By Samuel Oyadongha & Emem Idio

President Bola Tinubu has showered praise on Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, describing him as a “very progressive governor” who has demonstrated the “power of very purposeful leadership.”

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Yenagoa during a working visit to the state where he commissioned a series of projects, the President lauded the governor’s commitment to transforming Bayelsa State.

Among the projects commissioned were the iconic 630 meters Angiama-Oporoma bridge across the River Nun, linking Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, one of the largest councils in the country to mainland Yenagoa.

The Bayelsa West segment of the senatorial roads, a corridor that will link communities from Sagbama to Agge, including Tungbo, Ekeremor, and Ofoni was virtually inaugurated. The third project was a dualised road into the fast-developing New Yenagoa City that would unlock new economic opportunities and mobility.

While praising the Bayelsa governor, President Tinubu said, “You have done a great job. I have commissioned some projects, very transformative projects, creating opportunities and jobs and hope for our nation. Thank you for that commitment.”

The President specifically highlighted the newly commissioned Independent Power Project (IPP), calling it a “blessing” and a cornerstone for future growth.

“There can be no industrialisation and skill development without power. That is a vision,” Tinubu declared. “I assure Nigerians that we will have electricity to power our growth.”

Emphasising the synergy between the state and federal governments, the President noted that the projects serve as proof of what can be achieved when both tiers of government work with a “shared purpose.”

“In our party, the APC, we believe that the people deserve to see governance translated into roads, bridges, power, jobs, and real opportunities that affect human beings,” he stated.

On the nation’s security challenges, Tinubu acknowledged the memory of past leaders who fought the battles of security, promising that the current administration will not relent.

“We will work hard. We will continue to train our men of the armed forces. We will defeat terrorism and banditry, regardless of their shenanigans,” he vowed.

The President referred to Bayelsa State as the “goose that lays the golden egg,” pledging continued federal support to ensure a “golden Niger Delta.”

He urged the governor to continue on the path of transparency and honesty, offering his full backing for further developmental projects.

“The spirit of partnership that you mentioned is there,” Tinubu concluded. “I will support you to do more. This is my assurance to Bayelsa State and Nigeria: we will continue to focus on development that makes our nation grow.”

Earlier, Governor Douye Diri, who received the President alongside top APC chieftains, thanked Tinubu for the visit and the recognition of the state’s strides in infrastructure and peace-building.

Diri described President Tinubu’s visit to the state as a “fitting witness to history” to commission four major legacy projects, including a long-awaited bridge first promised by the federal government over six decades ago.

The governor described the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge as the righting of a “historical injustice” against one of Nigeria’s top oil-producing local government areas.

He said: “This is a project promised by the Federal Government more than six decades ago, long predating your administration but left to gather dust in bureaucratic files.

“We are delighted that the modest effort of the Government of Assured Prosperity has finally addressed this pain.”

The bridge is expected to slash travel times and reduce transportation costs for over 60 communities in Southern Ijaw and Brass Local Government Areas, acting as a catalyst for local economic activity.

The governor credited the Federal Government’s 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 boosting economic activities.

“Your administration’s decisive interventions have paved the way for meaningful reforms, enabling us to deliver reliable, independent energy,” he said.

Diri noted that the newly commissioned projects, together with a 30,000-seat international stadium and a nine-storey state secretariat under construction, form a coherent strategic investment anchored in the state’s prosperity agenda.

According to the governor, the Yenagoa/Oporoma/Ukubie, Nembe/Brass, and Sagbama/Ekeremor/Agge road projects form strategic senatorial corridors that terminate at the Atlantic Ocean, positioning Bayelsa to tap into the vast potentials of the blue economy.

Diri reiterated the state’s commitment to aligning with the Federal Government’s blue economy initiative, noting that Bayelsa had taken the lead by establishing a dedicated Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

The governor, however, appealed for similar support for other ongoing road projects, including the Sagbama–Ekeremor–Agge and Yenagoa–Oporoma–Ukubie roads, and requested reimbursement for phases already executed by the state.

Diri concluded by reaffirming Bayelsa’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Federal Government, expressing optimism that the projects would enhance connectivity, economic growth, and overall development in the state and beyond.

Dignitaries present at the event were APC governors, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Didi Walson-Jack, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, Speaker Bayelsa State House of Assembly, top government officials and traditional rulers, among others.