Yenagoa: Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa has directed the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, to ensure that every member of the State Executive Council undergoes compulsory medical check-up. Speaking during the first state executive council meeting in 2026, Diri emphasized the importance of this directive following the recent death of the deputy governor, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. He highlighted the necessity for public officers with demanding schedules to undergo regular health checks to maintain their health and prevent avoidable deaths.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Diri acknowledged that while death is inevitable, preventive measures can be taken to promote good health and longevity. He disclosed that an autopsy on the late deputy governor had been conducted, with the results to be made public at an appropriate time. Diri cautioned against politicizing the deputy governor’s death and announced the formation of a burial committee led by the Secretary to the State Government, with funeral arrangements to be announced shortly.
During the meeting, the Commissioner for Health presented an award plaque and a dummy cheque of 400,000 dollars, awarded to the state as the first runner-up in the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge for the South-South Zone. NAN reported that the challenge was funded by UNICEF, Dangote Group, and other international bodies. The governor expressed satisfaction with the state’s performance and noted that the government’s investments in the health sector were yielding positive results.
Earlier, Prof. Brisibe attributed Bayelsa’s recognition in the competition to Gov. Diri’s commitment to health sector development. He also presented Diri with the Distinguished Leadership Award in Governance for his contributions to the growth of the National Association of Nurses and Midwives in Bayelsa and Nigeria.