Ten years after the death of Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, the first civilian governor of Bayelsa State, his influence and contributions to the state and the Niger Delta region continue to resonate deeply among the people.
In a statement commemorating the 10th anniversary of his passing, the President of the Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), Dr. Kennedy Tonjo West, described the late Alamieyeseigha as “a movement, a visionary leader whose impact transcended politics.”
Dr. West said Alamieyeseigha’s leadership left indelible footprints in the areas of education, infrastructure, and youth development. He recalled that under Alamieyeseigha’s administration, the Niger Delta University (NDU) was established as a cornerstone of human capital development in the region, providing opportunities for thousands of young people to access higher education.
He further noted that Alamieyeseigha’s tenure was marked by massive infrastructural expansion across Bayelsa State, the empowerment of local contractors, and strategic investments aimed at positioning the state for sustainable growth.
“Chief Alamieyeseigha was not just a politician; he was a builder of people and communities,” Dr. West stated. “His vision for a prosperous Bayelsa and a united Ijaw nation remains unmatched. Ten years after his passing, the void he left behind is still deeply felt.”
The MOSIEND president also urged Niger Delta youths, traditional rulers, political leaders, and other stakeholders to honour the memory of the late governor by recommitting themselves to the values he championed — unity, self-determination, and economic empowerment.
He emphasized that the current generation must draw inspiration from Alamieyeseigha’s resilience and his unwavering belief in the potential of the Niger Delta people to chart their own development path.
Dr. West added that MOSIEND would continue to celebrate the late governor’s legacy through programmes that promote education, peace, and regional development.
Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, fondly remembered as the “Governor-General of the Ijaw Nation,” served as Bayelsa’s first elected governor from 1999 to 2005. He died on October 10, 2015, at the age of 62.
