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.
News
Great Loss As Family Announces The Painful Passing Iduwini-borne Billionaire Prince, Presley Gere Iyalahga
By: Miracle Palakia
Odimodi, Delta State – The Iyalahga and Diepregha families, Odimodi, Aghoro, and the entire Iduwini Kingdom in Delta and Bayelsa States, breaks silence on the painful loss of their son, Prince Presley Isele Gere Iyalahga, Billionaire businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Preslyn Group of Companies, who passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the age of 48.
Prince Presley was an illustrious son of two distinguished families: His Royal Majesty Gere J. Iyalagha, (Igbedikuru-II), the late Ibenanawei of Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, and the late Regent of Iduwini Kingdom (Delta & Bayelsa States), High Chief Diepregha Akpotelemor of Gberigberi-Idumu Quarters, Aghoro-I Community, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The former President of the Iduwini National Youth Council for Peace and Development was a respected businessman and community leader, who’s untimely demise has thrown his family, friends, associates, community, and Kingdom into deep shock and sorrow. He’s survived by his beloved wife, Princess Preye Presley Iyalagha, and six children.
The families made known the development to newsmen on Saturday, August 16th, in a statement jointly signed by Mr. Oroupade Oweibe and George Diepregha for the families and his son, Prince Peremobowei Presley Iyalagha, for the children.
According to the statement, funeral rites will take place on Friday, August 29th, 2025. At 10 a.m., the body will depart Warri via Millar Jetty to his compound in Odimodi for a brief Funeral Service, lying in state, interment.
IduwiniVoice can report that Prince Presley Iyalagha’s passing marks not only the loss of a vibrant Royal entrepreneur but that of a leader in Iduwini Kingdom and Ijaw nation. His memory remains deeply cherished by the lives he touched and all who knew him.
By: Divine Perezide
Congratulatory messages continue to pour in as Warri-borne business tycoon, and Delta Ijaw APC leader, Madam Beauty Warezuwowei makes the list of members recently appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into the reconstituted Governing Council and Board of Trustees of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYREP). Reinforcing the federal government’s commitment to tackling environmental degradation in oil-producing regions, the newly appointed board members include representatives from the Niger Delta, Ogoni Communities, NGOs, and oil-producing states, with the Minister of Environment serving as Chairman of the council.
Read the statement announcing the appointment below:
“STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
“PRESIDENT TINUBU ANNOUNCES MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR HYREP
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Governing Council and Board of Trustees of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYREP), with the Minister of Environment serving as Chairman of the Council.
“The other members are Loanyie Barituka Victor, who represents the Non-governmental Organisations focused on the environment, Bright Onyebuchi Jacob, and Henry Obiabure, who represent the Niger Delta communities.
“Professor Barinedum Michael Nwibere and Barrister Baride Abdul Gwezia are the representatives of the Ogoni Community on the new Council.
“The nine oil-producing states have two representatives on the Council: Gideon Onyebuwa Melfor and Dr Ibikunle Omotehinse.
“There are four alternative members of the Council, representing Ogoniland and the Niger Delta: Rev. Canon Dr Abraham Olungwe, who was reappointed and Engr. Maeba Power Ekpobari are the alternate members of the Council representing Ogoniland. Joseph Akedesuo and Beauty Warejuowei represent the Niger Delta.
“President Tinubu also reconstituted the HYREP Board of Trustees, with Emmanuel Nwiika Deeyah reappointed chairman.
“Fred Mbombo Igwe and Dr. Fred Barivule Kpakol will represent Ogoni communities and stakeholders on the board. Mrs Dorcas Amos represents the other Niger Delta communities, while Chief Jide Damazio, who was reappointed, represents the NGOs dealing with environmental issues.
“Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
“August 11, 2025”
The appointment of Warejuwowei into the board of the HYREP, an office marking the renewed poise at restoring the badly polluted environments in the Niger Delta and advancin Ogoniland’s remediation efforts, has been applauded by people from across the region, adding that she will surely deliver meaningful contributions towards the successes of the agency and the federal government.
By: Favour Bibaikefie
Commendations pour in from across Africa as renowned Delta State-born peace and development advocate, Comrade (Chief) Mulade Sheriff, has succefully defended his researh for Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in International Relations at the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.
A United Nations Peace Ambassador, environmentalist, human rights activist, sports enthusiast, entrepreneur, educational promoter, and social leader, Dr. Mulade is the National Coordinator of the foremost civil rights organisation, Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), also known as the Africa 4 Peace Centre.
This remarkable academic feat once again demonstrates his unwavering zeal for intellectual excellence, further cementing his reputation as a visionary leader committed to peace, justice, and development, through the instrumentality of the pursuit and acquisition of knowledge.
As he takes this leap from local, state, and national engagements to a more pronounced presence on the international stage, Nigerians can look forward to the far-reaching impact of his knowledge, which promises to translate into global opportunities for the nation and beyond.