News
Bayelsa, FG Commence Environmental Impact Assessment on Proposed 60MW Power Plant
By IduwiniVoice News Desk
The Bayelsa State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, has commenced the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed 60MW gas-fired power plant at Elebele, a suburb of Yenagoa, the state capital.
The project, under the aegis of the Bayelsa Electricity Company Ltd (BECL), aims to enhance power supply in the state and boost industrialization. Officials from the Federal Ministry of Environment, led by Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal, and key stakeholders visited the project site on Thursday to assess the environmental implications and engage with local communities.
Project Details and Timeline
Speaking at the site, Engr. Steve Bubagha Jnr., Director of Operations, BECL, revealed that the “plug and play” 60MW gas turbine would be powered by the Oando gas manifold located within Elebele.
“This is a ‘plug and play’ gas turbine, meaning it is already set for installation. Once other components are finalized, the turbine should be operational within two years,” Bubagha explained.
He noted that while 5.8 hectares of land had been allocated for the project, only 2.1 hectares were currently in use for what is officially named the Yenagoa Power Project.
Minister Commends Project, Stresses EIA Compliance
Representing the Minister of Environment, Mr. Adimchinobi Okereke, a senior official of the ministry, emphasized the importance of ensuring the project aligns with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) guidelines.
“This visit and workshop are necessary to guarantee that a proper EIA is conducted before final approval is granted. This power project is a welcome development—not just for Bayelsa but for Nigeria. It will significantly address power shortages affecting parts of the country,” Okereke stated.
EIA Consultant Assures Compliance
Prof. Azibola Inegite, the EIA consultant and Dean, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University, assured stakeholders that a thorough environmental assessment would be conducted. He stressed that environmental evaluations are crucial for land and energy projects globally.
Governor’s Media Adviser Lauds Initiative
Technical Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Print Media/Public Affairs, Snr. Comrade Wisdom Ikuli, commended Governor Senator Douye Diri for his vision.
“The 60MW gas-fired power plant will not only reduce the frequent power outages in Bayelsa but also drive economic growth and accelerate industrialization in the state,” Ikuli noted.
Stakeholder Engagement Workshop
The minister’s visit featured a Stakeholders Engagement Scoping Workshop on the EIA of the Proposed Gas Power Plant and Pipeline Installation.
Stakeholders present included representatives from Elebele (host community), Kpansia (an impacted community in Yenagoa LGA), and other relevant groups.
Background and Government Commitment
It would be recalled that, in response to worsening power supply challenges, the Bayelsa State Government recently approved the purchase and installation of the 60MW twin gas turbine at Elebele community, Ogbia LGA.
With the completion of the EIA process, the project is expected to proceed smoothly, positioning Bayelsa as a major player in Nigeria’s electricity sector.
HIGH CHIEF SUNNY GBEGHA JP CELEBRATES DAUGHTER’S ACADEMIC MILESTONES
By: Daire Perez
Okija, Anambra State – Father and community leader, High Chief Sunny Gbegha JP, the Egbakarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Delta State, has expressed immense joy and gratitude to God as his daughter, Miss Gbegha Tamarauikiye Favour, successfully completed notable academic milestones at Madonna University, Okija.
Miss Favour graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance, earning an impressive Second-Class Upper (2.1) classification. Going a step further in her academic pursuit, she has also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance from the same institution.
This has received warm reactions from family and friends with many congratulating the young lad. I a message filled with joy, High Chief Gbegha described his daughter’s achievements as a testament to hard work, discipline, and divine grace. He noted that her academic excellence brings honour not only to their family but also to the wider community.
Community members, friends, and well-wishers have continued to congratulate Miss Favour for her outstanding accomplishments, celebrating her as an inspiration to young scholars across the region.
IduwiniVoice joins in this congratulations to our shining young lady.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By: Divine Perezide
Former leader of Burutu Legislative House, Rt. Hon. Joseph Alubeze, has expressed heartfelt birthday felicitations to the his former boss and leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabozor Pondi, Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and the Chairman, House Committee on the South-South Development Commission.
In his congratulatory message, Alubeze described Pondi as an astute leader whose antecedent smarcks of nothing but people-oriented service and dedication that continue to inspire many within and beyond the Constituency.
“Happy Blessed Birthday to you, my Dear Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi – Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and Chairman, South-South Development Commission,” he started.
He prayed for renewed wisdom, strength, and greater achievement for the federal lawmaker as he marks a new year. “May this new year of yours be filled with wisdom, strength, and greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with dedication and grace,” he added.
Hon. Alubeze, a former leader of Burutu House wished his principal Pondi, whose was his predecessor, many more fruitful years in good health, acknowledging his commitment to the advancement of the South-South region and the nation at large, closing his message with a heartfelt best wishes to the celebrant on his special day.
News
Good News: Presidential Amnesty Office Commences Second Phase of Laptop Distribution to Scholarship Delegates
By: Divine Perezide
Abuja – The Otuaro-led Presidential Amnesty Office, popularly known as PAP, has commenced the second phase of laptop distribution to its scholarship beneficiaries across Nigerian Universities for the 2024/2025 academic year.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the initiative is part of efforts to enhance learning and research amongst students under the programme.
The exercise, which began following the directive of the Administrator, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, makes a continuation of the first phase carried out between April and May 2025, during which over 663 final-year scholarship beneficiaries received laptops.
Dr Otuaro explained that the decision to promoting academic excellence and research productivity. He noted that the gesture also fulfills a promise he made to students during his tour of partner Universities in 2024.
“The laptops are intended to aid the beneficiaries in their studies and research activities” Otuaro state, urging the students to use the devices responsibility and to justify the Federal Governmtent’s modest investment in their education.
He also advised the beneficiaries to remain focus on their academic pursuit and avoid behaviours that could undermine their future prospects.
Reaffirming his administration’s objectives, Dr. Otuaro said the PAP will continue to achieve academic succes, contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta region.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support for the programme, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to bridging the human capital development gaping the region.
Dr. Otuaro further urged the youths and people of the region to reciprocate the President’s gesture by supporting his administration’s policies and programmes.
He reaffirmed the PAP’s dedication to consolidating on its achievements in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
(c) IduwiniVoice