Bayelsa’s track and field dominance at the Niger Delta Sports Festival is no coincidence—it’s the result of strategic investments in sports by Governor Senator Douye Diri, says Dr. Samuel Kolawole Oredipe, Founder of Sam Kay Athletics Clu and Vice Chairman of the Bayelsa State Athletic Association.
Bayelsa’s athletics team has delivered outstanding performances, clinching five medals so far and qualifying for four relay finals.
Bayelsa’s Medal Haul So Far
- 🥇 Gold (Women’s 200m) – Sofia Efetobore
- 🥈 Silver (Women’s 100m) – Sofia Efetobore
- 🥈 Silver (Men’s 100m & 200m) – Daje Lucky
- 🥉 Bronze (Men’s 100m) – Austin Ezuruike
Relay Finalists
Bayelsa’s relay teams have secured spots in the men’s and women’s 4x100m and 4x400m finals, promising even more medal prospects for the state.
Bayelsa’s Rise as an Athletics Powerhouse
Speaking at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Dr. Oredipe celebrated Bayelsa’s emergence as a leading force in Nigerian athletics, stating:
“With our performance here, it shows we are doing something right. Bayelsa is now a force in sports.”
He also highlighted the upcoming National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, where Bayelsa aims to repeat its success and continue its dominance.
Governor’s Commitment to Sports Development
Dr. Oredipe credits Governor Douye Diri’s unwavering support, noting that Bayelsa is constructing a state-of-the-art stadium to enhance athlete training.
“Beyond being sports-loving, the Governor actively invests in sports, and the results speak for themselves,” he added.
SamKay Athletics Club: Nurturing Future Champions
Dr. Oredipe also praised SamKay Athletics Club, emphasizing its role in discovering young talents, including:
- Perezide Sigah (100m & 200m women’s event)
- Faith Ezechukwu (400m Women’s final)
- Faye Perfect (4x400m relay heats for men)
- Goodluck Kabowei (110m hurdles finalist)
- Mekioniso Messiah (Men’s Long Jump – 6.68m, 5th place)
- Samson Teibowei (800m Men’s final – Sub-two-minute performance)
“We are building the next generation of champions,” Oredipe affirmed, urging private sector involvement in sports development.
