Bayelsa starts early preparations for National Sports Festival in Ogun, targets first position

The Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Dr. Daniel Igali has stated with great intent the ambition of Bayelsa State at the next National Sports Festival tagged Ogun 2024.

Daniel Igali who made the statement on Thursday during an indoor meeting with the state’ Association chairmen, coaches, organizing Secretaries, and Management staff, said the target of Governor Douye Diri at the Nigerian version of the Olympic Games is first position.

Recall, in Edo 2020 and Delta 2022 National Sports Festival, Bayelsa State finished 3rd and 2nd positions, respectively.

Daniel Igali, in his remarks, appreciated everyone in the ministry for their commitment, which has made it possible for the state to attain these enviable heights both nationally and globally.

However, Igali noted that the desire of the state governor is for Bayelsa to clinch the number one spot.

“This meeting is on the need for us to prepare adequately for the National Sports Festival coming up in Ogun state early next year. As you know, Bayelsa State has attained 2nd and 3rd, and there’s only one place left, which is to do better than 2nd.”

“His Excellency Senator Douye Diri expects nothing less than to better our previous records and it is only with proper planning we would be able to do that, so the meeting was to interact and acquaint everyone of this objective.” Igali noted.

The Director of Sports Bayelsa Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, also spoke on the need for early preparations, hence the move by the Honourable commissioner to meet with critical persons in the council on projections and feasibilities

“You will agree with me that we came from 3rd to 2nd in the last two national festivals, and now first is naturally what you should target, and that’s what we are going for.”

“The template is right because we have gotten maximum support from the Sports loving Governor Douye Diri and his deputy Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and of course the meeting with the Honourable commissioner sends a clear message that we are trying to fine-tune our common purpose.” Braveman said.

The chairman of Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association, Ama-Ebi Stow whom among other Chairmen said the association is ready to take the National Festival by storm while highlighting the giant-strides it has recorded in both national and international events.