Newstap/SWAN Awards: Stakeholders laud Diri for sports development
The accolades pouring in for Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri over his administration’s remarkable transformation of sports infrastructure continue to grow. The latest commendations came from the Director General of
The accolades pouring in for Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri over his administration's remarkable transformation of sports infrastructure continue to grow. The latest commendations came from the Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu; the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade; and the Special Adviser to the President on Grassroots Sports, Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye.
The three officials praised Governor Diri for his extraordinary efforts in developing sports infrastructure across the state — efforts they say have not only helped curb youth restiveness in the oil-producing region but have also positioned Bayelsa as one of Nigeria's foremost centres of sporting excellence.
They made these remarks last Friday at the second edition of the annual Newstap/SWAN Five Star Award ceremony, where Governor Diri was honoured with the prestigious 'Best Sports Governor Award.'
Speaking separately, the officials described Diri as a trailblazer in sports development and applauded him for hosting multiple national championships as well as the ongoing construction of a 25,000-capacity Olympic stadium in the state.
They noted that the governor's recognition was well deserved, citing his administration's consistent investment in youth-focused sporting programmes.
"His award did not come as a surprise to us. This is a man who has used sports to create job opportunities for young people, reduce restiveness, and make Bayelsa a consistent top finisher at the National Sports Festival and the Niger Delta Games," they said.
"Governor Diri has, since assuming office, been sponsoring the annual Douye Diri Wrestling Championship and the Prosperity Cup. He recently approved the hosting of a 10-kilometre marathon in partnership with Nilayo Sports Limited.”
"To further motivate athletes, his government established a reward system that has driven outstanding performances at both the National Sports Festival and the Niger Delta Games.
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"His commitment to sports infrastructure was so convincing that the National Sports Commission granted Bayelsa State the hosting rights for the 2027 National Sports Festival. We are proud of his achievements and urge other governors to follow his example," they chorused.
The Newstap/SWAN Five Star Award was established to recognise individuals and organisations that have dedicated their time and resources to advancing sports in Nigeria.
Other recipients honoured alongside Governor Diri included DG/CEO of the National Institute for Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu; Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade; Grassroots Football Promoter and Philanthropist, Dr. Chief Robert Daniel Onyeani; and the Proprietor of Yacateco Boxing Promotions and Vice President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, Hon. Omolei Yakubu Imadu. The President General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, received a Special Recognition Award.
Governor Diri was represented at the ceremony by Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Daniel Igali, and the Chairman of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Committee on Sports, Hon. Barrister Tare Porri.
