The Bayelsa State Government says it is positioning the state as a preferred destination for investors and tourists through the ongoing diversification of its economy.
The Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, stated this at the weekend during a transparency briefing held at the Bayelsa Treasury Building in Yenagoa.
She explained that the state government is diversifying into key sectors such as agriculture, the marine and blue economy, marine transport, aviation, and tourism.
According to her, the newly installed independent power plant, which is awaiting commissioning, will provide a major boost to existing and prospective businesses in the state.
“Our new 60-megawatt gas turbine has been installed and is awaiting commissioning as soon as ongoing finishing touches and the requisite engineering processes are concluded.
“The project has been prioritised in terms of funding by this administration, with the Governor personally supervising its progress.
“The Governor Douye Diri-led administration remains committed to transparent and prudent investment in infrastructure, which is why we are here to update the people of Bayelsa on the state’s income and expenditure profile.
“Our ongoing road projects are progressing steadily, achieving new milestones, and we are meeting our funding obligations to contractors,” Koku-Obiyai said.
She further disclosed that the state-owned airline, which recently acquired two aircraft, is awaiting regulatory certification and approvals from relevant aviation authorities before commencing commercial operations.
The Commissioner added that the airline, alongside the state’s international airport, will serve as a catalyst for tourism and business growth, positioning Bayelsa as a preferred destination for investors and tourists.
Corroborating Koku-Obiyai’s position, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Treasury and Accounts, Mr. Timipre Semi-Public, who presented the income and expenditure profile for October, November, and December, revealed that Bayelsa State currently earns about one billion naira monthly as returns from investments.
