By Jesse Ese
National News – Former President of the Ijaw Youth Council and 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, Udengs Eradiri, has expressed excitement over the commissioning of the 60MW gas turbine project, describing it as a major step toward transforming the economic fortunes of the state.
Eradiri made the remarks on Friday during the official commissioning ceremony attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was in Bayelsa State on a working visit to inaugurate key infrastructure projects including the 60MW gas turbine and the Angiama‑Oporoma Bridge.
Speaking to journalists at the event, Eradiri commended Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, for translating years of agitation by stakeholders into tangible development.
“Well, I am excited because Governor Douye Diri has translated the agitation to reality. Power will go a long way to change the economic fortunes of our state. The roads will do a lot to connect our state,” Eradiri stated.
He noted that the newly commissioned power project would significantly improve electricity supply, stimulate economic activities, and enhance development across the state.
Eradiri also praised the governor for what he described as prudent use of funds made available to states following policy reforms by President Tinubu.
“We are grateful to a governor who has been able to judiciously use the funds that the president, our President Ahmed Tinubu, has injected into the states. Today, we are happy because we are standing here witnessing this development,” he said.
The former Ijaw Youth Council leader further highlighted the progress recorded in Bayelsa’s aviation infrastructure, recalling that there was no airport at the time stakeholders began agitating for development in the state.
He commended the Bayelsa State Government for constructing the airport terminal building, noting that it demonstrated commitment to infrastructure expansion.
“As at the time we were agitating, there was no airport. Today, we are excited that Bayelsa now has one, and the terminal building was built by the Bayelsa State Government. We are hopeful that as the President visits, he can direct the Federal Ministry of Aviation to support and formalize the terminal building meant for Bayelsa,” Eradiri added.
He acknowledged that while development may not happen overnight, the current projects indicate that the state is moving in the right direction.
“We may not achieve everything overnight, but at least we have started in the right direction. I want to appreciate the Governor of Bayelsa State and also thank the President. He should come and see that the subsidy removal funds are being injected into meaningful development,” he said.
President Tinubu had, during the visit, commissioned the 60MW gas turbine project expected to boost power supply and accelerate industrial growth in Bayelsa State.
The President also inaugurated the Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, aimed at improving connectivity for riverine communities and enhancing economic activities in the Southern Ijaw axis.
The projects are widely seen as part of ongoing efforts by the Bayelsa State Government to strengthen infrastructure, expand economic opportunities, and improve the living conditions of residents across the state.
