The Bayelsa government says it is positioning the state’s economy as a preferred destination for investors and tourists through ongoing diversification of the economy of Bayelsa.

Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai , Bayelsa Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy stated this at the weekend during the transparency briefing at the Bayelsa Treasury building in Yenagoa.

She noted that the state was diversifying into agriculture, marine and blue economy as well as marine transport, aviation and tourism.

She explained that the newly installed independent power plant which is awaiting start up will provide a lifeline to existing and potential businesses in the state.

“Our new 60 Megawatts Gas Turbine has been installed and awaiting commissioning as soon as ongoing finishing touches and requisite engineering processes are concluded.

“The project has been prioritised by this administration station in terms of funding as the Governor has been personally supervising the progress of work.

“The Gov Douye Diri-led administration remains committed to transparent and prudent investment in infrastructure and that is why we are here to update the people of Bayelsa of the income and expenditure profile of Bayelsa.

“Our ongoing roads projects are progressing and achieving new milestones and we are meeting our funding obligations to our contractors,” the Commissioner said.

According to Koku-Obiyai, the state’s airline which recently acquired tw9 aircrafts was awaiting regulatory certifications and approvals from aviation authorities to commence commercial operations.

She said that the airline and the international airport in the state will be catalyst to tourism and business, making Bayelsa a preffered destination for investors and tourists.

Collaborating Koku-Obiyai’s posture, Mr Timipre Semi-public, Technical Adviser to Bayelsa Governor on Treasury and Accounts who gave the income and expenditure profile for Oct, Nov, and Dec said that Bayelsa was earning around N 1 billion monthly as returns from investments.