The Bayelsa State Executive Council has approved the acquisition of 60 megawatts (MW) of gas turbines to enhance the state's electricity supply. The approval was granted during the council’s 151st meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday.
The Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, alongside the Commissioner for Power, Engr. Kharin Komuko, while addressing journalists emphasized that the move was part of the government's efforts to provide stable electricity and prevent future prolonged blackouts caused by vandalism.
According to Engr. Komuko, arrangements for the procurement of the gas turbines are over 70% complete, and installation is expected to be finalized before the end of the year. He lamented the repeated acts of vandalism against power facilities, describing them as deliberate acts of sabotage.
“Exco has approved the purchase of gas turbines with a total capacity of 60 megawatts to serve Yenagoa and its environs,” he stated.
Mrs. Koku-Obiyai on her part added that the approval was given to ensure a reliable power supply, which would significantly boost the state’s economy and attract more investors.
Additionally, the council approved the use of state-owned luxury buses to transport commuters to the new transport terminal at Igbogene at subsidized rates. The Commissioner for Transport, Preye Brodrick, revealed that the government also sanctioned the construction of bus stops at designated locations as part of its urban renewal initiative.
Brodrick noted that the relocation of private commercial transporters to the Igbogene terminal has improved orderliness in the state capital. He urged residents to support and utilize the terminal despite initial challenges.
In another development, Governor Douye Diri reaffirmed that Bayelsa is the most climate-impacted state in Nigeria. Speaking during a visit by a delegation from the National Climate Change Secretariat, led by Director-General Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, the governor stressed the urgent need to address climate-related challenges.
Diri highlighted the devastating effects of flooding, oil exploration, and coastal erosion on the state, emphasizing that climate change remains a critical issue for his administration. He urged the delegation to extend their assessment beyond Nembe to other affected areas such as Brass, Southern Ijaw, and Ekeremor.
“We are at the frontline of climate change impacts in Nigeria, and we must collaborate closely. While we welcome the Climate Change Act, we will review it to ensure it aligns with our peculiar circumstances before domesticating it,” Diri stated.
The governor also appealed to the National Climate Change Secretariat to ensure that Bayelsa receives its rightful benefits in climate action programs.
Dr. Maduekwe acknowledged Bayelsa’s significance, noting that its mangroves are among the largest in Africa. She assured the governor of the agency’s commitment to supporting the state in mitigating climate challenges and urged the government to adopt the Climate Change Act for better synergy.
Meanwhile, Governor Diri received the newly appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major-General Emmanuel Emekah, at Government House, Yenagoa. The governor urged the new GOC to maintain professionalism and neutrality in military operations, taking a cue from his predecessor.
Diri commended the former GOC for ensuring a peaceful and credible governorship election in November 2023. He expressed confidence that Major-General Emekah would continue in that path and maintain the high standards of the division.
The governor assured the new GOC of the state government’s full support in carrying out his duties effectively.
In his response, Major-General Emekah expressed gratitude for the warm reception and pledged to uphold professionalism in military operations. He emphasized his commitment to working with the state government and security agencies to enhance security in Bayelsa and the Niger Delta region.
