…Diri: we’re ready with world-class facilities, security
The Federal Government has given the nod to Bayelsa State’s bid to host the 2028 National Sports Festival (NSF), with the National Sports Commission (NSC) declaring that the state has the facilities and environment to successfully stage Nigeria’s biggest sporting event.
NSC Director-General, Mr. Bukola Olapade, made this known on Tuesday in Yenagoa when he led a delegation on an inspection visit to Government House. The team included the Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee and former AFN President, Chief Solomon Ogba; ex-Olympian and long jump record holder, Yusuf Alli; Director of National Sports Festival, Mrs. Oparah Thecla; and Sports Medicine Consultant, Dr. Oyudo Paul.
Olopade said the delegation inspected security infrastructure, medical facilities, wrestling gyms, table tennis halls, and the ongoing construction of an ultramodern 25,000-capacity stadium, which can be expanded to 35,000.
“Bayelsa State presented an amazing bid for the 2028 sports festival. There is an intentional desire by Bayelsa to host, and from what we’ve seen, the state is ready. Yenagoa is peaceful, beautiful, and hospitable. The facilities on ground are impressive—Bayelsa could even host today, more than the next host,” he declared.
He described Bayelsa as a “sleeping giant” in sports with huge potential to contribute to Nigeria’s sports development.
Diri: Bayelsa Has Come of Age
In his response, Governor Douye Diri said Bayelsa had come of age to host the NSF, citing his administration’s massive investment in sports and infrastructure.
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He disclosed that 30 percent of the new stadium’s construction cost had already been paid to the contractor, who assured delivery in 2027.
“What hindered Bayelsa in the past was lack of facilities. But today, we are addressing it with a stadium project that will rival the best. We have also invested heavily in security, with 24-hour CCTV monitoring across the state, which has helped reduce crime,” the governor said.
Diri emphasized Bayelsa’s record of grassroots sports development, noting the Governor’s Prosperity Cup, wrestling competitions, and one of Nigeria’s best table tennis facilities as proof of the state’s sporting strength.
“We are very prepared to host the National Sports Festival. Bayelsa is peaceful, hospitable, and home to abundant sporting talents. Sports are part of our Prosperity Agenda to engage youths productively. Today is historic for Bayelsa, and we are confident of being named the 2028 host,” he added.
Bayelsa has consistently produced some of Nigeria’s finest athletes, particularly in wrestling, football, and athletics, and now seeks to consolidate its position by staging the country’s most prestigious sporting event.
