FIC Report (Bayelsa State) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday visited Bayelsa State to commission four major legacy projects executed by the administration of Governor Douye Diri, in what the governor described as a historic milestone in the state’s development trajectory.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Diri said the projects marked a turning point for Bayelsa, attributing their successful delivery to supportive policy reforms by the Federal Government, particularly in the power sector. He noted that such reforms enabled the state to establish a 60-megawatt gas-fired independent power project aimed at improving electricity supply and stimulating economic activities.
The governor warmly welcomed the President to the state, popularly known as the “Glory of All Lands,” and expressed appreciation for the visit despite Tinubu’s demanding national schedule. He added that the large turnout of residents underscored public confidence in the President’s leadership and commitment to national development.
Highlighting key infrastructure, Diri announced the completion of the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, a project abandoned for over six decades. He described the bridge as a critical intervention that addresses longstanding infrastructural deficits in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, one of Nigeria’s major oil-producing regions.
According to him, the bridge will significantly ease transportation challenges and provide direct benefits to more than 60 communities across Southern Ijaw and parts of Brass Local Government Area, while also boosting economic growth and regional connectivity.
The President also virtually commissioned the Bayelsa West segment of the state’s senatorial road projects, including the Sagbama–Ekeremor–Agge corridor. Diri explained that the road network would link several riverine communities, enhance trade, and improve accessibility across the region.
He emphasized that the project would integrate previously isolated communities into the mainstream economy, improve living standards, and promote inclusive development.
Also inaugurated was a dualised road leading to the rapidly expanding New Yenagoa City. The governor said the project would enhance urban mobility, create new economic opportunities, and support the vision of a modern capital city.
Diri added that the newly commissioned projects complement ongoing infrastructure initiatives, including a 30,000-seat international stadium, a nine-storey state secretariat, and multiple road and bridge projects designed to connect rural communities.
He further explained that the Yenagoa/Oporoma/Ukubie, Nembe/Brass, and Sagbama/Ekeremor/Agge road projects form strategic senatorial corridors terminating at the Atlantic Ocean, positioning Bayelsa to harness opportunities within the blue economy.
Reaffirming the state’s alignment with the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda, the governor disclosed that Bayelsa had already established a dedicated Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to drive sectoral growth.
Diri also acknowledged the collaboration between the state and the Federal Government, citing presidential support in securing waivers for the importation of power turbines and the approval of Phase Two of the Nembe/Brass Road project.
He, however, appealed for similar support for other ongoing projects, including the Sagbama–Ekeremor–Agge and Yenagoa–Oporoma–Ukubie roads, and requested reimbursement for phases already executed by the state government.
The governor reaffirmed Bayelsa’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Federal Government, expressing optimism that the projects would enhance connectivity, economic growth, and overall development in the state and beyond.
Ayayeibo Duncan Zuobom.
ACIO, FIC Yenegoa, Bayelsa.
Ighovojah Gloria Afure
PIO, FIC Yenegoa, Bayelsa
11 April 2026.
