Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, has reiterated his administration’s dedication to establishing the state as a premier sporting hub in Nigeria, highlighting that current investments in sports are already yielding positive results.

Speaking recently at the second annual Newstap/SWAN Five Star Awards, where he received the ‘Best Sports Governor Award’, Governor Diri, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Daniel Igali, and the chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Sports, Hon. (Barrister) Tare Porri, explained the rationale behind significant sports development across all senatorial zones.

This initiative aims to create employment opportunities for young people, combat youth restiveness, nurture talent, and foster responsible citizens.

“In Bayelsa State, we have successfully engaged our youth in meaningful activities through sport, which is why we are undertaking extensive sports development,” he stated. “The dividends are already evident, with the state consistently achieving top finishes at both the National Sports Festival and the Niger Delta Games.”

He further noted, “Our investment in sports has garnered attention from the National Sports Commission, which, following an inspection of our facilities and the ongoing construction of a 25,000-capacity Olympic-size stadium, awarded us the hosting rights for the 2027 National Sports Festival. Additionally, Nilayo Sports Limited is planning to organise a 10-kilometre marathon, a first for the state.”

Governor Diri dedicated the Newstap/SWAN award to his late deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing him as a crucial figure in the state’s sporting landscape during his lifetime.

“I extend my gratitude to the organisers for deeming me worthy of this award, which I view as an impetus to strive even harder. On this note, I dedicate it to my late deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who worked tirelessly with me to ensure sports in the state received adequate attention,” Diri remarked.

He added, “I also deeply value this award as it comes from prominent sports stakeholders in the country. Their decision reflects their satisfaction with our efforts to transform sports narratives in Bayelsa State, and I accept it as a challenge to work even harder towards providing more modern sports facilities and upgrading existing ones across all local government areas.”

Governor Diri’s annual Prosperity Cup and the Douye Diri National Open Wrestling Championship have become well-known events nationwide.

Other recipients alongside Governor Diri included Comrade Phillip Shaibu, DG/CEO of the National Institute for Sports (NIS); Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, CEO of Nilayo Sports Limited; Dr. Chief Robert Daniel Onyeani, Grassroots Football Promoter/Philanthropist; and Hon. Omolei Yakubu Imadu, Proprietor of Yacateco Boxing Promotions and Vice President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation. Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, President General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, received a special recognition award.