Bayelsa State contingent’s ability to come out tops on the medal table in an athletics event where Delta State was also a major player is a commendable feat that should not be taken for granted, says the state governor, Senator Douye Diri.
Diri said this on Wednesday when he was presented with the trophy which the state won during the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival promoted and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
His words: “For the first time in the history of any sporting events for Bayelsa to come first where there is Delta…on behalf of council and on behalf of the state, we say a very big thanks to all the officials and all the athletes for winning this maiden edition of the NDDC Niger Delta Sports fiesta.”
At the 161st State Executive Council meeting where the trophy was presented to the governor by the commissioner for sports development, Daniel Igali, he also commended the NDDC for putting the games together.
“I use this opportunity to congratulate the Niger Delta Development Commission for that thoughtfulness of organisng the competition to engage our youths. We want to appreciate the NDDC, if am not wrong, this is the first time a competition of this nature is being organized since the inception of the NDDC.
“It is very welcoming, and this time around, they didn’t even bother the states and all they needed from us was our approval for the competition to be held and they took charge of everything and so, we are very grateful and we believe that this is one area that would engage our youths and our youths will also be happy that the NDDC is engaging them,” Diri said.
Diri also commended those who took part in the event for making the state proud, saying, “we want to thank all of you who have made this a success and we urge you to know certainly the competition will not be a one-off competition.
“I am sure that by next year, they will invite you again and so the moment you have come first, you cannot go back again, that’s what Delta has been doing to us.”
