsa State.
The faith leaders gave their commendations during separate courtesy visits to the Government House, Yenagoa, on Monday, where they described Bayelsa’s transformation in recent years as remarkable.
Pastor Oritsejafor, who expressed delight at Bayelsa’s public declaration as a Christian state, praised Governor Diri and his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, for openly upholding their faith.
“We are Christians and we should be proud of it. I’m glad that Bayelsa is still that Christian state we see. Because this state proclaims itself as Christian, heaven will back it and do what man cannot do. I believe things will continue to get better in Bayelsa,” Oritsejafor said.
Bishop Kukah, who was in the state to deliver a memorial lecture in honour of the late Dr. Abraham Ambaiowei, one of Bayelsa’s founding fathers, also hailed the administration’s strides in infrastructure and governance.
“I was here three or four years ago, and I am amazed by the transformation that has taken place. Bayelsa has undergone a lot of development. I want to commend and congratulate you, and assure you that Bayelsa will continue to feature in our prayers and intercessions,” Kukah stated.
He also used the occasion to call on Nigerians to remain hopeful about the country’s future, warning against despair.
Responding on behalf of the governor, Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo thanked the clerics for their support and prayers, describing Bishop Kukah as a moral compass and courageous voice who speaks truth to power.
Governor Diri further urged Christian leaders to focus their teachings on eternal values rather than materialism.
“Our religion must go beyond mere profession. Men of God need to redirect our hearts through sermons, because the impression these days is mainly about getting everything here on earth at the expense of heaven,” Diri said.
He added that the presence of revered clerics in Bayelsa serves as a blessing to the state, reinforcing its spiritual and developmental aspirations.
