Bayelsa Government Inaugurates Renovated Table Tennis Hall, Pledges Continued Support for the Sport
The Bayelsa State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of table tennis in the state, expressing satisfaction with the sport’s growth over the past five years under the Prosperity Administration.
Governor Douye Diri made this known at the official inauguration of the newly renovated Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association training hall at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa. Represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the governor commended the progress made in table tennis and pledged full government support to ensure the state surpasses its previous performance at the upcoming National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He specifically lauded the chairman of the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association, Mr. Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow, for his dedication and leadership, noting that his efforts have significantly contributed to the sport’s development. The governor described Mr. Stow as a role model for Bayelsa youths, emphasizing that his contributions would leave a lasting impact on the state’s sports community.
“The chairman has made a lot of promises, including securing a minimum of three gold medals at the National Sports Festival, and we believe in his ability to deliver. The government will continue to support him and the association in achieving this goal,” the governor stated.
Governor Diri further expressed confidence in Mr. Stow’s future in national sports administration, adding, “With the dedication and leadership you have shown at the state level, I am confident that your influence will extend to the national level, possibly as President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation.”
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, praised the deputy governor for his collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Sports, which he described as instrumental in advancing the sector. He acknowledged Senator Ewhrudjakpo’s meticulous approach to sports development, noting that Mr. Stow’s leadership had transformed table tennis in Bayelsa.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr. Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow reflected on his journey in table tennis administration, which began in 2018 when he served as Vice Chairman under former Director of Sports, Chief Patimidi Tukuru. He explained that he was appointed chairman in 2021 by Sir Braveman Wodi and was recently reappointed, a testament to the progress achieved under his leadership.
Mr. Stow highlighted the association’s commitment to infrastructural development, revealing that a state-of-the-art training facility at the Oxbow-Lake Area is 99% complete and will be inaugurated within two weeks.
He further noted that the newly renovated hall at the Samson Siasia Stadium will serve as the primary training ground for under-16 able-bodied athletes, as well as para and deaf athletes, while the soon-to-be-inaugurated Fortress training center will cater to the senior team.
In separate goodwill messages, the Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Barr. Tare Porri, and the Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, commended Mr. Stow for his transformative initiatives, describing his leadership as a driving force behind the rapid development of table tennis in Bayelsa State.
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