Do you want to learn about Bayelsa State, one of the oil-rich states in Nigeria? If so, I’d be glad to guide you through its historical background, including its creation date, number of LGA’s, languages spoken, religions, and means of livelihood, population, higher institutions, and more. Even if you’re not from there, learning about the state is worthwhile. So, let’s get started!
When Was Bayelsa State Created?
Bayelsa State was created on October 1, 1996, when it was carved out of the then Rivers State. It was established during the regime of General Sani Abacha as part of his administrative restructuring efforts to increase the number of states in Nigeria. The capital of Bayelsa state is Yenagoa, where the governor oversees the affairs of the state. Apart from the state capital, other notable towns and areas in Bayelsa include Akassa, Amassoma, Lobia, Wilberforce Island, and others.
Where is Bayelsa Located?
Bayelsa is located in the southern region of Nigeria and is part of the Niger Delta basin. It is bordered to the:
- West by Delta State,
- East by Rivers State,
- And to the south by the Atlantic Ocean.
The state lies approximately between 4.5° and 6.5° N latitude and 6.0° and 7.5° E longitude. Bayelsa is renowned for its abundant oil reserves and its intricate network of waterways.
![]() Nickname: Glory of all lands |
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Date of Creation: | 1 October 1996 |
Location | South South |
Executive Governor: | Douye Diri |
Deputy Governor: | Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo |
Population: | 1.7 million as at 2006 Census |
Language: | Ijaw, Ijo, Abureni, Isoko, Urhobo |
LGA: | 8 |
Postal Code | 560001 |
Geographic Features
Bayelsa is characterized by its extensive wetlands and river systems. Many communities in the state are surrounded by water, with some buildings constructed on stilts or floating, making road access challenging. The region features tropical rainforests with diverse vegetation, including trees, grasses, and shrubs. It also includes vast mangrove swamps and delta terrain, which are flat, low-lying areas susceptible to flooding during the rainy season.
The Edumanom Forest Reserve, notable for its chimpanzee population, is a key attraction for wildlife enthusiasts. Additionally, the state’s economy is significantly supported by its abundant oil and natural gas resources. The region is also dotted with numerous creeks and illegal bunkering sites, where crude oil is processed into petroleum products and by-products.
What is The Land Area?
Bayelsa is the 27th largest state out of 36 in Nigeria, with a land area of 10,773 square kilometers, representing 1.17% of Nigeria’s total land area.
What is The Population Size?
According to the 2006 census conducted by the National Population Commission, Bayelsa had a population of 1,704,515. By 2022, the population was estimated at 2,537,400, making it the least populous state in Nigeria. This represents a population increase of approximately 832,885 people between 2006 and 2022.
Projections indicate that by 2038, the population may reach an estimated 3,337,400, accounting for both natural growth and migration.
Note: Bayelsa is ranked 36th in population among the 36 states in Nigeria.
Languages in Bayelsa
The riverine state’s indigenous peoples speak several local dialects, such as Ijaw, Southeast Ijo, Kolokuma, and others. Among these, Ijaw is the most widely spoken. In the southern parts of Bayelsa, the Ijo language predominates. Additionally, in the Sagbama Local Government Area (LGA), you will find speakers of the Urhobo language, while Isoko is spoken in some other parts of the state.
Bayelsa is, therefore, a multilingual region with a rich tapestry of local dialects.
Local Government Areas
The LGA’s divide the state’s population into strata for easy identification of where indigenes originate, which are listed below along with the languages spoken in each LGA:
LGA | Languages/Dialects Spoken |
Brass | Abureni, Southeast Ijo, Ogbia, Kugbo |
Ekeremor | Izon |
Kolokuma Opokuma | Kolokuma |
Nembe | Abureni, Ijaw Nembe |
Ogbia | Abureni, Odual, Ogbia, Oruma, Southeast Ijo |
Sagbama | Buseni, Ogbah, Izon, Okodia, Isoko, Urhobo |
Southern Ijaw | Southeast Ijo, Izon |
Yenagoa | Ekpeye, Izon, and others |
Religion in the State
The majority of Bayelsans practice Christianity and indigenous African religions. Islam is also present but less prevalent compared to the other two religions. Bayelsa is home to the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi, which serves a large congregation of Catholic worshippers. Additionally, there are numerous Pentecostal and new-generation churches where people worship in various locations across the state. Religious freedom is upheld, allowing individuals to practice their chosen faith without restrictions.
