The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has recounted the long and difficult process behind the state’s gas-powered electricity project, revealing that the death of the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, in 2024 nearly derailed the initiative.
Diri also disclosed that the power turbines commissioned by President Bola Tinubu on April 10 are currently undergoing test runs in parts of Yenagoa, the state capital, with plans to extend electricity supply to other communities in the coming days.
According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, the governor described the project as a major milestone in his administration’s efforts to deliver 24-hour electricity across the state.
Speaking as the special guest at the “Feast Day Cultural Fiesta” of St Mathias Catholic Church, Amarata, Yenagoa, Diri explained that electricity from the turbines had already reached the Opolo axis and was gradually advancing toward the NDDC state headquarters, with Kpansia and surrounding areas expected to be connected within the week.
He noted that the newly installed facility is fully electronically controlled and has the capacity to provide uninterrupted 24-hour power supply to residents.
His words: “Our gas turbine project is not dead as some insinuated. It was actually in its final stages.
“As I speak, power is gradually getting to homes in parts of Yenagoa. I was reliably briefed that it had got to the Opolo axis and getting down to the NDDC state headquarters area. By today or tomorrow, it will get to the Kpansia axis and beyond.
This gas turbine is not like the one procured by our late leader, Chief Melford Okilo, at Imiringi. Those ones are now analogue. These ones are electronically controlled. So, it is an e-gas turbine. All of them have been tested, and they are ready to supply light day by day.”
Providing background on the project, Diri said discussions initially began in his first term with the late Herbert Wigwe, but the plan collapsed following Wigwe’s tragic death in a plane crash.
“I started this electricity matter with Access Bank and the late Herbert Wigwe. At the point we were to sign an MoU, Wigwe came to my country home in Sampou and we agreed on everything. Then he left for America and that was the last of him,” Diri recalled.
He further explained that another proposal to deploy a ship-mounted power plant was rejected in favour of a land-based solution that would harness Bayelsa’s natural gas resources.
“I told my dear friend I do not need a ship on our waters to supply power. I want electricity on ground here in Yenagoa. We are very rich in oil and gas, and I believe it could be achieved through gas turbines,” he stated.
Diri added that early test runs were initially affected by ageing transmission infrastructure, noting that some cables were damaged once electricity was supplied to certain areas.
He said engineers were already working to upgrade the transmission lines and introduce improved electronic systems to stabilise distribution.
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According to him, “The only challenge we have is that the PHEDC (Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company) lines are very bad. The moment power is supplied from our plant, the lines fail, particularly in areas where the wires are broken. And because our power system is electronic, it trips off,” he said.
The governor assured residents that steady electricity supply would soon be achieved, stressing that his administration remained committed to development rather than political distractions.
He also expressed satisfaction with the ongoing development of the church, adding that he would be pleased to see its completion under his tenure.
Meanwhile, Parish Priest of St Mathias Catholic Church, Rev. Fr Bruno Douglas, praised the governor for his continued support for the church and faith-based initiatives in the state.
Fr Douglas said Diri’s presence at the event reflected his commitment to both spiritual values and community development.
“Your Excellency, by honouring us with your presence today, you have again demonstrated that you are not only a people-oriented governor, but also a God-loving and God-fearing leader who appreciates the place of faith in building a peaceful and progressive society,” he said.
He further noted that access to government support for church projects had been limited before Governor Diri assumed office in 2020, and prayed for continued unity and progress in the state.