Echoes from Tinubu’s Landmark Visit to Bayelsa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday, April 10, 2026, paid an official visit to Bayelsa State, where he commissioned major infrastructure projects and commended Governor Douye Diri for what he described as purposeful and progressive leadership.
The President, who arrived at the Bayelsa International Airport at about 2:40 p.m., was received by a high-powered delegation that included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Diri and his wife, alongside other top government officials and dignitaries.
In a colourful display of culture and hospitality, residents thronged major roads in Yenagoa to welcome the President’s convoy with traditional music, dance, and enthusiastic cheers.
During the visit, President Tinubu inaugurated several landmark projects executed by the Diri administration, beginning with the newly constructed Road One in the New Yenagoa City, linking the Airport Road. He also commissioned the 630-metre Angiama Bridge across the River Nun, a critical infrastructure linking Oporoma, headquarters of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, to the state capital.
The Angiama Bridge project marks a significant milestone in addressing decades-long infrastructure challenges in the riverine communities. The road connecting Yenagoa to Oporoma, which had lingered in federal plans for over 60 years, has now been completed through sustained efforts by successive state administrations.
The President further inaugurated the 60-megawatt Independent Power Plant (IPP) located at Elebele in Ogbia Local Government Area, describing it as a strategic investment in the state’s economic future. He also virtually commissioned the 42-kilometre Sagbama–Ekeremor Road, completed by the state government.
Speaking at a civic reception held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, President Tinubu lauded Governor Diri’s commitment to development, noting that the projects commissioned would create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve the living standards of the people.
“You have done a great job. These are transformative projects that create opportunities and hope for our nation. Governor Diri has demonstrated the power of purposeful leadership,” the President said.
Highlighting the importance of the power project, Tinubu emphasized that reliable electricity remains central to industrialisation and national development.
“There can be no industrialisation, skill development, and empowerment without power. This Independent Power Plant is a visionary project and a product of good thinking,” he added.
The President also assured the state of continued federal support, pledging collaboration to further accelerate development efforts in Bayelsa.
In his remarks, Governor Diri described the Angiama–Oporoma Bridge as a historic achievement that has corrected a long-standing neglect of the region.
“For over six decades, this project remained unfulfilled. Today, we have addressed that challenge, opening up more than 60 communities to economic opportunities and significantly reducing travel time and cost,” he said.
He noted that the bridge and accompanying road infrastructure would boost commerce and improve connectivity across Southern Ijaw and neighbouring areas.
On the power project, the governor said the 60MW gas-fired plant represents a bold step toward energy security for the state, while acknowledging federal support that facilitated its execution.
Governor Diri also appealed for further federal collaboration on key road projects, including the Ekeremor–Agge Road and the Oporoma–Ukubie axis, as well as reimbursement for completed federal road works undertaken by the state.
He reiterated that Bayelsa’s ongoing infrastructure drive aligns with the Federal Government’s blue economy initiative, noting that the state has already established a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness its vast coastal potential.
The visit underscored growing synergy between the federal and state governments and highlighted Bayelsa’s increasing profile as a hub for infrastructure development in the Niger Delta.
Residents described the President’s visit as historic, noting that it not only showcased completed projects but also brought national recognition to the state’s development strides.