Occupation of the People
The primary occupations of Bayelsans include agriculture, fishing, and oil and gas extraction. The region is suitable for cultivating crops such as cassava, yam, maize, plantain, and sugarcane. Oil palm and timber are also widely grown in this riverine state. Although rice farming could be viable, it requires substantial investment to thrive.
Fishing is a significant livelihood due to the coastal and waterlogged nature of the environment. Many Bayelsans are engaged in the oil and gas sector, either directly through employment in oil-producing communities or indirectly through opportunities created by the industry.
Despite being an oil-rich state, poverty persists in Bayelsa due to Nigeria’s fiscal federalism, which governs resource sharing. Another significant challenge is oil spills, which pollute water bodies, harm aquatic life, and disrupt farming activities.
Who Was The First Governor Of Bayelsa State?

Phillip Oladipo Ayeni was the first military administrator of Bayelsa State. A captain in the Nigerian Navy, he governed the state from February 1996 to April 21, 1997. Born in 1949, Ayeni passed away due to illness.
Despite his untimely death, Ayeni left a lasting legacy by laying the foundation for the state’s development through the policies and programs he initiated. Although he did not live to witness the full impact of his work, the subsequent growth and progress of Bayelsa stand as a testament to the solid groundwork he established. Ayeni set the bedrock for the development that Bayelsans enjoy today.
Who Is the Governor of Bayelsa State?

Douye Diri is the current governor of Bayelsa State. He assumed office on February 14, 2020.
Born on June 4, 1959, Diri hails from the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He is a Nigerian politician with a strong academic and political background.
Diri completed his primary education in 1977 at Rev. Proctor Memorial Primary School. He went on to finish his secondary education at Government Secondary School, Odi, and later obtained a National Certificate in Education (NCE) from the College of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).
Diri became the governor of Bayelsa State after the Supreme Court nullified the election of David Lyon, the winner of the 2019 governorship election. The court ruled that Lyon’s running mate had submitted false documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). As a result, the Supreme Court directed that Douye Diri be issued a certificate of return, making him the governor of the state.
Before becoming governor, Diri served as a senator representing the Bayelsa Central Senatorial District in the 9th Assembly from 2019 to 2020.
Who Is the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State?

Lawrence O. Ewhrudjakpo is the current Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State. He previously served as a senator in the 9th National Assembly from 2019 to 2020, representing the Bayelsa West Senatorial District.
Born on September 5, 1965, in the Sagbama Local Government Area (part of the Eastern Region), Ewhrudjakpo completed his primary education in 1976 and later finished his secondary education at Bomadi Government School. After obtaining his Senior School Certificate, he studied Community Health at the College of Health in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he earned a diploma.
Ewhrudjakpo furthered his education by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Secretarial Administration in 1998 from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology. He also obtained a Law degree from the same university in 2007, after completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2000. He is also a holder of a PhD.
His political career began when he served as a senator. In 2019, he was the running mate to Douye Diri, but they initially lost to David Lyon. However, following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated David Lyon’s victory due to issues with his credentials, Douye Diri was reinstated as governor, and Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo assumed office as the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.
