Herbert Wigwe’s Death Nearly Disrupted Bayelsa Power Project — Diri Says Yenagoa Test-Run Underway, Promises Wider Electricity Coverage Soon
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has revealed that the state’s gas-powered electricity project was nearly derailed following the sudden death of the late Access Bank Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe in 2024.
Diri made the disclosure on Sunday during the “Feast Day Cultural Fiesta” held at St. Matthias Catholic Church, Amarata, Yenagoa, where he also assured residents that the ongoing power project would soon expand beyond the current test-run areas in the state capital.
According to the governor, discussions with the late Wigwe were at an advanced stage, including a proposed Memorandum of Understanding, before the project stalled following his tragic passing in a plane crash.
“I started this electricity project with Access Bank and the late Herbert Wigwe. We had agreed on everything, but after he travelled abroad, that was the last time I heard from him,” Diri said.
The governor, however, confirmed that the gas turbine project has since been revived and is currently supplying electricity in parts of Yenagoa, including Opolo, with expansion expected toward the NDDC area, Kpansia, and surrounding communities in the coming days.
He explained that the project, which was commissioned by President Bola Tinubu earlier in April, is designed to deliver stable, 24-hour electricity powered by the state’s gas resources.
Bola Tinubu
Diri noted that initial challenges experienced during the test phase were linked to ageing and faulty transmission infrastructure operated by the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, adding that engineers are currently upgrading the network to improve stability.
He stressed that the administration opted for a land-based power solution rather than a floating or ship-mounted alternative, arguing that Bayelsa’s abundant oil and gas resources make gas-powered generation more sustainable.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to providing reliable electricity, describing the project as a key milestone in his administration’s infrastructure drive.
Also speaking at the event, the Parish Priest of St. Matthias Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Bruno Douglas, commended the governor for his consistent support for the church and faith-based initiatives, noting that such engagement had strengthened community development efforts in the state.
Diri further expressed satisfaction with the progress of the church building project and pledged continued government support toward its completion.
The governor assured residents that stable electricity supply would be extended progressively across Yenagoa as infrastructure upgrades are completed in the coming weeks.
