…As Bayelsa State Celebrates Olympic Day
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri says his administration will continue to accord priority to the development of the youths in the State through sports.
Governor Diri gave the assurance at the 2026 Olympic Day celebration in Yenagoa, as Bayelsa joined the rest of the world to celebrate the Olympic Day movement.
The Olympic Day walk, which started at the Ekeki Park in Yenagoa had two take-off points with both points terminating at the Samson Siasia Stadium, coupled with demonstration of different sports and presentation of certificates to various participants.
Governor Diri who was represented by the Head of Service of Bayelsa State, Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, said it was a thing of joy to join the rest of the world to celebrate the Olympic Day which reflects the core values of Olympism, pointing out that this year’s theme “We Move” represents the Olympic Day movement.
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He noted that sports remained a powerful vehicle for youth development, healthy living, unity of the nation as well as combating youth restiveness in the State, maintaining that the Olympic Day was more than a celebration.
According to him, sports development remains one of the cardinal objectives of his administration and that is why he is embarking on the construction of a 30,000-seater stadium at Igbogene, 5,000-seater stadium at Sampou in Kolokuma/Opukuma Local Government Area as well as the training pitch at the Government House, Onopa to reduce the burden on the Samson Siasia Stadium.
He explained that recent reforms in Bayelsa United were not intended to witch-hunt anybody but to ensure that the club is repositioned to return to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL by the end of the 2026/27 season.
”As a government, we believe that sports is a powerful tool for development, health, and unity, and Olympic Day is more than just a celebration. It is a call to action for every citizen to embrace an active lifestyle and to believe that with dedication, any goal is possible to achieve” Governor Diri stated.
”To our young athletes, the world stage starts right here. Train hard, compete with integrity, and carry the name of Bayelsa State and Nigeria with pride. We are committed to providing the facilities, the support, and opportunities you need to excel in Bayelsa State and beyond”.
Earlier in an address, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Chief Daniel Igali represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Pereyi Efeke, re-emphasised the importance of the Olympics as a festival that promotes a peaceful and better world for all.
President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, represented by Peace Epia, in a remark said the Olympic Spirit encourages a collective aspiration for victory among teams and individuals, stressing that the day signifies the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.
Also, the Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Mr. Bibowei Lambert, asserted that the 2026 Olympic Day celebration, which is a global event, has continued to reverberate through the world as the Olympic spirit encourages love, participation, competition and strong bonds among individuals and countries.
He maintained that this year’s edition was apt because it is a sports festival year and that the State is fully prepared for the 2026 National Sports Festival in Enugu State, stressing that the second edition of the State Sports Festival was underway.
“The beauty of sports is that it inspires the world to move and it brings us all together as a community, no matter where we are or how we choose to move.” Lambert asserted.
Technical Adviser to the Governor on Sports Development, Sir. Braveman Wodi, hinted that the theme of this year’s Olympic Day “Let’s Move” was designed to combat the rising rate of inactivity in the country.
