The Bayelsa State government says it is working round the clock to ensure that state athletes conquer the nation in next year’s National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The Acting Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the assurance during a meeting with coaches, athletes, and staffers of the Ministry of Sports Development and the Sports Council at the indoor hall of the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
He noted that the meeting was necessary due to the success recorded at the last National Sports Festival in Asaba, Delta State, adding that the state aims to build on those achievements through early preparation of athletes.
According to him, since 2020, the performance of athletes has improved due to the dedication of both athletes and coaches in the state. He urged the National Sports Commission to avoid unconventional practices in the collation of results from the various sports federations.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo acknowledged that the welfare of athletes remains the government’s utmost priority, stressing that the Prosperity Administration is using sports as a vehicle to curb crime and criminality in the state.
He asserted that the performance of the state’s athletes from 2020 to date speaks volumes about their determination, describing the meeting as an ideal opportunity to discuss the National Sports Festival. He also pointed out that the government is aware of the athletes’ challenges.
In response to requests, the Acting Governor stated that a new bus would be provided for the Sports Council to facilitate their trips, as well as equipment for the athletes to train with.
Regarding facilities, he said that although the state is not yet where it should be, progress is being made. He mentioned the construction of a wrestling gym and basketball courts at St. Jude Girls Secondary School and Bishop Dimeari Grammar School (BDGS) in Yenagoa.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo assured the athletes that the government would soon absorb those who are employable, rather than providing them with stipends.
His words: “The issue of the bus is not peculiar to you alone; even the state cultural troupes need a bus. So, when the governor returns, he will address these issues because they are necessities for your work.”
“We will do all we can to provide you with all the necessary equipment that you need. Your memo for equipment has already been sent to the governor, but we will assess the essentials.”
“Regarding the facilities you raised, we are not where we should be, but we are moving in the right direction. As you are aware, work has resumed on the wrestling gym, and we are also constructing basketball courts at BDGS and St. Jude Girls Secondary. Our intention is to decentralize these facilities.”
Earlier, in his address of welcome, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, thanked the Acting Governor for his show of support, emphasizing that Bayelsa’s success story would be incomplete without his supervision.
He explained that the meeting further demonstrated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the state surpasses its previous record in Asaba.
The Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, who described the day as special, noted that the meeting would inspire the athletes to give their best in the National Sports Festival and that the visit had resolved many issues ahead of the competition.
