December 14, (THEWILL) – The Bayelsa State Government has expressed its commitment to ensuring the state’s athletes dominate the upcoming National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, next year.
Acting Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, disclosed this during a strategic meeting with coaches, athletes, and officials of the Ministry of Sports Development and the Sports Council.
The meeting, held at the Indoor Hall of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, aimed to strengthen the state’s preparation and build on the successes recorded at the last festival in Asaba, Delta State.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo emphasized the importance of early preparations to achieve greater results. He commended the athletes and coaches for their dedication, which he credited for the state’s improved performance since 2020.
He, however, urged the National Sports Commission to ensure transparency and fairness in the collation of results during the festival.
“The performance of our athletes has been commendable, but we are aiming for even greater heights. This meeting is timely to address the challenges and focus on surpassing our achievements in Asaba,” Ewhrudjakpo said.
The Acting Governor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of athletes, describing sports as a tool for promoting social stability and reducing crime.
He assured them of better support, including a new bus for the Sports Council and improved training equipment for athletes.
On sports infrastructure, Ewhrudjakpo noted that while the state still lags in some areas, efforts are underway to improve facilities. He highlighted the ongoing construction of a wrestling gym and basketball courts at St.
Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata, and Bishop Dimeari Grammar School (BDGS), Ovom, in Yenagoa.
“We are moving in the right direction. Work has resumed on the wrestling gym, and we are also constructing basketball courts in key schools to decentralize these facilities and make them accessible,” he added.
The Acting Governor also hinted at plans to absorb employable athletes into the state’s civil service to provide them with steady incomes, replacing the current stipends.
“We recognize your hard work and want to ensure you are adequately rewarded. Those who qualify for employment will be considered to enable them to earn salaries,” Ewhrudjakpo assured.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, lauded the Acting Governor for his unwavering support.
He credited the administration’s commitment for Bayelsa’s recent successes in sports and expressed confidence in the state’s ability to surpass its second-place finish at the last festival.
Igali described the meeting as a pivotal moment for addressing challenges and strengthening preparations, stating that the athletes’ determination and the government’s support were a perfect combination for success.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
