Korede Abdullah 
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye DirI
BAYELSA, Nigeria – Bayelsa State clinches a $400,000 international health award as Governor Douye Diri orders compulsory medical examinations for all cabinet members, underscoring renewed focus on preventive healthcare following the sudden death of Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Governor Diri receives the award plaque and a dummy cheque on Wednesday in Yenagoa after Bayelsa emerges first runner-up in the South-South category of the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge. The initiative is supported by UNICEF, the Dangote Group and other global partners.
During an expanded State Executive Council meeting, Diri directs the Commissioner for Health, Seiyefa Brisibe, to ensure full compliance with mandatory medical screening for political appointees.
“All of us must be careful about our health so we can prevent avoidable death,” Diri says. “Members of the State Executive Council, go and do a compulsory check-up. This is a directive that must be carried out.”
The governor confirms that an autopsy has been conducted on the late deputy governor, adding that the findings will be released “at the right time,” while warning against politicisation of the death. “I directed that an autopsy be conducted and the result is ready,” Diri states.
He announces the constitution of a burial committee chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, noting that burial arrangements will be communicated later.
Reacting to the health sector recognition, Diri describes the award as “refreshing and encouraging,” attributing it to sustained investments in primary healthcare delivery.
“This is the best award we have won so far, and it came with a dollar reward,” he says. “When you work hard, there will be results like this.”
Earlier, Commissioner Brisibe credits the achievement to the governor’s leadership and presents him with a Distinguished Leadership Award in Governance from the National Association of Nurses and Midwives.
About the Author
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 