Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has directed the state Ministry of Health to introduce free quarterly medical check-ups for residents across the state’s eight local government areas.
The initiative is intended to help residents who cannot afford routine medical examinations access healthcare at government secondary health facilities. Diri announced the directive on Sunday during a thanksgiving service at St John’s Anglican Church in Olobiri, Kaiama, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area. The service was held in honour of the Ebedaowei of Kolokuma Kingdom, King Mozi Agara.
The governor instructed the Commissioner for Health to ensure the programme operates quarterly to prevent overcrowding at participating facilities.
“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,” Diri said.
He added that the ministry should maintain a register of residents who undergo examinations to help monitor the programme and identify common health conditions.
The governor specifically mentioned high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar and cancer, noting that the state could not ignore the growing burden of the disease.
“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,” he said.
Diri urged residents to take advantage of the initiative by visiting their nearest government secondary health facility. He said the Commissioner for Health would provide further details and announce arrangements for the exercise.
Governor Orders Road Rehabilitation
During the visit, Diri also directed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to submit rehabilitation plans for approval for deteriorated sections of the road from the Kaiama Bridge. He said he personally inspected projects across the state to obtain first-hand information about their condition rather than relying exclusively on reports.
The governor also expressed gratitude for the recovery of the Kolokuma monarch from a recent health condition and encouraged residents to show respect for their traditional leaders. He described traditional rulers as important custodians of peace and order, noting their roles in resolving disputes, including family-related conflicts. He called for greater recognition of their contributions to community stability.
In his sermon, titled The Supremacy of God, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Northern Izon, Rt. Rev. Funkuro Amgbare, spoke about God’s authority and expressed gratitude for developments in the Olobiri community. Amgbare also recalled the monarch’s recent illness and said he had prayed for his recovery.
