Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, is beaming with pride over the state’s stellar performance at the ongoing National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun State, attributing the success to his administration’s significant investment in youth development and sports. Speaking at the 164th State Executive Council meeting yesterday, Governor Diri emphasized that sports are not only projecting Bayelsa in a positive light but also productively engaging its vibrant youth population.
Team Bayelsa has been a revelation at the NSF, currently holding a commendable second position on the overall medals table. Governor Diri, who receives daily updates on the team’s progress, expressed immense satisfaction with their performance. “We are hopeful that we will overtake Delta on the medals table,” he declared, urging the athletes to maintain their focus and resilience in the remaining days of the festival. A grand reception and befitting rewards await the triumphant contingent upon their return, he promised.
The Governor’s commendation extended beyond the NSF. He lauded Bayelsa Queens, the state’s dominant female football team, for their recent triumph in the Nigerian Women Professional League. This victory secures their slot to represent Nigeria in the prestigious Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Champions League, a significant achievement for Nigerian club football.
While acknowledging that the state’s male team, Bayelsa United, had a “commendable showing” in the just-concluded Nigeria Professional Football League, Diri charged them to aim higher in the next season.
Further highlighting the state’s sporting prowess, Governor Diri celebrated the remarkable achievements of Bishop Dimieari Grammar School and Saint Jude’s Girls Secondary School. Both schools emerged victorious in the zonal basketball tournament for schools held in Asaba, securing their berths in the national finals – a testament to grassroots sports development in the state.
These successes, Governor Diri revealed, underscore the wisdom behind the state government’s substantial commitment of over N100 billion towards the construction of an Olympic-standard stadium, a facility poised to further nurture and unleash sporting talent in the state.
Beyond athletic achievements, the Governor also commended the exemplary conduct of Bayelsa youths during the recent Isaac Boro Day anniversary celebration. He noted with satisfaction the shift towards the “intellectual part of the Ijaw struggle,” calling for its sustained embrace.
However, Governor Diri also took the opportunity to issue a stern warning to youths against cultism and other social vices, particularly in light of recent cult clashes in the state capital. “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 train you with skills as that is what your government is about. Shun cultism,” he passionately appealed. He urged them to seize the opportunities presented by the government’s investments in sports and skills acquisition, to become productive members of society and make the state proud.
As Team Bayelsa continues its quest for gold at the National Sports Festival, Governor Diri’s message is clear: the state’s investment in its youth, particularly through sports, is yielding a bountiful harvest of achievements, pride, and a promising future.
