Tinubu to commission 60MW power plant, key projects in April — Diri
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has announced plans to commission a 60-megawatt gas turbine and the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in April. Also
- By Okungbowa Aiwerie, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has announced plans to commission a 60-megawatt gas turbine and the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in April.
Also slated for inauguration is a newly constructed dual carriage road linking the New Yenagoa City from the Gbarantoru axis of the state capital.
Diri disclosed this on Tuesday in Yenagoa, stating that the gas-fired turbine plant is set for a test run ahead of its official inauguration by President Bola Tinubu.
He explained that the facility, located in Elebele community in Ogbia Local Government Area, is expected to drive socio-economic development and stimulate industrial growth in the state.
The governor commended residents for their patience and support, noting that the project was initially scheduled for completion by December 2025.
He added that electricity generated from the plant would be metered and billed under a pay-as-you-go system to ensure fairness and prevent overcharging of consumers.
He said, "The state's gas turbine project is 99 per cent completed. I was there today, and I 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 a steady power supply in our state, just as the country is currently grappling with frequent power outages. 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 a 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 used 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 the immediate past vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, performed the groundbreaking ceremony at the twilight of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration.
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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 the 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 a 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.
Diri urged the political class 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 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."
