Bayelsa Government inaugurates newly renovated table tennis hall

Posted : 24 March 2025

The Bayelsa State Government has expressed its satisfaction with the continuous progress and development of table tennis in the state over the last five years of the Prosperity Administration.

Governor Douye Diri gave the commendation during the official inauguration of the newly renovated Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association training hall at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The governor stated that the government would support the association in achieving its goals ahead of the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, emphasizing that Bayelsa’s target is to surpass its performance in the last sports festival held in Asaba, Delta State.

Governor Douye Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, noted that the chairman of the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association, Mr. Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow, has made a significant impact since taking charge of the association.

Describing Mr. Ama-ebi Stow as a role model for the youth of the state, the governor asserted that the chairman’s contributions would always be remembered, stressing that his commitment to the development of table tennis would enhance the sport’s popularity and rewards.

According to the governor, the government is pleased with the growth of table tennis and will take all necessary steps to help Mr. Stow achieve his vision for the sport.

He urged the chairman not to relent, assuring him that the government fully recognizes his unwavering commitment to developing table tennis in South-South Nigeria, particularly in Bayelsa.

"The chairman has made a lot of promises, and we will support him to ensure those promises are fulfilled. He has guaranteed a minimum of three gold medals, and we believe in him. So, I want to thank all the athletes."

"I am confident that your talent will continue to shine, and you will one day become the President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, as we have already seen the dedication you have demonstrated at the state level."

Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, in his remarks, praised the deputy governor for his smooth collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, describing it as a great benefit to the ministry and various sports associations within the state.

He noted that Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo’s attention to detail has made his job as commissioner much easier, adding that Mr. Ama-ebi Stow has cemented his legacy through his outstanding contributions.

Earlier, in an elaborate welcome address, Mr. Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow, chairman of the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association, reflected on his journey, stating that it began in 2018 when Chief Patimidi Tukuru, the former Director of Sports, recognized his passion and appointed him as Vice Chairman.

He explained that in 2021, he was entrusted with the chairmanship by Sir Braveman Wodi, and earlier this year, he was reappointed. He emphasized that his reappointment serves as an affirmation of the progress made by the association.

Mr. Ebikpolade informed the government about the association's commitment to infrastructural development, noting that a state-of-the-art training facility at the Oxbow-Lake Area is 99% completed and will be ready for inauguration within the next two weeks.

The NTTF Zonal Representative further explained that the newly renovated hall will serve as the training ground for Under-16 able-bodied athletes, as well as Para and Deaf athletes, while The Fortress will serve as the primary training center for the senior team.

In separate goodwill messages, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Barr. Tare Porri, and Director of Sports at the Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, commended Ama-ebi Stow for his transformative initiatives and policies since assuming office as chairman.

Bayelsa Government inaugurates newly renovated table tennis hall

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