Exclusive Interview with Director of Sports on the Eve of Departure for Ogun 2024
Bayelsa State steps onto the national sports stage once again, aiming for glory at the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) Gateway Games 2024. With a legacy of third-place at Edo 2020 and second-place at Asaba 2022, many believe the state is poised for its first championship win in Abeokuta.
However, Sir Braveman Wodi Eridouye, Director of Sports at the Bayelsa State Sports Council (BYSSC), has a candid perspective on Team Bayelsa’s chances. In an exclusive chat with Michael Lakpah, he sheds light on the state’s sports development, his tenure, aspirations, and what lies ahead for Bayelsa sports.
Bayelsa’s Sporting Legacy: A Future Taking Shape
Bayelsa’s continuous sports excellence is not just built on competition—it is also a product of strong leadership, vision, and talent development.
“So far, we have it on record that young, talented youths from our state are emerging from our programs and excelling. You won’t forget names like Samuel Boboye, Matthew, and so many others. What we started has already begun yielding results, and we are proud of that.”
Indeed, Bayelsa has become a breeding ground for top-tier athletes, with its sports policies, training programs, and professional coaching structures contributing to the successes seen on various competitive platforms.
A Strong Relationship with the Sports Ministry
While leadership plays a crucial role, cooperation and mutual trust within the Bayelsa Ministry of Sports Development have been key to the continued success of sports in the state.
Sir Braveman speaks on the harmonious working relationship between himself, the Honorable Commissioner, Dr. Daniel Baraladei Igali, and other stakeholders:
“There is peace, understanding, and progress when teamwork exists. I enjoy a perfect working relationship with the honorable commissioner and the permanent secretary. We are more like family members—we don’t hold back because the job needs to be done.”
He praises Dr. Igali’s leadership, emphasizing how the commissioner has placed full trust in his decisions as the head of the Bayelsa State Sports Council (BYSSC).
“Dr. Igali is a sportsman par excellence. He has traveled beyond Africa—to Europe, America, and Canada—and brings a wealth of experience into the administration. The complementary ability between the commissioner, permanent secretary, and myself has helped us build a formidable team.”
This collaboration has been instrumental in ensuring that Bayelsa sports maintain their upward trajectory despite challenges in funding, competition, and infrastructure.
The Future Beyond Retirement
After a distinguished career spanning decades, Sir Braveman reflects on what lies ahead following his eventual retirement from active sports administration.
“Sports is a passion that gives you freedom, charges you up, and keeps you competitive. Even after retirement, I don’t think I’ll completely leave sports. I’ll take a breather, but I’ll remain around as a consultant while also focusing on private business. Rest assured—you’ll still see me involved.”
His legacy is not just defined by the medals won but also by the systems he has built, ensuring that Bayelsa sports remain dominant and progressive for future generations.
Can Bayelsa Secure Its First Title at Gateway 2024?
As Team Bayelsa heads into Gateway 2024, the question on everyone’s mind is whether they will finally ascend to the top of the podium.
Sir Braveman remains optimistic yet realistic:
“We finished 3rd, then 2nd—so yes, 1st is possible. But it’s not just about wishful thinking; we must work for it. We are prepared, but we cannot ignore factors like Ogun State having home advantage and government-backed funding for their athletes.”
He acknowledges that Bayelsa faces stiff competition from major contenders, including defending champions Team Delta, traditional rivals Edo State, and strong teams like Rivers and Lagos.
“We will give them a run for their money. Our goal is a podium finish, and if we execute our strategies well, victory could be within reach.”
A New Era of Excellence: The Fortress & Bayelsa’s Table Tennis Vision
Bayelsa continues making strides in multiple sports, with one of the most remarkable milestones being the commissioning of The Fortress, an ultra-modern Table Tennis headquarters outside the Sports Complex.
Sir Braveman highlights the contributions of Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association (BYSTTA) Chairman, Mr. Amaebi Stow Ebikpoladei, who has invested significantly in table tennis and other sports.
“We must commend Mr. Ebikpoladei. His passion for sports is incredible. He donated a Butterfly table tennis board in 2021/2022 when it cost over ₦2.3 million, and now, with The Fortress, he has taken table tennis to another level.”
With top-tier equipment, training facilities, accommodations, and playing arenas, The Fortress is a game-changer in African table tennis development.
The governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, emphasized the significance of this groundbreaking achievement, urging corporate Nigeria to follow in Mr. Ebikpoladei’s footsteps to support youth and sports development.
The Final Battle at Gateway 2024
With all eyes on Team Bayelsa, the stakes are high. Will they rise above the competition and claim their first National Sports Festival victory?
Sir Braveman offers a final rallying cry:
“It’s going to be a tough battle, but we are ready. At the very least, a podium finish is our goal. If everything aligns, we may just reach the very top.”
As Bayelsa’s contingent steps into the competition arena in Abeokuta, the countdown begins.
Can Team Bayelsa cement its status as an elite sporting force? The answers will unfold on the field of play.
Authored by: Michael Lakpah
