Tinubu Hails Bayelsa Gov Over Exceptional Performance * Assured Nigerians electricity to power their growth

 By Majesty Inegbagha 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Bayelsa state Governor, Senator Douye Diri over his exceptional  performance in executing transformative infrastructure that boost economic growth.

Tinubu made the commendation at a stakeholder meeting held at Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Yenagoa on Friday shortly after his inauguration of legacy projects executed by Governor Douye Diri's administration.

 He lauded the governor for implementing the independent power project.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 

The president asserted that Bayelsa people deserved to see governance translated into physical development and better quality of life.

“We are all working hard. Independent power supply is a good thing. I assure Nigerians that they will have electricity to power their growth,” he said.

He urged the governor to implement more people-oriented projects, and pledged that the Federal Government would support his government to achieve more for the state.

In his keynote address, the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri on behalf of the Government of Assured Prosperity and the good people of Bayelsa State, wholeheartedly extolled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the visit. 

Gov Douye Diri 

He declared the firm  believe  of Bayelsans that the President is a friend of Bayelsa State,  judging by the multitude gathered to express their gratitude and love for  President Tinunu.

He said " We are confident that you will recognise the depth of our appreciation for taking time from your congested schedule to inaugurate these landmark projects. You are, indeed, a fitting witness to history."

Your administration’s decisive policy interventions have paved the way for meaningful reforms in various sectors, including power, enabling us to deliver on our pledge of reliable, independent energy through the construction of these 60‑megawatt gas‑fired turbines. For us, it is a cause for thanksgiving and rejoicing.

From L-R Chief Dr Samuel Ogbuku in warm handshake with President Tinubu.

Equally significant is the iconic 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge - a project promised by the federal government more than six decades ago, long predating your administration but left to gather dust in bureaucratic files. We are delighted that the modest effort of the Government of Assured Prosperity has finally addressed this pain. It has righted a historical injustice against one of Nigeria's top oil-producing Local Government Areas."

According to the Governor, over 60 communities and kingdoms in Constituencies 3 and 4 in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, as well as Constituency 3 in Brass Local Government Area of the state will benefit from the project as it will reduced travel times and lower transportation costs. 

He added that the project will act as a catalyst for local development, stimulating economic activity, and strengthening the socioeconomic fabric of the aforesaid areas.

Governor asserted that the  virtual commissioning of the Bayelsa West segment of the trio of senatorial roads, which progressed to Ndoro, embrace numerous communities along the Sagbama–Ekeremor-Agge corridor, conferring substantial and enduring benefits through improved connectivity and accessibility. 

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and his Wife at the Ceremony.

The carriageway according to him will traverse and invigorate  communities including Sagbama main town, Tungbo, Bolu‑Orua, Toru‑Angiama, Ebedebiri, Toru‑Orua, Angalabiri, Ofoni, Ayamasa, Isampou, Amanagbene, Ekeremor main town, Beautiful Gate, Oweigbene, Ndoro (Peretorugbene), Aghoro and Agge.

"This milestone completes a transformative corridor that will integrate formerly marginalised settlements into the state economy, raise living standards and lay the foundations for sustained, inclusive development. 

Your Excellency Mr. President, you also inaugurated one of the dualised roads into the fast developing New Yenagoa City. This transformative infrastructure will speed access, unlock new economic opportunities, enhance mobility, and underpin our aspiration to build a modern, thriving capital city.

These newly commissioned projects, together with the 30,000-seat international stadium, the nine-storey state secretariat under construction, as well as roads and bridges connecting rural communities otherwise separated by water, constitute a coherent and strategic suite of investments anchored in the Assured Prosperity agenda of our government.

The Yenagoa/Oporoma/Ukubie, Nembe/Brass, and Sagbama/Ekeremor/Agge roads we are aggressively pushing form a trio of senatorial causeways that terminate at the Atlantic Ocean and open up significant prospects in the blue economy. 

With Bayelsa’s extensive coastal assets, we fully align with the Federal Government’s initiative to develop the blue economy. The global marine and blue economy, estimated to generate at least US$2.5 trillion annually, is a vast opportunity, and as the first state to establish a dedicated Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, we are grateful for the Federal Government’s encouragement and support.

Permit me to acknowledge the strong partnership between Bayelsa State and the Federal Government — a partnership forged by common purpose and strengthened by co‑operation. Your Excellency’s facilitation of waivers for the importation of turbines and related equipment for our Independent Power Plant and the award of phase two of the Nembe/Brass Road, among others, exemplify that partnership in action. 

We pray that you extend the same to the Sagbama-Ekeremor – Agge Road and the Yenagoa – Oporoma – Ukubie Road. We also respectfully implore Your Excellency to direct the relevant authorities to re-imburse the State for the phases already completed by the Bayelsa State Government. 

In closing, let me return to the point of the Angiama -Oporoma Bridge; a vital artery of commerce and communication that paints a powerful picture of connectivity and co-operation. Just as it will ease the movement of goods, services and people, so too will our bridge of understanding and co-operation with the Federal Government and our sister states facilitate the exchange of ideas, opportunities and progress.

Thank you again, Mr. President, for your generous assurances and for gracing us with your presence. 

May this moment herald the continuation of a vista in our shared journey towards a brighter, more prosperous future for all Bayelsans and Nigerians in general," Governor Diri said.

The legacy projects commissioned by President Tinubu include - 60 megawatt Independent Gas Turbine Project at Elebele, in Ogbia loca government area, 630 -Metre-long Angiama- Oporoma Bridge in Southern Ijaw local government area, the newly constructed dual carriage road connecting the New Yenagoa City from the NLNG road at Gbarantoru axis of the state capital, and the Sagbama -Ekeremor road.

The visit attracted the presence of notable personalities including former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma,, Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umoh Eno, National Assembly members from Bayelsa state, the Speaker, Rt. Hon (High Chief) Abraham Ingobere and other members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly,  Chief (Dr) Samuel Ogbuku,the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NDDC, Chief (Prince) Ebitimi Amgbari- Managing Director of NDBDA, Traditional rulers and host dignitaries within and outside the state.