Residents and political stakeholders in Bayelsa State have expressed excitement and appreciation as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited the state to commission a series of completed infrastructural projects executed by Governor Douye Diri.
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Speaking during the President’s visit, Robinson Ere Erebi, Technical Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties and a member of the City Boys Movement in Bayelsa State, described the occasion as historic and symbolic of progress under the current administration.
“I am here with colleagues and other supporters of Mr. President to warmly welcome him to Bayelsa State to commission several iconic and monumental projects implemented by my promise-keeping Governor, Senator Douye Diri,” he said.
Erebi commended the Governor for what he described as visionary leadership, particularly highlighting the revival of the state’s gas turbine project, which he noted has restored power supply after a prolonged period of darkness.
“For some time, the gas turbine existed but became non-functional, and the state experienced a season of darkness. Today, with the President’s visit, Bayelsa is being lit up again, courtesy of Governor Diri,” he stated.
He also praised the long-awaited Angiama–Oporoma bridge and road project, describing it as a transformative development for the Southern Ijaw axis.
“For over sixty years, our people prayed for this road. Today, Oporoma, the headquarters of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, is now connected to the rest of the state and beyond. There are now link roads to communities like Otuan and other coastal settlements, opening up the region for development,” Erebi added.
While acknowledging other ongoing projects and initiatives, he expressed deep appreciation to the Governor for his commitment to infrastructure and development in Bayelsa State.
“We sincerely appreciate the Governor for the road, the gas turbine, and numerous other projects he has undertaken for the state,” he said.
Erebi concluded with prayers for continued wisdom and strength for the Governor to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.
“I pray that God continues to guide and protect him to do even more for Bayelsa State and its people,” he added.
EMTV News also spoke to residents at the commissioning ceremony.
Barr. Austin Adigio, Chairman of the Bayelsa Electricity Regulatory Agency, described the development as a bold economic reform aligned with the federal government’s decision to move electricity from the exclusive list to the concurrent list.
“What you’re seeing here is the bold economic reform that the Governor has undertaken in line with the federal government’s policy on electricity decentralisation. The Governor took immediate advantage of this opportunity to introduce reforms that will stimulate the local economy and anchor the prosperity agenda of his administration,” he said.
He stressed the critical role of electricity in economic growth, noting that improved power supply would attract industries, boost small and medium-scale enterprises, and enhance internally generated revenue.
“If we must be prosperous, there must be power. With the availability of electricity, Bayelsa will soon become an industrial hub. This will create employment, increase our IGR, and stabilise the economy. It has never been this good,” Adigio added.
Also speaking, Sir Elder Etolomo M. Frank-Omiebi, a labour veteran, described the President’s visit as significant for drawing federal attention to the developmental needs of the state.
“It is a good development. Bringing the President here helps to attract his attention to our needs. Since our resources contribute to the national economy, it is only fair that development is extended back to us. The government has tried,” he said.
Mr. Virus Ovie Amax, Coordinator of OEB Activated, a socio-political group in Bayelsa State, described the day as historic.
“Today is a great day in Bayelsa State. History has been made. We are fully prepared to welcome Mr. President and to embrace the development that comes with his visit,” he said.
Speaking on the group’s mission, Amax noted that OEB Activated is committed to grassroots mobilization and empowerment.
“OEB Activated is a political group led by our patron and director, High Chief Barr. Osomkime Edwin Blankson. He has done exceptionally well both politically and philanthropically. As a group, we are committed to supporting his vision and reaching the grassroots through empowerment initiatives that will improve the lives of ordinary citizens in Bayelsa State and beyond,” he added.
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