The South South Reawakening Group (SSRG) is organizing a stakeholders' roundtable conference on infrastructure, power generation, and investment opportunities in Bayelsa State as part of the state's 30th anniversary celebrations. The conference, titled "Bayelsa @30 Roundtable: Focusing on Power Infrastructure and Its Value Chain Potentials," will take place on September 22, 2026, at the Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, starting at 10 am. The event aims to bring together experts from various sectors to discuss challenges and opportunities in Bayelsa's power sector.
The roundtable conference is designed to expand the conversation beyond electricity supply to the wider economic opportunities that could emerge from a functional power sector. According to Joseph Ambakederimo, Convener of SSRG, the event will provide a platform for informed discussions on issues affecting Bayelsa and the wider South-South region. Ambakederimo stated that the roundtable is an opportunity to critically examine the state's current situation, its desired trajectory, and how reliable power infrastructure can support investment, industry, jobs, and sustainable development.
The conference will feature a keynote address by Ambakederimo and a welcome address by veteran journalist Daniel Abia, who will also moderate the discussion. Expected resource persons and panelists include Ebipere (Ebi) Clark, Senior Investment and Advisory Professional and Managing Partner, Frontier Alpha LLC; Professor Francis Sikoki, Dean, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Niger Delta University; Engineer Olice Kemenanabo, Managing Director, Bayelsa Electricity Company Limited; and Dr. Rosalyn Dressman, Director-General, Bayelsa Electricity Regulatory Agency.
This roundtable conference is part of SSRG's recent engagements on development issues across the Niger Delta, particularly in Bayelsa State. In April, SSRG organized an infrastructure roundtable, Infrastructure Rebirth 2.0 Breakfast Roundtable, in Yenagoa to examine the state's development trajectory. In July, the group held a conference focused on infrastructure protection, electricity, and continuity of development projects. Additionally, SSRG organized a media breakfast in August to examine "Federalism with Equity: Fair Resources, Fair Opportunities," including issues of resource control and fiscal federalism.
The September 22 roundtable will build on previous engagements, with a specific focus on electricity and the wider economic value that can be created from Bayelsa's power sector. The event is expected to provide a platform for experts to share knowledge, experiences, and ideas on how to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the power sector. This, in turn, is expected to contribute to the state's economic development and growth.
Bayelsa State has been making efforts to improve its infrastructure and investment climate. Recently, the state recruited 800 primary healthcare workers, and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) inaugurated a school in the state. Furthermore, the state's government has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on age cheating. These initiatives demonstrate the state's commitment to development and growth.
The SSRG's efforts to promote development in Bayelsa State and the wider South-South region are commendable. The organization's initiatives have provided platforms for informed discussions on issues affecting the region. The upcoming roundtable conference on power and investments is expected to contribute to the state's 30th anniversary celebrations and provide a roadmap for future development.
Key points
- The South South Reawakening Group will host a stakeholders' roundtable on power generation and investment opportunities in Bayelsa State on September 22, 2026.
- The conference aims to bring together experts to discuss challenges and opportunities in Bayelsa's power sector and its implications for economic development.
- The event is part of Bayelsa State's 30th anniversary celebrations and SSRG's efforts to promote development in the region.
