Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, was on Saturday honoured as the Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadan (MOFI) by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).
According to a press release on Sunday, May 18, 2025, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Bayelsa State Governor, Daniel Alabrah, the elaborate ceremony held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly Liberty Stadium) in Ibadan, Oyo State, was the culmination of the 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival, which promotes unity and friendship between indigenes and other Nigerians.
Present at the event were the state governor, Oluseyi Makinde, his deputy, Adebayo Lawal, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, a former governor and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, as well as other prominent personalities from the state and members of the Ijaw community in Ibadan.
On his choice as an awardee, the CCII described Senator Diri as “a distinguished son of the Niger Delta, a symbol of purposeful leadership, resilience and transformational governance.”
Presenting the award, Senator Ladoja said the Bayelsa helmsman was recognised for his “support to Ibadan indigenes resident in his state and for his inclusive governance style.”
Responding, Governor Diri expressed appreciation to CCII for the recognition, noting that it was unexpected.
“I’m very elated to stand before the people of Ibadan and Oyo State. We never saw this coming.
“We truly appreciate this recognition of our modest effort in the governance of our state coming from this ancient city of Ibadan.
“On behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State, I extend our appreciation to CCII for this honour. I’m particularly happy that CCII is supporting and working with the Oyo State government to develop the state.
“Let me also commend my brother-governor (Makinde) for providing people-centred leadership and for his outstanding performance in the state. Governance is about the people and when you do well, the people rejoice.”
On the governor’s entourage were the member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr. Fred Agbedi, former Reps members, Gabriel Onyenwife and Biodun Olasupo, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, and the chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo.
