Onyeche Wofurum Igwe
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has praised the state’s athletes for their outstanding performance in the ongoing National Sports Festival, attributing their success to his administration’s investment in youth development and sports.
Speaking at the 164th State Executive Council meeting in Yenagoa, Governor Diri noted that sports is showcasing the state in a positive light and productively engaging youths.
The governor expressed delight over Team Bayelsa’s performance, saying he receives daily updates indicating the state is doing well and currently ranks second on the medals table.
Diri encouraged the athletes to maintain their competitive edge, as they still have a chance to overtake Delta State, which is currently leading.
He promised a fitting reception and reward for the contingent at the festival’s conclusion and also commended Bayelsa Queens, the state’s female football team, for winning the Nigerian Women Professional League and qualifying for the Confederation of African Football Women’s Champions League.
The governor praised Bayelsa United, the state’s male team, for their commendable performance in the Nigeria Professional Football League and urged them to improve next season. He also hailed Bishop Dimieari Grammar School and Saint Jude’s Girls Secondary School for winning the zonal basketball tournament and qualifying for the national finals.
Diri stated that the state’s sports achievements have prompted his administration to invest over N100 billion in building an Olympic-standard stadium. He applauded the state’s youths for their exemplary behavior during the recent Boro Day celebration, noting a shift towards celebrating the intellectual aspects of the Ijaw struggle.
The governor warned youths against cultism and substance abuse, encouraging them to leverage government investments in sports and skills acquisition to enhance their lives and bring pride to the state. He advised cultists to change their ways and seek better opportunities.
He expressed satisfaction that the Ijaw nation is increasingly celebrating the intellectual side of its struggle, hoping this trend will persist and attract broader participation. He also condemned recent cult-related violence in the state capital and urged affected youths to pursue a better path.
The governor emphasized the value of youth lives and his administration’s commitment to providing opportunities for growth and development.
He said: “I have been receiving daily updates from the Commissioner for Sports and Team Bayelsa is doing very well at the National Sports Festival in Ogun State. We are hopeful that we will overtake Delta on the medals table.
“The resilience and patriotism of our athletes is commendable. On behalf of the good people of Bayelsa State, I thank and appreciate our athletes and the entire team. A very big welcome awaits you as you make us proud.
“Let me also appreciate youths of Bayelsa. Recently, we had a peaceful Isaac Boro Day celebrations. I am happy we are now seeing the intellectual part of the Ijaw struggle. I am happy with the shift in the mode our late hero is being celebrated. With time, Boro Day will attract more people that are not ijaws.”
“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.”
