Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has commended the state’s athletes for emerging overall champions at the just-concluded maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Team Bayelsa topped the medals’ table with an impressive haul of 42 gold, 29 silver, and 15 bronze medals, outpacing Delta State, which came second with 41 gold, 26 silver, and 32 bronze medals.
The week-long sporting event featured over 3,000 athletes from the nine states of the Niger Delta and was sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Speaking during the 159th session of the Bayelsa State Executive Council at Government House in Yenagoa, Governor Diri hailed the team’s performance, attributing their success to teamwork, determination, and effective management.
“This victory is a reflection of what team spirit, good management, and individual brilliance can achieve. I believe this marks a new dawn for Bayelsa in the world of sports,” Diri said.
He noted that the team’s triumph underscores the wisdom behind his administration’s investment in sports infrastructure, particularly the ongoing construction of a FIFA-rated stadium in the state.
“The achievements at the NDSF show that our decision to construct a standard stadium is not misplaced. We believe Bayelsa is rich in sporting talents and it is our duty to nurture them by providing world-class facilities,” he added.
The governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to sports development and expressed optimism that the victory at the NDSF would inspire more youths in the state to embrace sporting excellence.
“You have once again placed Bayelsa on the national sports map. On behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa, I thank you for making us proud,” Diri stated.
(NAN)