YENAGOA, March 17, 2025 — In a moment of electrifying pride and glory, Bayelsa State has officially staked its claim as Nigeria’s new home of athletics excellence, following a thunderous reception accorded to its victorious athletics team by the Director of Sports, Sir Braveman Wodi, at the Sampson Siasia Sports Complex.
The triumphant athletes had recently blazed a historic trail at the 3rd MTN CHAMPS/Making of Champions (MOC) Meet, held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, clinching the overall best team title with an astonishing haul of 15 medals – 7 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze.
Standing tall before the champions, Sir Wodi declared:
“Bayelsa State is now the new home of athletics in Nigeria. This is not just a victory — it is a legacy in motion!”
He applauded the athletes’ outstanding performance, affirming that Bayelsa has become the team to beat in future championships across the nation.
Representing the Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development, Champion Baraladei Daniel Igali, the Director expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Senator Douye Diri and Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo for their unwavering financial and moral support, which made the championship appearance possible.
In a move that underscores a bold new chapter for athletics in the state, Sir Wodi also announced the appointment of Coach Richard Torugbene as the new Head Coach of Athletics in the Bayelsa State Sports Council, following the retirement of the veteran Coach Pius Barizgha, whose legacy in track and field will be remembered for years to come.
The delegation was led by the Vice Chairman of the Bayelsa State Athletics Association, Dr. Kolawole Oredipe, who described the team’s journey and triumph in Benin as a powerful testament to years of investment, training, and resilience.
“Every drop of sweat, every early morning drill, every sacrifice — it has all paid off. The results in Benin speak louder than words,” he said.
The highlight of the ceremony was the emotional presentation of the gleaming gold trophy by team captain David Michael to Sir Braveman Wodi — a symbol of Bayelsa’s arrival on the national athletics throne.
Among the dignitaries present were:
- Mr. Melvin Bibo, HOD Planning, Research & Statistics (PRS)
- Mrs. Jean Ebi Robin Apreala, HOD Media & Publicity
- Coach Austin Odomu, retired National Volleyball Coach
- Coach Morris Terry, retired athletics coach
- Coach Pius Barizgha, outgoing Head Coach of Athletics
- Mr. Douye Asingbi, Head of the Media Committee
With this resounding success, Bayelsa State has not only lifted a trophy — it has lifted the hopes of a generation and etched its name boldly in Nigeria’s athletics hall of fame.
Amgbare Alpheaus E. Pereolotu
Information Officer, Bayelsa State Sports Council
For: HOD Media & Publicity
