By John Odhe, YENAGOA
Chairman of the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association (BYSTTA), Mr. Ebikpoladei Stow has commended the State governor, Senator Douye Diri for his love and support for sports activities in the State.
The chairman spoke at the Coastal Fortress Table Tennis Academy, Yenagoa, during a reception in honour of Bayelsa champions at the 6th South-South/South-East Table Tennis Championship held on August 12 in Calabar, Cross River State
He also added that the future of Bayelsa athletes must be built on both medals and academic degrees.
Stow disclosed that the association is currently sponsoring five athletes at the Niger Delta University (NDU) as part of its education-driven sports development programme.
According to him, BYSTTA is the only association in Africa to build its own facility with personal funds to develop young players.
“My belief is that the playing career of an athlete is short. What happens after that? That is what we are interested in,” he said.
“I tell them that the medals you win can not be compared to a degree. Even though we need the medals, as a parent, I value their graduation more than the medals. Both must go hand-in-hand,” Stow added.
He listed beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme to include Hope Udoka, who wrote her final paper this year; Isaac Boye, a recent graduate of Benson Idahosa University; and Nico Debekeme, currently serving in Edo State.
The BYSTTA chairman said the new hall was built to secure the future of the players and was not for sale at any price.
“We are the only association in Africa, if not in the world, that contributed personal funds to build a facility to develop our kids.
“I am not a millionaire, but because of these children, if you offer N1.5 billion or N2 billion for this property, we will tell you it is not for sale,” he stated.
He said the reception was to celebrate the Coastal Fortress team, especially nine-year-old Ozazomiro Joshua of GSS Ovom, winner of the U-11 and U-13 events, and team captain Matthew Natus John, a final-year Library and Information Science student of Benson Idahosa University, who won the Men’s Singles title.
Stow noted that with over 100 participants at the Calabar championship, the feat was more significant than the national triumph in Ogun State because the medals were won by cadets.
He thanked governor Douye Diri for travel support and lauded the Commissioners for Sports and Education, Dr Daniel Igali and Mr. Gentle Emelah respectively, as well as Director of Sports, Mr Bibowei Harrison Lambert.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Mr Pereyi Efeke, who represented Igali, described the facility as one-of-its-kind in Africa.
“This edifice is quite amazing. It is one of its kind in Africa. You have shown capacity and competence. You have taken our youths off the streets to make them champions,” Efeke said.
He urged the athletes not to rest on their oars and announced plans to partner with NDU to offer sports scholarships.
He also listed projects ahead of the 2028 National Sports Festival to be hosted by Bayelsa, including a 30,000-capacity stadium at Igbogene, a 5,000-capacity facility at Sampou, and rehabilitation of the swimming pool at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex.
Permanent Secretary, Post Primary Schools Board, Mr. Ogbara Fanmeme Faith, who represented the Education Commissioner, stressed the academy’s “No Education, No Tennis” philosophy.
“Without education, you can be nothing in this society. Even as you continue as athletes, don’t forget your education,” he said.
Director of Sports, Lambert, charged the champions to target bigger honours.
“This is just a stepping stone. Your ambition should not end in Bayelsa. Tomorrow, you should represent Nigeria and play in big leagues in Europe,” he said.
Also, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr. Yerin Bulami Stow, who represented the Commissioner for Health, congratulated Joshua and Matthew for bringing glory to the state.
Bayelsa emerged overall champions in Calabar after dominating the medals table. The state remains Nigeria’s defending champions after sweeping all medals in the men’s category at the last National Sports Festival.