List of All Bayelsa Governors Till Date
The list consist both military administrator and civilian governors
Name | Start Tenure | End Tenure | Party |
Phillip Ayeni | 7 Oct 1996 | 28 Feb 1997 | Mil |
Habu Daura | 28 Feb 1997 | 27 Jun 1997 | Mil |
Omoniyi Caleb Olubolade | 27 Jun 1997 | 9 Jul 1998 | Mil |
Paul Obi | 9 Jul 1998 | 29 May 1999 | Mil |
Diepreye Alamieyeseigha | 29 May 1999 | 9 Dec 2005 | PDP |
Goodluck Jonathan | 9 Dec 2005 | 29 May 2007 | PDP |
Timipre Sylva | 29 May 2007 | 16 Apr 2008 | PDP |
Werinipre Seibarugo | 16 Apr 2008 | 27 May 2008 | |
Timipre Sylva | 27 May 2008 | 27 Jan 2012 | PDP |
Nestor Binabo | 27 Jan 2012 | 14 Feb 2012 | |
Henry Dickson | 14 Feb 2012 | 14 Feb 2020 | PDP |
Duoye Diri | 14 Feb 2020 | Present | PDP |
Higher Institutions in Bayelsa State
Bayelsa is home to government-approved and accredited universities, a polytechnic, and a college of education. These institutions were established to ensure that Bayelsans, as well as individuals from other states, have access to quality education. People from other states are also admitted to these higher institutions if they meet the admission requirements, making the state a hub for academic excellence. Below is an overview of the key learning institutions in Bayelsa State:
Name | Type | Remark |
Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) | State | Offers medical courses designed to train healthcare professionals in the Niger Delta. |
Federal University Otuoke (FUO) | Federal | Established in 2011, it provides undergraduate and postgraduate courses across disciplines. |
Niger Delta University (NDU) | State | Located on Wilberforce Island, offers programs in arts, sciences, and social sciences. |
University of Africa, Toru Orua (UAT) | State | Founded in 2016, it provides programs in humanities, management sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, and engineering. |
Federal Polytechnic Ekowe | Federal | Focuses on technology and related disciplines, equipping students with practical skills. |
Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro College of Education | State | Specializes in educational programs for aspiring teachers and educators. |
Governorship Election and Results
As a state in a democratic republic, Bayelsa operates a party system that produces qualified candidates from each political party. Each party has established criteria for selecting its flagbearer in governorship elections. Based on these criteria, parties organize primary elections for candidates who purchase nomination forms and meet the necessary requirements as outlined by the party.
To become a candidate representing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) or All Progressives Congress (APC), the following steps are typically required:
- Declare Interest and Purchase a Nomination Form: The individual must formally declare their intention to run for office and purchase the party’s nomination form.
- Screening of Application Forms and Credentials: The candidate’s application and credentials are screened by the party to ensure they meet the requirements.
- Party Primary Election: A primary election is conducted by the party, during which members vote for their preferred candidate. The voting system can be either direct (involving all party members) or indirect (involving selected delegates). The winner of the primary becomes the party’s official candidate for the governorship election.
Example: Bayelsa 2023 Governorship Election Result
In the 2023 Bayelsa governorship election, the APC and PDP candidates were the top contenders. The incumbent governor, Douye Diri, represented the PDP, while Timipre Sylva stood for the APC.
The election results favored the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), with Douye Diri securing a total of 142,994 votes, defeating Timipre Sylva of the APC, who received 100,743 votes, making him the closest rival.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially confirmed Douye Diri’s victory, allowing him to serve a second term as the governor of Bayelsa State.
Notable People
This is not a comprehensive list of notable figures from Bayelsa State, but it highlights a few:
- Diepreye Solomon Alamieyeseigha
Born on November 16, 1952, he was a former executive governor of Bayelsa State, serving from May 29, 1999, to December 5, 2005. - Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro
Born on September 10, 1938, he was a Nigerian soldier and is considered a national hero, despite his involvement in the Nigerian Civil War. - Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
Born on November 20, 1957, he served as the governor of Bayelsa State and later became the President of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015. - Finidi George
A professional Nigerian footballer and former coach, Finidi George was born on April 15, 1971, and hails from Bayelsa State. - Diezani Alison-Madueke
Born on December 6, 1960, she is a Nigerian politician who served as the Minister of Petroleum Resources under the Goodluck Jonathan presidency. - Inetimi Odon (Timaya)
Popularly known as Timaya, he was born on August 15, 1980, and is a renowned Nigerian Afrobeat musician.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many local governments are in Bayelsa State?
- There are 8 local government areas in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
2. Who is the governor of Bayelsa State?
- Douye Diri, the candidate of the PDP, is the current executive governor. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, also from the PDP, is the deputy governor.
3. When was Bayelsa State created?
- Bayelsa was established on October 1, 1996.
4. Who created Bayelsa State?
- General Sani Abacha, the then military Head of State, created the state.
5. How can I travel to or within Bayelsa State?
- The state is accessible by road via the Isaac Adaka Boro Road, which links Yenagoa to Rivers State, or via Patani Road through Delta State. Another option is the Bayelsa Cargo Airport, located on Wilberforce Island.
- Within Bayelsa State, water transport is the most common mode of transportation, as many communities are surrounded by inland waterways.
- If you are planning to visit the state, you can travel through Delta or Rivers State by road. Alternatively, you can fly into the Bayelsa Cargo Airport.
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