According to the Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Sen. Douye Diri, the dream of a greater nation cannot be realised without deliberate attention to the dreams of its young people. At the heart of Bayelsa’s development strategy is an unwavering commitment to building human capacity among its youths at home and abroad. Once again, the Prosperity Government is taking the lead.

In alignment with the Bayelsa State youth policy draft and under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, the state has taken bold steps to equip young leaders with the knowledge, tools, and exposure required to thrive in today’s dynamic world. Hence, a cross-section of vibrant youth leaders from across the state drawn from the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Bayelsa Youth Parliament (BYP), Student Union Governments, Centre for Youth Development, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Federated/Community Youth Presidents, and Youth Development Officers (YDO) from the Ministry of Youth Development embarked on an intensive youth development training at the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos. According to the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Alfred Kemepado, this is just one of many youth and leadership development programs the Governor has approved to run throughout the year, both at home and abroad. He also stated that the Governor has approved these programs to ensure strategic investment in the minds of youths, shaping Bayelsa’s future. The young leaders are being sharpened in policy, leadership, and nation-building, gaining insights from Nigeria’s top policy think tank, engaging in dialogue that challenges perspectives, and being prepared to take on roles of greater responsibility across communities, institutions, and government.

 Kemepado says the initiative underscores the Governor’s enduring belief that true development begins with people. It is a clear expression of the Prosperity administration’s A.S.S.U.R.E.D agenda to drive youth development, not only to empower youth, but to position them as active contributors to governance, growth, and global relevance.

That the Ministry of Youth Development under Governor Diri remains committed to sustaining these efforts, expanding them both locally and internationally, so that the ripple effect of this training reaches every ward, LGA, and community in Bayelsa State.

Bayelsa is not just training leaders, we are raising a generation equipped to lead with purpose, wisdom, and vision. And thanks to the Governor’s foresight, Kemepado says.