Bayelsa State, under the leadership of Acting Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, is embarking on an ambitious plan to revolutionize its power sector and ensure a stable electricity supply for its residents. The cornerstone of this initiative is the establishment of an independent power plant with a projected generating capacity of 60,000MW. This ambitious project involves collaboration with Chinese investors and aims to leverage the existing gas turbine infrastructure owned by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) located at Elebele. This strategic partnership seeks to harness the abundant natural gas resources within the state and convert them into a reliable source of electricity, thereby addressing the long-standing challenges of power shortages and dependence on the often-unreliable national grid.
The state government’s power sector revitalization strategy extends beyond the construction of a new mega-plant. It also includes the refurbishment of the state-owned gas turbine station situated in the Imiringi community within the Ogbia Local Government Area. This revitalization effort seeks to restore the functionality of the existing infrastructure and integrate it into the state’s overall power generation and distribution network. Upon completion, this refurbished plant is expected to provide a dedicated power supply to Ogbia and Yenagoa local government areas, alleviating their reliance on the national grid and enhancing the reliability of their electricity access.
The state government’s comprehensive power plan envisions a decentralized approach to electricity generation and distribution, ensuring that power reaches all corners of Bayelsa. Following the completion of the Elebele and Imiringi projects, the government plans to establish a third power plant dedicated to serving the Nembe, Brass, and Southern Ijaw local government areas. This phased approach aims to create a robust and resilient power infrastructure capable of meeting the diverse needs of the state’s various regions. This commitment to power sector development aligns with Governor Douye Diri’s ASSURED Agenda, which prioritizes providing reliable and accessible electricity to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for Bayelsans.
The Acting Governor also addressed a recent incident involving the attempted removal of transformers from the Imiringi gas turbine station for refurbishment. This action, undertaken by the Ministry of Power without adequate prior notification to the Imiringi community, created a misunderstanding and almost resulted in a confrontation. Ewhrudjakpo acknowledged the communication lapse and apologized to the community for the oversight, emphasizing that the government’s sole intention was to enhance the power supply and not to create any disruption or inconvenience. He reassured the community that such incidents would be avoided in the future through improved communication and stakeholder engagement.
The meeting between the Acting Governor and the Imiringi community leaders, including the Obanobhan of Ogbia Kingdom, King Charles Owaba, and stakeholders from the Ogbia Local Government Area, provided a platform for open dialogue and reconciliation. The government’s transparency in addressing the transformer incident and its commitment to rectifying the communication breakdown helped to restore trust and understanding. Gabriel Ogbara, the Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly representing Ogbia Constituency 2, expressed his appreciation for the Acting Governor’s swift intervention in resolving the issue, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and mutual respect between the government and the communities it serves.
Naru Okpu, a retired director of the Ministry of Environment and spokesperson for the Imiringi community, welcomed the state government’s renewed focus on restoring power to the area. He highlighted the historical significance of the Kolo Creek gas turbines, recognizing them as a legacy of the late Chief Melford Okilo, a prominent figure in Bayelsa’s history. Okpu expressed his confidence in the current administration’s dedication to revitalizing the power sector and bringing reliable electricity to both the Imiringi community and the entire state. This collaborative spirit and shared vision for a brighter future underscore the importance of community engagement and partnership in achieving sustainable development goals.
