“Tinubu Set to Commission — But Will Lights Stay On? Bayelsa Power Project Faces Public Skepticism”
By Passman Akpos
YENAGOA — The Bayelsa State Government has announced plans to inaugurate a series of major infrastructure projects this April, including a long-awaited independent power plant, a 630-metre bridge, and a key dual carriage road—developments expected to reshape the state’s economic landscape.
Governor Douye Diri disclosed the timeline on Tuesday during the March edition of the monthly Praise Night held at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa. He revealed that the 60-megawatt gas-fired turbine power project, located in Elebele community in Ogbia Local Government Area, is nearing completion and will be inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu.
According to the governor, the facility is currently at 99 percent completion and will undergo a test run before its official commissioning. He expressed confidence that the project would become operational within April 2026, marking a significant milestone in the state’s quest for stable electricity.
“For over 30 years, Bayelsa has struggled without steady power supply,” Diri said. “What we are delivering—60 megawatts—is far beyond the roughly 24 megawatts the state currently receives from the national grid.”
He emphasized that the project would operate on a pay-as-you-go billing system to ensure transparency and prevent estimated billing, noting that consumers would pay based on actual usage.
Beyond power, the governor also confirmed that the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge spanning the River Nun in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area is ready for inauguration. The bridge, described as the longest in the state, is a critical component of the road network linking communities to Agge.
Diri recalled that the project was initiated under the administration of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during the final phase of the government of late President Muhammadu Buhari.
Also set for commissioning is a newly constructed dual carriage road connecting the New Yenagoa City to the NLNG Road at Obunagha community. The road is expected to serve as a strategic bypass to the busy Yenagoa-Mbiama route, easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity within the state capital.
The governor further disclosed that work is ongoing on other major projects, including the Nembe-Brass road, with its first phase targeted for completion by the end of 2026.
While highlighting the achievements, Diri urged political stakeholders to maintain peace as political activities begin to intensify nationwide. He cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric, stressing the need for unity regardless of party affiliation.
“Whether in government or opposition, we must keep the peace. Governments will come and go, but the people will remain,” he said.
The announcement has heightened anticipation among residents, with many hopeful that the projects—particularly the power plant—will unlock new opportunities for small and medium-scale enterprises and drive industrial growth across Bayelsa.
The event also featured a sermon by Professor Steven Olali, Chaplain of Bayelsa Medical University, who encouraged attendees to maintain gratitude and faith in all circumstances.
With multiple landmark projects lined up for inauguration, April 2026 is shaping up to be a defining moment for Bayelsa’s infrastructure and development trajectory.
