Nigeria 'll achieve stable electricity to power growth – Tinubu
• Pledges relief for vulnerable citizens amid economic hardship • Commissions IPP, roads, bridges in Bayelsa President Bola Tinubu yesterday pledged that his administration would deliver stable electricity capable of
• Pledges relief for vulnerable citizens amid economic hardship
• Commissions IPP, roads, bridges in Bayelsa
President Bola Tinubu yesterday pledged that his administration would deliver stable electricity capable of powering economic growth, industrialisation and national development.
He acknowledged the current challenges in the power sector but said that ongoing reforms and investments would yield results.
Tinubu spoke during the commissioning of four signature projects, including the 60 megawatt Independent Power Project ( IPP) executed by the Bayelsa State government in Elebele, Ogbia Local Government Area.
He described the power project as a blessing.
"There can be no industrialisation, skill development and empowerment without power; that is a vision. I assure Nigerians that we will have electricity to power our growth," he said.
Also commissioned by him yesterday were the 27 kilometres dualised New Yenagoa City Road 1, the 630 meter Angiama-Oporoma Bridge and the Sagbama/Ekeremor Road.
At a stakeholders' meeting, President Tinubu requested a minute's silence in memory of soldiers who lost their lives in this week's attack by terrorists on a military base in Borno State.
In his address, President Tinubu paid a glowing tribute to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, describing him as "the most humble and reliable democrat on the continent."
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He commended Governor Diri for what he described as purposeful and progressive leadership, noting that the projects would create jobs, expand economic opportunities and improve connectivity.
“Thank you for that commitment, and thank you for being a very progressive governor. To the people of Bayelsa, I must tell you I'm very happy and proud to be here and to feel at home,” he said.
The President said the projects underscored the importance of synergy between federal and state governments.
“Development advances further, faster when the federal government and the state government work in partnership and towards a shared purpose,” he stated.
Responding to the governor's request for reimbursement on federal roads executed by the state, Tinubu said jocularly, “I heard you, Douye. Federal road, okay, I will take it with me when I'm going.”
On security, the President assured Nigerians of his administration's resolve to defeat terrorism and banditry, even as he paid tribute to fallen soldiers.
“We will work hard. We will continue to equip and train our men and women of the armed forces. We will defeat terrorism and banditry, regardless of their shenanigans,” he said.
He reiterated that governance must translate into tangible benefits for citizens, including infrastructure, jobs and improved quality of life.
“In construction, you have water suppliers, welders, concrete mixers — all contributing to job creation. We will continue to support that,” he added.
On the negative impact of the crisis in the Middle East on petrol prices, President Tinubu said, although Nigerians are better off than most African countries, his administration would find ways to ameliorate the sufferings of the generality of Nigerians.
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His words: " Look around, let's just thank God together that you are better off. Listening to them in Kenya and other African countries, what they are going through, we will not look back. We will continue to find ways to ameliorate the suffering of the vulnerable.
“This is a government that cares. We look at the numbers, the finance, the economy, planning and budget. And we see what we can do to ease the burden. The burden of it is what we are facing today. The challenge of the war is powerful.”
In his remarks, Diri appealed to the President to approve refunds for federal roads constructed by the state, noting that the projects were part of his administration's 'Assured Prosperity' programme.
He said the initiative focuses on rural and urban development, accessibility and inclusion, citing projects such as the outer ring road from Elebele to Igbogene, Glory Drive Phase II, intra-city connectivity, a nine-storey civil service secretariat, and a 30,000-capacity international stadium.
Diri described the Yenagoa–Oporoma–Ukubie Road as a long-awaited project that has ended years of isolation for communities in Southern Ijaw.
“A story of connection long denied, but finally pursued,” the governor said, noting that the area was previously accessible only by water.
He added that the newly commissioned projects would significantly boost economic development and improve livelihoods across the state.
The power facility is designed to strengthen energy security by reducing dependence on the national grid and delivering stable electricity to homes and businesses.
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Powered by gas turbines, the plant will primarily supply electricity to Yenagoa and surrounding communities, with officials projecting that it will unlock new investment opportunities, support small and medium-scale enterprises, and drive economic diversification in the oil-rich state.
The event attracted former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife Patience, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor s Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun ), as well as Borno State Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur.
Others in attendance were the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson-Jack, former Delta State Governor James Ibori, Bayelsa Deputy Governor Peter Akpe, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, among other officials.
President Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria's future, urging continued cooperation across all levels of government.
“Nigeria will be great, and we will succeed,” he said.
Residents thronged the project sites in their thousands, drumming, singing and dancing.
Others lined the President's routes, waving and hailing him.
Tinubu, who was clad in golden hues multi- coloured Ijaw traditional attire and a black bowler hat, touched down at the Bayelsa International Airport aboard a presidential jet at about 2.30 p.m. and was received by Governor Diri.
