9 key areas the Bayelsa State govt can explore to generate revenue by Wisdom Okuli

It is general knowledge that Bayelsa State is one of the most blessed states in Nigeria in terms of abundant human and natural resources. It is also a fact that the present Bayelsa State was among the areas that fed the whole of Europe during the Palm Oil boom, before the advent of crude oil and gas.

Bayelsa State is also privileged in history as the cradle of crude oil and gas in the whole of West Africa with the discovery of crude oil and gas in commercial quantity and quality at Oloibiri-Otabagi in 1956.

Unfortunately, our monolithic economic situation that is premised on total dependence on crude oil and gas has grossly affected the exploration of Agriculture and other abundant natural resources and sources of income and revenue generation for our great state and people.

The present economic realities especially the dwindling price of crude oil at the international market has necessitated the urgent need for alternatives in order to survive the looming global economic crisis which will result to severe famine. 

But for us as a people, I see the present economic realities as the dawn of our Industrial Revolution.

 I see it as a time to move away from mono-economy and total dependence on the monthly federal allocation accruing from Crude Oil and Gas and a time for economic diversification.

The quality of Abakaliki Rice from Ebonyi State is not as rich as the Rice from Bayelsa State.

 The Rice Colonies in Bayelsa State if properly harnessed can feed the whole of this country and generate Billions of Naira to our great state. It will also create so much employments for our youths.

The above example takes me to the other key areas and suggestions that will turn around our economic fortune for good.

2. BAYELSA PALM alone can generate unimaginable revenue that will be used to build roads, bridges and also provide other basic infrastructure like hospitals, schools, water, etc.

3. HYDROPOWER GAS TURBINE: Bayelsa State can invest in Hydropower to generate uninterrupted Electricity which Bayelsans will pay. Businesses cannot thrive without Electricity. Generally, Light is life and there is absolutely no way one can live a good life without Electricity.

4. ABUNDANT WEALTH IN OUR SEAS AND OCEANS: Bayelsa State is so blessed with abundant natural resources that other states and countries are envying. We have so much fishes and seafood in our rivers, seas and oceans which people from other countries are coming to harvest.

This present administration of Sen. Douye Diri can partner with companies from Scandinavian countries like Norway and Netherlands to build fish factories. Those companies will produce Canned Fishes and other Seafoods. They will also Smoke some of those big fishes and export. They can produce Ice Fishes too.

5. GLASSES AND CERAMIC COMPANIES: Bayelsa State has some of the best Sands in the world which Glass and Ceramic companies are looking for. Let us see how we can bring in such companies and harness the enormous wealth therein.

6. TOURISM: Bayelsa State has huge tourism potentials that are untapped. This God-sent administration can develop it.

7. SALT: Let us imagine the Billions of Naira that Dangote Salt make monthly. Bayelsa State has one of the best salt in the world.The state government will generate so much money from Salt if it invest in the above area.

8. PLASTIC INDUSTRY: If the incumbent government resuscitate the Bayelsa State Plastic Company, it will make so much much. It will manufacture polythene, plumbing pipes, plastic plates, slippers, spoons, food pack, food flasks, plastic tables and chairs, car parts, Water Tank, etc.

9. CASSAVA AND PLANTAIN FACTORY: It will produce Cassava and Plantain Flours, Chips, etc.