The Bayelsa State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the State Government to urgently address the non-operational 60-megawatt gas turbine in Yenagoa and tackle other pressing socio-economic issues in the state.

The appeal was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Union’s Congress held in Yenagoa on Sunday.

The communiqué was signed by Desire Orukare, Pauline Onyibe, and Okotobe Beatrice.

Congress expressed concern that the 60MW gas turbine, commissioned weeks ago by President Bola Tinubu, has yet to supply electricity to the Yenagoa metropolis.

The Union noted that the delayed takeoff of the project has stalled the expected boost to socio-economic activities in the state capital.

The Communique reads: “The 60-megawatt gas turbine has been inaugurated but is yet to come alive and power the state as expected to stimulate socio-economic growth.

On housing, the NUJ urged the Bayelsa State Government to construct low-cost and affordable housing estates for low-income earners.

It described the current cost of housing in the state as “excessively high and burdensome” for residents.

The Union also called for intensified efforts in constructing more internal roads within Yenagoa and maintaining existing link roads to ease movement.

Raising alarm over public safety, Congress noted the increasing number of mentally challenged persons roaming the streets of Yenagoa.

It urged the government to establish a mental healthcare facility to provide proper care, rehabilitation, and reintegration for affected individuals.

With political activities intensifying ahead of the next election cycle, the NUJ stressed that the rights of journalists and media workers must be respected and protected at all times, especially during political events.

Meanwhile, the Bayelsa NUJ commended Governor Douye Diri’s administration for the ongoing construction of senatorial roads, saying the projects would connect rural communities and expand economic opportunities.