President Tinubu in Bayelsa: Minister Lokpobiri Commends Economic Reforms as States Drive Development

By Babatunji Wusu

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has formally welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Bayelsa State for a landmark working visit focused on infrastructure transformation. In a statement released Thursday through his media aide, Nneamaka Okafor, Lokpobiri hailed the President’s arrival as a powerful testament to the administration’s commitment to “inclusive growth” and the practical realization of the Renewed Hope agenda within the Niger Delta.

During the visit, which follows the President’s recent two-day engagement in Lagos, several high-impact projects are slated for commissioning. Key among these is the state-owned 60-megawatt independent gas turbine plant at Elebele, a legacy project designed to end decades of power instability in the state. Other significant projects include the 630-meter Angiama-Oporoma Bridge—the longest in the state—and a strategic dual-carriage road connecting the New Yenagoa City from the Gbarantoru axis.

Minister Lokpobiri emphasized that the ability of sub-national governments, like Bayelsa, to execute such “strategic projects” is a direct result of the President’s bold economic reforms. He noted that these policies have significantly expanded the financial capacity of states, allowing them to stimulate local economies and improve livelihoods. “Bayelsa State has greatly benefited from these bold reforms, which continue to strengthen its ability to deliver critical infrastructure,” Lokpobiri stated.

The Minister further asserted that the people of Bayelsa would reciprocate the Federal Government’s support with unwavering backing for the President in the 2027 general elections. As the commissioning ceremonies get underway, the collaborative spirit between the state government and the presidency signals a new chapter of sustainable development for the region.

Do you believe that state-owned power plants like Bayelsa’s 60MW gas turbine are the most sustainable solution to Nigeria’s national grid challenges?

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