‘We Cannot Close Our Eyes’: Diri Orders Free Medical Checks as Cancer Concerns Grow in Bayelsa
By Passman Akpos
YENAGOA, BAYELSA STATE — Governor Douye Diri has directed the Bayelsa State Ministry of Health to introduce free quarterly medical checkups for residents across the state’s eight local government areas, targeting people who cannot afford healthcare services.
The governor gave the directive on Sunday, October 11, 2026, during a special thanksgiving service at Saint John’s Anglican Church, Olobiri, Kaiama, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, held in honour of the Ibedaowei of Kolokuma Kingdom, King Mozi Agara.
Diri said the initiative would enable residents, particularly those facing financial difficulties, to access medical examinations at government-owned secondary healthcare facilities across the state.
He directed the Commissioner for Health to ensure that the programme operates quarterly to prevent overcrowding and allow more residents to benefit from the exercise.
“I hereby direct the Honourable Commissioner for Health to commence a free health check across Bayelsa State, in all our secondary healthcare facilities across our different local government areas. This is particularly for those that are unable to afford it,” the governor stated.
He explained that the ministry would maintain a register of residents examined during each quarter to monitor the exercise and document the health conditions identified.
According to the governor, the medical checks would cover conditions such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar and other ailments, including cancer, which he described as an increasingly prevalent health concern.
“As a government, we cannot be silent on the issue of cancer. We cannot close our eyes as if we are not seeing what it is doing to our people,” Diri said.
Diri Urges Residents to Take Advantage of Free Medical Checks
The governor encouraged Bayelsans to take advantage of the proposed programme by visiting the nearest government secondary healthcare facility when the exercise begins.
He added that the Commissioner for Health would provide further details and announcements regarding the implementation of the initiative.
The directive is intended to improve access to basic medical examinations for residents who might otherwise struggle to pay for such services.
However, the state government is yet to provide specific commencement dates, a detailed list of participating hospitals or further operational guidelines in the announcement.
Governor Orders Rehabilitation of Kaiama Road
Beyond healthcare, Diri directed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to submit the proposed rehabilitation of damaged sections of the road from the Kaiama Bridge for government approval.
The governor said he personally inspected projects across the state to obtain firsthand information about their conditions rather than depending entirely on reports from officials.
His directive followed concerns about the deplorable state of portions of the road, which serves communities within the area.
Diri Calls for Greater Recognition of Traditional Rulers
The governor also expressed gratitude to God for the recovery of King Mozi Agara from a recent health condition.
He urged residents to cultivate the habit of honouring their leaders, describing traditional rulers as important custodians of peace, order and stability in their communities.
According to Diri, traditional rulers play significant roles in resolving disputes, including family disagreements, and deserve greater recognition within the governance structure because of their contributions to maintaining peace.
Anglican Bishop Speaks on God’s Supremacy
In his sermon titled “The Supremacy of God,” the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Northern Izon, Rt. Rev. Funkuro Amgbare, described God as supreme, with authority that no one can override.
The bishop attributed the presence of a worship centre in Olobiri to God’s intervention, adding that the community had been liberated from the power of darkness.
He also recalled that the thanksgiving celebrant had been ill for some time. Amgbare said he prayed for the monarch’s healing after being informed of his condition and described his recovery as miraculous.
Dignitaries Attend Thanksgiving Service
Those present at the service included the wife of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri; Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Chief Fred Agbedi; and federal lawmakers representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma-Opokuma and Southern Ijaw constituencies, Oforji Oboku and Rodney Ambaiowei.
Others included the Bayelsa State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Warman Ogoriba; Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Irorodamie Komonibo; and other senior government officials.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on October 12, 2026, by Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor.
