Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described the procurement of a 60-megawatt gas turbine by his administration as a landmark achievement for the state as it marked its 29th anniversary on October 1, 2025.
Diri said the project, when fully installed, would guarantee 24-hour power supply, create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the state.
The governor made this known in a statewide broadcast on the twin occasion of Nigeria’s 65th Independence and Bayelsa’s 29th statehood anniversary.
Congratulating President Bola Tinubu, Nigerians and Bayelsans on the celebrations, Diri expressed optimism that better days lie ahead for the country and the state.
According to him, his Assured Prosperity administration has continued to deliver landmark projects, including the ongoing nine-storey state secretariat complex designed to provide modern administrative offices for public servants.
He also pointed to the construction of a 25,000-capacity Olympic-standard stadium, which he said would drive youth development and showcase Bayelsa on the national and international stage.
“The recent arrival of the 60-megawatt gas turbines marks a major milestone and brings us closer to reliable, round-the-clock power in our state. This will reduce household expenses, attract investment, create jobs and stimulate economic growth,” Diri said.
“Work is also progressing well on other landmark projects. The nine-storey State Secretariat complex will provide efficient administrative space for our public servants, while the 25,000-capacity stadium will inspire our youth and promote sports development.”
On education, the governor noted that the state had recorded significant progress, citing improved performance in external examinations.
“Our schools are improving. Recent NECO results have placed Bayelsa among the top five states in Nigeria.
“To strengthen technical education, we have established science, technical and vocational colleges in every local government area. The ones at Ayamasa, Ofoni, Swali, Sampou and Opume are already functional, while others in Brass, Igbeta-Ewoma and Oporoma are nearing completion,” he added.
While urging citizens to reflect on the journey so far and commit to building a better future, Diri said Bayelsa had much to celebrate as a homogeneous Ijaw state.
“The road has not always been smooth, but self-determination matters. As Bayelsans, we have spent almost three decades making our own decisions, setting our own course and running our own race. That is a cause for celebration and a responsibility we must discharge with wisdom and humility,” the governor
