Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has disclosed that the tragic death of the former Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, in 2024 nearly derailed the state's ambitious gas-powered electricity project. Speaking on Sunday at the Feast Day Cultural Fiesta of St. Mathias Catholic Church in Amarata, Yenagoa, Diri recounted the journey toward achieving reliable power supply for the state.
Power Turbines Undergoing Test-Run
The governor confirmed that the power turbines, which were officially commissioned by President Bola Tinubu on April 10, are currently undergoing test-runs in parts of Yenagoa. He assured residents that electricity would soon be extended to other areas. According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, Diri described this development as a major breakthrough in his administration's quest to provide 24-hour electricity across Bayelsa.
Diri noted that power from the turbines has already reached the Opolo axis and is being extended toward the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) state headquarters. He expects supply to reach Kpansia and beyond within the week. The governor emphasized that the newly installed power plant is electronically controlled and capable of delivering uninterrupted electricity to homes throughout the state.
Governor's Remarks on the Project
“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 Kpansia axis and beyond,” Diri stated.
He further explained the technological advancement of the new system: “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.”
How the Journey Began
Reflecting on the project's origins, Diri revealed that initial discussions were held with the late Access Bank CEO, Herbert Wigwe, during his first term. Unfortunately, those talks collapsed following Wigwe's untimely 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 with evident sadness.
After Wigwe's passing, a friend proposed deploying a ship-mounted power plant to Yenagoa. However, Diri insisted on a land-based solution that would leverage the state's abundant 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 explained.
Challenges and Solutions
Diri acknowledged that the test-run phase has faced initial challenges due to aging transmission lines. Some cables fail when energized, causing disruptions. He noted that engineers are working to upgrade the lines and have proposed introducing electronic systems to address the issue. “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,” the governor said.
Despite these hurdles, Diri assured residents that stable electricity is now guaranteed. He emphasized that he has never politicized the development of the state and remains committed to progress.
Church Leaders Commend Governor
During the event, the Parish Priest of St. Mathias Catholic Church, Rev. Father Bruno Douglas, praised Governor Diri for his consistent support of the church and faith-based initiatives. He stated that Diri's presence at the service demonstrated his commitment to faith 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,” Fr. Douglas said.
The priest noted that access to government support for church projects had been challenging before Diri assumed office in February 2020. He prayed that the administration would continue to foster unity and faith across the state.
