The Grassroot Impact Agenda has called on the Bayelsa State Government to collaborate with the Federal Government of Nigeria to organise a workshop for communities endowed with mineral resources, with the aim of growing the mining sector and diversifying the state’s economy.
The call was made by the Founder and Leader of Grassroot Impact Agenda and Immediate Past Youth President of Foropah Middleton Kingdom, Comrade Isaiah Uson, also known as Opuagbala1 of Niger Delta. He directed the appeal to the Assured Prosperity Government led by Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Uson, Bayelsa State possesses significant mineral resources that remain largely underdeveloped due to limited technical knowledge and inadequate capacity at the community level. He said a structured workshop would help equip local communities and entrepreneurs with the skills required to participate meaningfully in the mining sector.
He stressed that the proposed workshop should focus on business development, technical competence, and ethical standards. He noted that individuals engaged in mining-related businesses must acquire core skills in their chosen fields to avoid unethical, unsafe, and unsustainable practices that could harm both the environment and the wider economy.
Uson said empowering communities with practical knowledge would encourage responsible mining, create employment, and reduce overdependence on crude oil revenues. He added that strengthening the mining sector would also align with national efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy and improve internally generated revenue at the state level.
Beyond the mining sector, the Grassroot Impact Agenda leader also appealed to Governor Douye Diri to prioritise development-centred policies for oil-producing communities in Bayelsa State in 2026. He said such policies are long overdue, considering the level of contribution these communities make to the state and national economy.
He specifically referenced the Bayelsa State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission Bill, known as the BYSOPADEC Bill, describing it as a critical piece of legislation that has remained pending for too long. According to him, the bill is designed to establish a government agency responsible for addressing the developmental challenges of oil-producing areas in the state.
Uson explained that the proposed commission would focus on infrastructure, social services, and economic empowerment in communities directly affected by oil and gas exploration. He argued that these areas bear the environmental and social costs of oil production and therefore deserve targeted development interventions.
He said it is unfair that communities whose “blood and sweat” sustain the steady flow of oil and gas in Bayelsa State have continued to experience neglect. He maintained that these communities should feel the positive impact of their contributions and be direct beneficiaries of proceeds derived from oil and gas resources.
Uson further alleged that for decades, oil-producing communities in Bayelsa State have been intentionally sidelined without any justifiable reason. He claimed that non-oil-producing communities have benefited more visibly from the 13 per cent oil and gas derivation funds through tangible infrastructure projects.
He described this situation as a source of frustration and inequality, warning that continued neglect could deepen feelings of marginalisation among host communities. He said addressing these concerns through deliberate policies would promote fairness, stability, and inclusive development across the state.
The Grassroot Impact Agenda expressed optimism that the Bayelsa State Government would take decisive steps to correct the imbalance. Uson called on Governor Douye Diri, in his capacity as leader in the state, to ensure the BYSOPADEC Bill is brought to fruition for the collective benefit of all residents.
He said prioritising the development of oil-producing communities would not only improve living standards but also strengthen trust between the government and local populations. He added that such action would demonstrate commitment to equity and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
The appeal reflects growing calls from civil society groups for more inclusive economic policies and targeted interventions in resource-rich communities. Observers say the proposed mining workshop and the establishment of BYSOPADEC could play a role in reshaping Bayelsa State’s development strategy if implemented.
Grassroot Impact Agenda concluded by reaffirming its support for initiatives that promote economic growth, community empowerment, and national unity, while urging all levels of government to act in the best interest of the people of Bayels
