The Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olapade, has declared that Bayelsa State possesses the necessary capacity and facilities to successfully host the 2028 National Sports Festival.
Olapade made this assertion during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Yenagoa, where he led a high-level delegation to inspect the state’s preparedness.
The team included prominent sports figures such as Solomon Ogba, Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee; Yusuf Alli, a former Olympian and long jump record holder; Mrs. Oparah Thecla, Director of the National Sports Festival; and Dr. Oyudo Paul, a sports medicine consultant.
Olapade explained that the delegation’s purpose was to conduct a thorough assessment of key infrastructure, including security systems, medical facilities, specialised venues like wrestling gyms and table tennis halls, and the ongoing construction of a 25,000-capacity stadium.
Following this inspection, he expressed strong confidence in the state’s bid, describing Bayelsa as a peaceful, hospitable, and sleeping giant within Nigeria’s sports sector. He praised the amazing bid presentation and the intentional desire demonstrated by the state government, noting that the existing facilities were so impressive that Bayelsa could potentially host the event immediately.
In his response, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, emphasised that his administration has made substantial investments in sports infrastructure, specifically addressing the historical lack of facilities that previously hindered their hosting ambitions.
He provided updates on the stadium construction, confirming that thirty percent of the cost has been paid to the contractor, who has committed to a 2027 completion date. The governor also highlighted significant investments in security, including a comprehensive network of Closed Circuit Television cameras operating around the clock to ensure safety.
He reiterated the state’s commitment to grassroots sports development through initiatives like the Governor’s Prosperity Cup football tournament and noted that Bayelsa’s hospitable environment, evidenced by the inclusion of non-indigenes in his government, makes it an ideal host for a national event. Both officials expressed strong optimism that Bayelsa would be officially awarded the hosting rights for the 2028 festival.
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cc: Punch NG
