Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, received one of Times Magazine’s Hundred most influential people in the World. Professor Dimie Ogoina met the governor at the Government House in Yenagoa. The meeting took place on Monday, July 17, 2023. During the meeting, the governor honored his guest and with a warm welcome.
Professor Ogoina, who is Chief Medical Director of the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri. The Times Magazine recognized him in the United States of America for his research and innovation. He worked for the control and treatment of Monkey Pox and COVID-19 in March 2023.
President Bola Tinubu and Professor Dimie Ogoina were the only Nigerians who got recognition from Times. Earlier in 2022, they also recognized the Odi-born Medical Doctor as one of the Top Ten Scientists in the World.
Governor Douye Diri stated to the professor, “First, I like to thank God for today because he has been so kind to us as a State. I’m not surprised today, that times magazine added you to the list. Because part of the reasons we didn’t record several deaths during the COVID-19 period in Bayelsa was because of Professor Ogoina’s leadership. At that time, he was working together with the ministry of health.
The story about Professor Dimie Ogoina is known. He stated that all those who have worked with him have attested to the fact that he sticks to his work. He does not mind the environment where he finds himself.
We are proud of you, and let me on behalf of the Prosperity Government and the people of Bayelsa State congratulate you for this feat that you have achieved. It is not a mean feat to get so much recognition internationally.
Because you have made our State proud, the government hereby commit itself to a research grant for you to the tune of Forty Million Naira, and going forward, we know that you will bring more glory to this land. You are a proud son of Kolokuma/Opokuma, Bayelsa, Ijaw Nation and Nigeria,” Governor Diri stated.
