Bayelsa’s Investment in Sports Paying Off – Gov. Diri
...Lauds Team Bayelsa’s Performance at National Sports Festival
…Pledges Grand Reception, Urges Youths to Shun Cultism, Embrace Skills
YENAGOA — Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has attributed the impressive performance of the state’s athletes at the ongoing National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun State to his administration’s sustained investment in youth and sports development.
Speaking at the 164th State Executive Council meeting held at Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday, Governor Diri said sports have become a powerful tool for youth engagement and a positive projection of the state’s image.
The governor expressed delight at Team Bayelsa’s showing at the festival, noting that the state currently ranks second on the medals table. He said he has been receiving encouraging daily updates from the Commissioner for Sports, adding that the state has a realistic chance of overtaking Delta State, which is currently in the lead.
He assured that the government would host a befitting reception and reward ceremony for the state contingent at the conclusion of the festival.
Governor Diri also commended the state’s female football team, Bayelsa Queens, for clinching the Nigerian Women Professional League title and securing qualification to represent Nigeria in the CAF Women’s Champions League. He extended similar praise to Bayelsa United for their spirited performance in the just-concluded Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.
Highlighting the achievements of younger athletes, the governor applauded Bishop Dimieari Grammar School and Saint Jude’s Girls Secondary School for winning the zonal basketball tournaments in Asaba and advancing to the national finals.
According to Diri, these milestones have further justified his government’s decision to commit over N100 billion to the construction of an Olympic-standard stadium in the state, aimed at grooming more sporting talents and boosting sports tourism.
While thanking Bayelsa youths for their orderly conduct during the recent Boro Day celebration, the governor expressed satisfaction with the emerging intellectual approach to commemorating the Ijaw hero, Major Isaac Adaka Boro. He described it as a shift that promises to make Boro Day a pan-Nigerian event in the future.
“Recently, we had a peaceful Isaac Boro Day celebration. I am happy we are now seeing the intellectual part of the Ijaw struggle. With time, Boro Day will attract more people beyond the Ijaw nation,” he stated.
Governor Diri also took the opportunity to decry the recent cult-related clashes in the state capital and cautioned youths to steer clear of vices such as cultism and drug abuse.
“Again, I want to advise youths that their lives are very precious to us. It is not too late to leave cultism and embrace a better life. You do not need hard drugs. Tell those buying drugs for you to rather sponsor your training in skills acquisition. That is what your government is all about,” he advised.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a prosperous future for Bayelsa’s youth through sports and skills development.
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