KEY POINTS

• Bayelsa declared April 10 a work-free day and ordered market closures ahead of President Tinubu’s visit.
• Tinubu will inaugurate a gas turbine, 60km dual carriageway, and a 630-metre bridge in Southern Ijaw.
• Government urged residents to turn out massively, saying the directive will ensure a smooth and successful visit.

The Bayelsa State Government has declared Friday, April 10, 2026, a work-free day across the state and directed the closure of markets in preparation for the official visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The announcement was made on Thursday in Yenagoa by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, who said the decision was taken to allow residents fully participate in activities scheduled for the President’s one-day working visit.

According to the commissioner, the state government expects large public participation in welcoming the President and attending the inauguration ceremonies lined up for the visit. She therefore urged residents, including traders and business owners, to comply with the directive and cooperate with authorities.

Tinubu is expected to inaugurate several key infrastructure projects during his visit to the oil-rich state. Among them is a state-owned gas turbine located at Opolo-Elebele, which is aimed at boosting electricity supply and improving industrial development.

The President will Commission a 60-Kilometre dual carriageway

The President will also commission a 60-kilometre dual carriageway stretching from Onopa to the LNG axis. The road project is designed to enhance connectivity, ease transportation, and support economic activities within the state.

In addition, Tinubu is scheduled to inaugurate a 630-metre bridge linking Angiama to Oporoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. The bridge is expected to improve access to riverine communities and stimulate socio-economic growth in the area.

The Bayelsa State Government said the declaration of a work-free day and closure of markets are part of measures aimed at ensuring a smooth, orderly, and successful presidential visit. Residents were also encouraged to come out en masse to welcome the President and participate in the historic event.