By Tapre Timine, Bayelsa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Wednesday inspected key infrastructure projects in the state, including the newly acquired 60-megawatt gas turbines at Elebele, the 25,000-capacity Olympic-standard stadium at Igbogene, and the nine-storey state secretariat complex at Ovom, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
Speaking during the inspection tour, Governor Diri assured Bayelsans that the projects would be completed within the scheduled timelines, with the gas turbine expected to be operational by December 2025 to provide uninterrupted power supply.
“By God’s grace, by December 2025, we will have our gas turbines fired up to give Bayelsa State 24-hour power supply. Our 25,000 Olympic-standard stadium and nine-storey digital secretariat complex projects will be completed as scheduled,” the governor said.
According to him, beyond their physical impact, the projects would stimulate economic growth, generate jobs, and boost small and medium-scale enterprises.
“Almost all economic activities will be impacted by these projects,” Diri added, while commending the contractors and supervisors for their commitment to quality delivery.
Dignitaries on the governor’s entourage included Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; Member representing Yenagoa Constituency One, Hon. Ayibanengiyefa Egba; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei; and Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo.
Others were Commissioner for Power, Engr. Kharim Kumokou; Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Ebiwou Koku-Obiyai; Managing Director of the Bayelsa State Electricity Company Limited, Engr. Olice Kemenanabo; Bayelsa Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Hon. Solomon Agwana; Deputy Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as well as other top government officials.
