Tinubu in Bayelsa, reiterates commitment to improving quality of life of Nigerians

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assures that his administration will continue to explore ways to alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable in the country despite the biting effects of the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran on Nigerian consumers

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Friday, April 10, 2026, directed the Ministers for Budget Planning and Finance, along with the Head of the Federal Service of the Federation, to seek further measures on how the administration could mitigate the biting effects of the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran on Nigerians.

ConsumerConnect reports President Tinubu issued the directive Friday at a civic reception held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, after he commissioned some projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Douye Diri.

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Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, an indigene of Bayelsa State and Head of the Federal Service of the Federation attended the event in Yenagoa.

Four governors, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Umoh Eno of Akwa Ibom, and Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori of Delta, accompanied the president to the state.

The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur, represented Governor  Babagana Zulum.

Former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, and Senator Ben Murray-Bruce were among the dignitaries at the civic reception.

President Tinubu reiterated that his administration is aware of the ongoing economic challenges arising from the ongoing war on the Middle East.

He, however, said that his government would work with the Federal Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Budget Planning, and the Head of Service to propose measures to ease the hardship.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, also stated President Tinubu said on the occasion: “Yes, I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel prices are biting hard. But look around.

“Let’s thank God that we are better off listening to what is happening in  other African countries,  what they are going through.”

The President assured his audience that his administration would continue to seek ways to alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable.

The Nigerian leader noted: “This is a government that cares. We will look at the numbers with the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning.”

President Tinubu further averred that the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) across all levels is committed to improving Nigerians’ well-being.

He stated: “Regardless of their shenanigans, the All Progressives Congress (APC) believes that the people deserve to see governance translated into roads, bridges, power, jobs and real opportunities that affect human beings positively.

“That signals the development of our country.”

Tinubu also said: “We are all working hard. The projects that I commissioned today demonstrate and testify to an immutable truth: Development advances further, faster when the federal government and the state government work in partnership and towards a shared purpose.”

The President, at the gathering, commended Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State for embarking on impactful projects, which align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration.

Said he: “Douye, you’ve done a great job. I have commissioned some projects, very transformative projects. “The bridge, linking communities and the dual carriageways, create opportunities, jobs, and hope for our nation.

“Thank you for that commitment, and thank you for being a very progressive governor.”

Going down the memory lane, President Tinubu, in his speech, recalled his pioneering efforts at establishing the Independent Power Plant as the Governor of Lagos State.

According to him, despite the dire power challenges across the country, his administration will ensure energy sufficiency for national development.

President Tinubu again, lauded Governor Diri for demonstrating the power of very purposeful leadership and assured him that the Federal Government would continue to partner with subnational governments for the benefit of citizens through job creation and skill empowerment.

The statement noted that earlier, President Tinubu before the commencement of the programme, had observed a minute’s silence in memory of the fallen members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, who lost their lives while defending the country in the theatres of battle, as well as the former governor of the state, DSP Alamieyeseigha.

The President also, had inaugurated several projects, including the 60-megawatt gas-fired Independent Power Plant (IPP) in Elebele, Ogbia Local Government Area, the 630-metre Angiama – Oporoma Bridge, and the new Yenagoa City Road (1).

In his remarks at the reception, Governor Diri said the President’s policy interventions created the enabling environment for the state to deliver the gas-fired power plant and move closer to a reliable, independent electricity supply.

The governor stated: ‘‘⁠Your administration’s decisive policy interventions have paved the way for meaningful reforms in various sectors, including power, enabling us to deliver on our pledge of reliable, independent energy through the construction of these 60-megawatt gas-fired turbines.

‘‘For us, it is a cause for thanksgiving and rejoicing.”

Diri also described the project as a major step forward for Bayelsa.

He noted that it would improve power supply, stimulate economic activity, and enhance residents’ quality of life.

The Bayelsa State Governor highlighted other infrastructure projects President Tinubu commissioned during his visit, including the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, which he said addressed a 6-decade connectivity gap in one of Nigeria’s key oil-producing areas.

He affirmed that the inauguration of a dualised road linking the fast-growing New Yenagoa City would boost access, unlock economic opportunities, and support the development of a modern capital city.

Diri said the projects were part of the state’s Assured Prosperity agenda, including major road corridors connecting the three senatorial districts to the Atlantic Ocean and opening up opportunities in the blue economy.

He listed other projects still at various stages of construction.

Among them are a 30,000-seat international stadium, the nine-storey state secretariat, and roads and bridges connecting rural communities otherwise separated by water, all part of his government’s Assured Prosperity agenda.

Diri as well applauded President Tinubu for approving waivers for the importation of turbines and related equipment for the power project, and the award of phase two of the Nembe-Brass Road.

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