Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Wednesday, played host to the leadership of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) at the Government House in Yenagoa, emphasizing the need for stronger advocacy to address the region’s developmental challenges.
Welcoming the PANDEF delegation led by its Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, Governor Diri reiterated his administration’s commitment to the region’s progress and urged the group to take a leading role in pushing for true federalism and infrastructural development.
“On behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State, I welcome the leadership of PANDEF to Yenagoa,” Diri said. “Everything you have said here about true federalism and infrastructure decay are burning issues affecting the Niger Delta region. PANDEF must continue to champion our cause and engage the federal government constructively to ensure that our region gets the attention it deserves.”
The governor, who was joined by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and other top government officials, commended the current PANDEF leadership and pledged the state’s support for their initiatives.
The PANDEF delegation also included prominent figures such as Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (retd.), a member of the group’s Board of Trustees, alongside other national and state executives.

In his remarks, Ambassador Igali expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed PANDEF’s commitment to advocating for the interests of the Niger Delta. He highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure, resource control, and fair revenue allocation to the oil-producing states.
“The Niger Delta remains the economic backbone of this country, yet our people continue to suffer from environmental degradation and neglect,” Igali said. “We will keep engaging with relevant authorities to ensure that the voices of our people are heard.”
Governor Diri assured the delegation of Bayelsa’s readiness to collaborate with PANDEF and other stakeholders to address the region’s long-standing issues, adding that only a united front could bring meaningful development.
The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing the socio-economic and infrastructural gaps in the Niger Delta, with both parties agreeing on the need for sustained dialogue and strategic engagement at the national level.