Thousands of Bayelsans gathered in large numbers as President Bola Tinubu inaugurated three significant projects in the state, including the 60-megawatt independent gas-powered turbine.

The President, accompanied by dignitaries such as former president Goodluck Jonathan, also commissioned the Sagbama-Ekeremor Road, the dualised new Yenagoa City Road, and the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie Road.

Tinubu praised Governor Douye Diri for his purposeful leadership, emphasising the importance of collaboration between the federal and state governments in driving development and progress.

He highlighted the crucial role of power in industrialisation, skill enhancement, and empowerment.

The President, who ordered a one minute silence for the soldiers who died in the cause of defending the country, acknowledged the hardship Nigerians are going through and promised to put measures in place to ameliorate their sufferings.

He also promised to procure more arms and ammunition for the Armed Forces to pursue terrorists and secure the country against terrorism and insurgency.

He said: “We will continue to partner together to make it a golden Delta. That’s my assurance to the good people of Bayelsa State and Nigeria. And we will continue to focus on development that will make our nation great. It is very important that we are transparent, honest with our people.”

Diri expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for commissioning the projects, noting that the administration’s policy interventions have led to significant reforms, particularly in the power sector.

He emphasised the transformative impact of the projects on local development, economic activity, and the overall socio-economic landscape of the state.

The governor also highlighted the benefits of the completion of the Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, a project that had been promised by the Federal Government decades ago.

He reiterated that the initiative will benefit over 60 communities and kingdoms in various local councils of the state, reducing travel times and transportation costs for residents.

He said: “Overall, the inauguration of these projects signifies a step forward in advancing development and improving the lives of the people in Bayelsa State.

“Equally significant is the iconic 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge – 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. It has righted a historical injustice against one of Nigeria’s top oil-producing Local Government Areas.

“I am pleased to inform you of the far reaching benefits of this initiative. Over 60 communities and kingdoms in Constituencies One and Four in the Southern Ijaw Local Council, as well as Constituency Three in Brass Local Council, will enjoy significantly reduced travel times and lower transportation costs.”