By Julius Agadaga, Yenagoa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday commissioned four major legacy projects executed by the administration of Governor Douye Diri, an event the governor described as historic and a turning point in the state’s development trajectory.
Welcoming the President to Bayelsa, the “Glory of All Lands,” Governor Diri thanked him for honoring the state despite his demanding national schedule. He said the large turnout of residents reflected public gratitude and confidence in the President’s leadership.
Governor Diri credited Federal Government policy reforms, particularly in the power sector, for enabling the state to deliver a 60-megawatt gas-fired independent power project aimed at improving electricity supply and stimulating economic activity.
Among the projects commissioned was the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, which had been abandoned for over six decades. Diri described its completion as a major step toward addressing historical neglect in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, one of Nigeria’s key oil-producing regions.
The bridge is expected to ease transportation for more than 60 communities across Southern Ijaw and parts of Brass LGA, while enhancing connectivity and economic growth.
President Tinubu also virtually commissioned the Bayelsa West segment of the state’s senatorial road projects, notably the Sagbama–Ekeremor–Agge corridor. The road links several riverine communities and is projected to boost trade, accessibility, and integration of previously isolated areas into the mainstream economy.
Also inaugurated was a dualised road leading to the rapidly expanding New Yenagoa City. The governor said the road will improve urban mobility, unlock new economic opportunities, and support the vision of a modern capital city.
Diri noted that the new projects complement ongoing developments, including a 30,000-seat international stadium, a nine-storey state secretariat, and multiple road and bridge projects linking rural communities.
He explained that the Yenagoa/Oporoma/Ukubie, Nembe/Brass, and Sagbama/Ekeremor/Agge roads form strategic senatorial corridors terminating at the Atlantic Ocean, positioning Bayelsa to harness the vast potential of the blue economy. The state, he added, has aligned with the Federal Government’s initiative by establishing a dedicated Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
The governor acknowledged federal support in securing waivers for the importation of power turbines and the approval of Phase Two of the Nembe/Brass Road project. He appealed for similar backing for the Sagbama–Ekeremor–Agge and Yenagoa–Oporoma–Ukubie roads and requested reimbursement for phases already executed by the state.
Diri reaffirmed Bayelsa’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Federal Government, expressing optimism that the projects would enhance connectivity, drive inclusive growth, and accelerate development across the state and the Niger Delta region.
