YENAGOA, BAYELSA STATE — September 2, 2026: The Centre for Disability Rights, Empowerment and Development (CDRED) has honoured the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, with its Governor’s Excellence Award for Disability Inclusion in recognition of his administration’s contributions to promoting the rights, dignity and participation of persons with disabilities in the state.
The award was formally presented to Governor Diri on Wednesday during the 196th meeting of the Bayelsa State Executive Council by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Supervising Commissioner for Disability Affairs, Hon. Johanna Gigi, on behalf of CDRED.
The presentation was witnessed by members of the State Executive Council and other senior government officials.
Speaking during the presentation, CDRED Executive Director and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. God’sgift Fekosufa, commended Governor Diri for what he described as compassionate leadership and sustained support for persons with disabilities across the state.
Fekosufa said the recognition was particularly informed by the Governor’s assent to the Bayelsa State Agency for Persons with Disabilities Law, 2026, the appointment of more than 40 persons with disabilities to public offices and the employment of more than 20 persons with disabilities into the Bayelsa State Civil Service.
He also highlighted other interventions by the administration aimed at promoting equal opportunities and improving the welfare of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
According to him, Governor Diri’s interventions have also extended to vulnerable persons affected by leprosy, particularly those who have been abandoned by their families and communities.
While commending the administration for its achievements, Fekosufa called for the speedy implementation of the Bayelsa State Agency for Persons with Disabilities Law, 2026, particularly the establishment and full operationalisation of the agency.
He stressed that the law should translate into tangible benefits for persons with disabilities through increased appointments, employment opportunities, empowerment programmes, accessibility initiatives and rehabilitation services.
The award had earlier been presented to Commissioner Gigi at the Ministry’s conference hall in Yenagoa for onward transmission to the Governor.
Receiving the recognition on behalf of the Governor at the initial presentation, Gigi appreciated CDRED for honouring the Governor and commended the organisation for its constructive advocacy and partnership with the state government in advancing disability rights and inclusion.
She emphasised the need for government policies and disability-related laws to move beyond paper to practical interventions that would improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
Gigi assured CDRED of the state government’s continued commitment to inclusive governance, equal opportunities and improved welfare for persons with disabilities.
The initial presentation was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Madam Tonye E. Koroye; Director of Rehabilitation, Idumangi Tarinyo Joy; other directors; and members of the CDRED delegation, including Deputy Director, Mr. Godspower Moses, and Secretary-General, Mr. Igbogikimi Edward Osain.
CDRED also appreciated Commissioner Gigi for her continued support for disability inclusion and for conveying the award to Governor Diri during the State Executive Council meeting.
The organisation congratulated Governor Diri on the recognition, expressing hope that the award would reinforce the importance of ensuring that no Bayelsan is left behind because of disability.
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