On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, embarked on an inspection tour of several transformative infrastructure projects across the state, signaling his administration’s commitment to economic development, improved quality of life, and sustainable growth for Bayelsans. The projects inspected included a state-of-the-art 60-megawatt gas turbine facility at Elebele, a 25,000-capacity Olympic-standard stadium at Igbogene, and a modern nine-storey state secretariat complex at Ovom in Yenagoa Local Government Area. These initiatives, which are poised to redefine the state’s infrastructure landscape, reflect the governor’s vision of positioning Bayelsa as a hub of economic activity and innovation in Nigeria’s South-South region.
During the tour, Governor Diri expressed confidence in the timely completion of these projects, emphasizing their potential to deliver significant benefits to the people of Bayelsa. He specifically highlighted the gas turbine project, which is expected to be fully operational by December 2025. “By God’s grace, by December 2025, we will have our gas turbines fired up to give Bayelsa State 24-hour power supply,” Diri declared. This ambitious goal underscores the administration’s determination to address one of the state’s longstanding challenges—unreliable electricity supply—which has hindered economic progress and affected the quality of life for residents. The governor noted that the 60-megawatt gas turbines, once operational, would provide uninterrupted power, a critical factor in driving industrialization and supporting small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) across the state.
The 25,000-capacity Olympic-standard stadium at Igbogene is another flagship project that promises to elevate Bayelsa’s profile in the national and regional sports arena. Designed to meet international standards, the stadium is expected to serve as a venue for major sporting events, fostering youth development through sports and creating opportunities for local athletes to showcase their talents. Beyond its sporting significance, the facility is anticipated to stimulate economic activity in the surrounding areas by attracting visitors, hosting events, and creating jobs for local residents. The governor’s inspection of the stadium underscored his administration’s focus on holistic development, combining infrastructure with social and economic empowerment.
The nine-storey state secretariat complex at Ovom represents a significant step toward modernizing the state’s administrative infrastructure. This digital-enabled complex is designed to enhance governance by providing a conducive environment for civil servants and improving the efficiency of public service delivery. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the secretariat is expected to streamline administrative processes, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and promote transparency in government operations. Governor Diri emphasized that the completion of this project would mark a new era in governance for Bayelsa, aligning with global best practices in public administration.
Speaking further during the inspection, Governor Diri elaborated on the broader socioeconomic impacts of these projects. “Almost all economic activities will be impacted by these projects,” he stated, underscoring their potential to serve as catalysts for growth. The gas turbine project, for instance, is expected to create a ripple effect across various sectors, including manufacturing, hospitality, and retail, by providing a stable power supply that businesses can rely on. Similarly, the stadium and secretariat complex are projected to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities, ranging from construction jobs to long-term roles in facility management and administration. The governor also highlighted the role of these projects in supporting SMEs, which form the backbone of Bayelsa’s economy. By improving infrastructure and access to reliable electricity, the state aims to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs and small business owners to thrive.
Governor Diri commended the contractors and project supervisors for their dedication to delivering high-quality work within the stipulated timelines. He emphasized the importance of maintaining strict standards to ensure that the projects meet the expectations of Bayelsans and stand the test of time. “I am impressed with the progress made so far, and I urge all stakeholders to continue their commitment to excellence,” he said. The governor’s hands-on approach to monitoring these projects reflects his administration’s commitment to accountability and transparency in the execution of public works.
Accompanying the governor on the inspection tour were several high-ranking officials, demonstrating the collective resolve of the state’s leadership to drive development. The entourage included Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, and Hon. Ayibanengiyefa Egba, the member representing Yenagoa Constituency One. Other notable figures present were Professor Nimibofa Ayawei, the Secretary to the State Government; Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, Deputy Chief of Staff; Engr. Kharim Kumokou, Commissioner for Power; and Hon. Ebiwou Koku-Obiyai, Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy. Also in attendance were Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, Managing Director of the Bayelsa State Electricity Company Limited, and Hon. Solomon Agwana, the Bayelsa Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, along with other senior government officials.
The presence of these dignitaries underscored the significance of the projects and the collaborative effort required to bring them to fruition. Their involvement also highlighted the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, ensuring that key stakeholders are actively engaged in the development process. The inspection tour provided an opportunity for these officials to assess the progress of the projects firsthand and offer insights to ensure their successful completion.
Governor Diri’s administration has consistently prioritized infrastructure development as a cornerstone of its agenda. Since assuming office, the governor has launched several initiatives aimed at addressing critical needs in power, transportation, education, and healthcare. The gas turbine project, in particular, aligns with the administration’s goal of achieving energy self-sufficiency, a critical factor in attracting investment and fostering sustainable development. By investing in these large-scale projects, the government aims to lay a solid foundation for long-term economic growth and improve the standard of living for Bayelsans.
The inspection tour also served as a platform for the governor to reaffirm his commitment to delivering on his campaign promises. By setting a clear timeline for the completion of the gas turbines, stadium, and secretariat complex, Diri demonstrated a results-oriented approach to governance. His assurance that the projects would be completed as scheduled was met with optimism by residents, who see these initiatives as a beacon of hope for a more prosperous Bayelsa.
As Bayelsa moves closer to realizing these transformative projects, the state is poised to experience significant socioeconomic advancements. The 24-hour power supply promised by the gas turbines will not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also position Bayelsa as an attractive destination for investors. The Olympic-standard stadium will elevate the state’s status in the sports industry, while the state secretariat complex will modernize governance and improve public service delivery. Together, these projects represent a bold step toward a brighter future for Bayelsa, driven by visionary leadership and a commitment to sustainable development.
In conclusion, Governor Douye Diri’s inspection of these key infrastructure projects marks a pivotal moment in Bayelsa’s development journey. By prioritizing energy, sports, and administrative infrastructure, the administration is addressing critical needs while laying the groundwork for economic diversification and growth. As the December 2025 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Bayelsa to see how these projects transform the state and improve the lives of its people.
