Bayelsa Set to Inaugurate Independent Power, 630-Metre Bridge, Dual Carriage Road Projects
Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa
After months of anxiety and high expectations, the independent power project of the Bayelsa State Government is set to be inaugurated this month.
Also awaiting inauguration are the 630-metre-long Angiama-Oporoma bridge across the River Nun in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, and one of the newly constructed dual carriage roads linking the New Yenagoa City from the Gbarantoru axis of the state capital.
Governor Douye Diri, who disclosed this on Tuesday during the March edition of the monthly Praise Night at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa, said the 60-megawatt gas-fired turbine plant was set for test-run and would be inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu.
According to a press statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Senator Diri said when fully operational, the power plant situated at Elebele community in Ogbia Local Government Area would boost socio-economic development and catalyse industrial growth.
The Bayelsa governor appreciated people of the state for their patience, support and understanding on the project, which he noted had earlier been earmarked for completion by December 2025.
He also explained that consumption of electricity would be metered and paid for through the pay-as-you-go billing system so that consumers would not be overcharged.
He said: “The state’s gas turbine project is 99 per cent completed. I was there today, and l saw things for myself. We are bringing no less a person than the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Tinubu, to inaugurate it.
“With what l have seen and been assured, April 2026 will not pass us by. However, we must also test run the facility before it fully comes on stream.
“For 30 years, there has not been steady power supply in our state just as the country is currently grappling with frequent power outage. Bayelsans should exercise some patience as we are almost there.
“As a government, we are committed to this project and others. It is what we have that we will showcase.
“Governments have come and gone in this state but none brought even one megawatt of power. We are bringing 60 megawatts far more than what the whole state has been receiving from the national grid, which I have been informed is a maximum of 24 megawatts.
“Small and medium scale enterprises will thrive when we have 24-hour electricity supply. But consumers should be ready to pay for power. The state government has to pay for the gas, which will be for electricity to get to consumers in their homes and communities. The bill will then be passed to the consumers on a pay-as-you-go system to avoid estimated billing. That is the only way we can maintain the facility.”
On the completed 630-metre long bridge, he recalled that former vice-president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, performed the groundbreaking ceremony at the twilight of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
He said the bridge, which is the longest in the state, is an integral part of the ongoing road project to Agge expected to be completed by the end of this year, depending on availability of funds.
Diri equally stated that the completed dual carriageway linking the New Yenagoa City to the NLNG Road at Gbarantoru community would serve as bypass to the Yenagoa-Mbiama road just as he disclosed that the first phase of the Nembe-Brass road project is expected to finish by the end of 2026.
The Bayelsa helmsman implored the political class in the state to guard their utterances following the commencement of political activities in the country and to maintain a peaceful disposition at all times regardless of political leanings.
“Whether you are in government or in the opposition, let us keep the peace. We are all brothers and sisters. We should not use foul language to heat up the polity.
“Governments will come and go and the people will remain. Bayelsa is blessed, the people enjoy peace and security, and they can sleep with their two eyes closed unlike some other parts of the country,” he said.
Delivering a sermon titled, ‘In Everything Praise God,’ Chaplain of the Bayelsa Medical University, Prof. Steven Olali, enjoined the people to praise God in all circumstances but should not succumb to evil or unfavourable situations.
Referencing the scriptures from the books of Thessalonians 5:18, Job 1:22, Acts of the Apostles 16:24, Prof. Olali advised the congregation to cultivate the habit of praising God more often than engaging in prayers.
He also stressed the need for people to connect to God and receive Jesus Christ to live a better life.
