Full Speech of Sir Adokiye Tombomieye OON, FNSE FNSCHE, at The Association Of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN Bayelsa State Chapter), public Lecture and Inauguration Ceremony of Engr. Amalate Ann Jonathan Obuebite PhD, FNSE, FNIPetE as their 4th Chairman and Executive Committee members.
“Your Excellencies, Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests.
I am honored to stand before you today to discuss a topic that has the potential to transform our state and our nation. The Bayelsa Gas Revolution is a game-changer, and I am pleased to share with you the opportunities and benefits it presents.
Bayelsa State is richly endowed with natural resources, including oil and gas. For decades, we have relied heavily on these resources to drive our economy. However, we have not fully leveraged the potential of these resources to create jobs, stimulate industrialization, and ensure energy sufficiency.
The vision is to harness the power of gas to drive industrialization, create jobs, and ensure energy sufficiency. It is imperative to move beyond just extracting oil and gas to creating a vibrant industrial sector that benefits our people.
So, what does the Bayelsa Gas Revolution entail? Firstly, there should be a plan to develop a robust gas infrastructure that will support the growth of industries such as power generation, fertilizers, and petrochemicals. Investment in gas processing facilities, pipelines, and storage facilities is very paramount.
Secondly, the promotion of the use of gas as a cleaner and more efficient source of energy. There is a need to encourage the adoption of gas-powered vehicles, and support the development of gas-fired power plants.
Thirdly, the creation of an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Streamlining regulations, provide incentives for investors, and support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The Bayelsa Gas Revolution will have numerous benefits for the state and its people. Firstly, it will create jobs. There is an estimation that the gas revolution will create thousands of jobs in the construction, manufacturing, and services sectors.
Moreso, it will stimulate industrialization. The gas revolution will attract new industries to Bayelsa State, and it will support the growth of existing ones.
Thirdly, it will ensure energy sufficiency. By harnessing the power of gas, there will be a reduction in the reliance on imported fuels, thereby ensuring that the people have access to clean and affordable energy.
To achieve this vision, the support of government, the private sector, and its citizens is needed. Government will provide the enabling environment, regulate the sector, and provide incentives for investors. The private sector will provide the investment, expertise, and innovation needed to drive the gas revolution.
The ongoing projects and initiatives in the Bayelsa Gas Revolution have the potential to transform the region’s economy and society for the better. Here are some ways these projects can bring about positive change:
Industrialization and Economic Growth
1. Methanol Plant: The 10,000 tonnes/day methanol plant will create a new industry hub, generating employment opportunities and stimulating local economic growth.
2. Gas Processing Plant: The 500 million standard cubic feet per day gas processing plant will increase the availability of natural gas for power generation, industrial use, and domestic consumption.
3. Brass Free Zone: The establishment of a Brass Free Zone will attract investments, promote entrepreneurship, and create a conducive business environment.
Implementation roadmap should include the following steps:
1. Conduct feasibility studies and develop a master plan for the gas revolution.
2. Establishment of a gas development company to drive the gas revolution.
3. Development of a regulatory framework to govern the gas sector.
4. Provision of incentives for investors and support the development of SMEs.
5. Implementation of the gas revolution in phases, starting with the development of gas infrastructure.
There is a need to allocate funds in the state budget for the development of gas infrastructure, seek investment from private sector players and international organizations, and explore funding options from development banks and other financial institutions.
To ensure the success of the Bayelsa Gas Revolution, there is a need to establish a monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress, conduct regular assessments of the impact of the gas revolution, and make adjustments to the implementation plan as needed.
In conclusion, the Bayelsa Gas Revolution is a catalyst for industrialization, job creation, and energy sufficiency. It has the potential to transform the state and our nation. Let us work together to make it a reality.”
