Team Bayelsa Keen on Early Preparations

Posted : 14 December 2024

The Bayelsa State government says it is working around the clock to ensure that the state's athletes conquer the nation at 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 in Yenagoa.

He noted that the meeting became necessary due to the success achieved at the last National Sports Festival in Asaba, Delta State, stating that the state aims to build on its previous achievements by preparing athletes early.

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, emphasizing that the Prosperity Administration is using sports as a vehicle to combat crime and criminality in the state.

He stated that the performance of the state’s athletes from 2020 to the present speaks volumes about their determination, describing the meeting as the perfect time to discuss the National Sports Festival, while highlighting the government's awareness of the athletes’ challenges.

Responding to requests, the Acting Governor stated that a new bus would be provided for the Sports Council to facilitate their travel and that equipment for the athletes' training would also be supplied.

Regarding facilities, he acknowledged that while the state is not yet where it should be, it is gradually moving in the right direction with 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 one. When the governor returns, he will address these issues because they are necessities for your work. We will do all we can to provide the necessary equipment. Your request for equipment has already been sent to the governor, but we will assess its importance.”

“On the issue of facilities, while we are not where we should be, we are moving in the right direction. As you are aware, work has resumed at 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, Daniel Igali, appreciated the Acting Governor for his support, stressing that Bayelsa’s success story would be incomplete without the Acting Governor's 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, 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.

Team Bayelsa Keen on Early Preparations

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