It is widely acknowledged that “when preparation meets opportunity, success will be birthed.” This mantra has become the driving force behind Team Bayelsa’s rise in sports, thanks to the vision of His Excellency, Sen. Douye Diri, and his steadfast Deputy Governor, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. The momentum gained by these two leaders is further fueled by the tireless efforts of two sports figures: Champion Daniel Baraladei Igali, the Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development, and Sir Braveman Eredoye Wodi, the result-oriented Executive Director of the Bayelsa State Sports Council.
The dynamic partnership between Champion Igali and Sir Wodi has positioned Bayelsa as a powerhouse in sports within Nigeria. This remarkable duo has earned Bayelsa State an enviable reputation for sports participation and competition. Their impressive and proactive leadership has propelled the state to numerous victories, establishing them as two of the most accomplished figures in Bayelsa’s sports history.
As the Niger Delta Sports Festival draws near, Bayelsa is gearing up to make its mark. The festival will take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from April 3 to 10, 2025, with nine Niger Delta states set to participate. The Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development, in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Sports Council, is determined to ensure that Team Bayelsa shines and finishes high on the medal table.
To ensure thorough preparation, a closed-door meeting was held yesterday at the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development. During the meeting, Honourable Commissioner Champion Daniel Baraladei Igali, who also serves as the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Contingent for the festival, encouraged his committee members, coaches, and secretaries to prepare thoroughly for the upcoming festival. He emphasized the importance of putting everything in order ahead of the event.
Supported by Sir Braveman Eredoye Wodi, the Commissioner used the meeting to review each sports association’s progress in athlete scouting and selection. He asked each association to provide an update on their preparations for the festival. The coaches responded enthusiastically, reporting steady progress and readiness. They assured the Commissioner that they were prepared to make the state proud, just as they have done in previous national competitions.
A major highlight of the meeting came when the Honourable Commissioner announced that funds for the commencement of local government and state trials had been released by the Committee set up by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the sports festival. The coaches and sports secretaries were overjoyed at the timely release of funds, which would allow them to begin selecting athletes for the trials.
Before concluding the meeting, Commissioner Igali made sure to treat his dedicated team to a meal, expressing confidence that they would once again make history with their remarkable performance, as they have done in recent years.
The sports associations that will participate in the Niger Delta Sports Festival include: Football, Handball, Table Tennis, Wrestling, Boxing, Volleyball, Athletics, Para Athletics, Para Powerlifting, Swimming, Canoeing/Kayak, Weightlifting, Tennis, Basketball, Chess, and Scrabble.
~ Opusam Ekinisam Ete,
Member, BYSSC Media Team.
