The accolades being received by the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, over his administration’s development of sports infrastructure in the state is growing every day with top sports personalities hailing him.
The latest came from the Director General of National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu; Director General of National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade; and Special Adviser to the President on Grassroots Sports, Adeyinka Anthony Adebayo.
The trio commended the governor for transforming sports infrastructure in the state, which has led not only to the reduction of youth restiveness in the oil producing state, but has positioned the state as one of the leading sports centres of excellence.
They gave their commendations last week Friday during the second edition of the annual Newstap/SWAN Five Star Award,
The governor received the “Best Sports Governor Award” at the event in Lagos.
In their separate remarks, they described Governor Diri as a trailblazer in sports development in the country and hailed him for the hosting of various championships and the construction of the ongoing 25,000 capacity size Olympic stadium in the state.
According to them, the Newstap/SWAN Five Star Award given to the governor did not come as a surprise because he’s eminently qualified for the honour considering the transformation sports has gone through in his state.
One of them said: “His award did not come to us as a surprise because this is a man that has used sports to create job opportunities for the youths, reduce youth restiveness, and made the state a top podium finisher at the National Sports Festival and the Niger Delta Games.
“Governor Diri since assumption of office has been sponsoring the annual Douye Diri Wrestling Championship and the Prosperity Cup and recently approved the hosting of a 10km marathon in the state to be organised in partnership with Nilayo Sports Limited.
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“In order to encourage athletes of the state to excel, his government has instituted a reward system for athletes, which has led to the state performing well at both the National Sports Festival and the Niger Delta Games.
“His investment in sports infrastructure led the National Sports Commission to grant Bayelsa State the hosting right of the 2027 National Sports Festival.
“So, we’re proud of his achievements and we urge other governors to emulate him.”
The Newstap/Five Star Award was instituted to recognise and honour individuals and organisations who have dedicated their time and resources in moving the country’s sports forward.
Those who received the award alongside Governor Diri were Shaibu; Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Limited, Yetunde Olopade; Grassroots Football Promoter/ Philanthropist, Dr. Chief Robert Daniel Onyeani; and Proprietor of Yacateco Boxing Promotions, who also doubles as Vice President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, Hon. Omolei Yakubu Imadu, while the President General of Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, received a special recognition award.
Governor Diri was represented at the event by the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Sports, Hon. Daniel Igali, and the Chairman of the Bayelsa House of Assembly Committee On Sports, Hon. Tare Porri.
