Gov Diri Promises To Develop Sporting Skills
3 min read
by Chris MarkYENAGOA: The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has reiterated his commitment to ensure the development of sporting skills amongst Bayelsans.
Governor Diri, who was represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made this known while speaking at the end of the 1st Gov. Douye Diri National Scrabble Championship in Yenagoa, last Sunday, May 30th.
He noted that Scrabble does not only develop the mind, it also develops the capacity to think outside the box which makes the skill as important as someone having an academic certificates.
Diri revealed that part of his administration’s plan is to develop Bayelsans on various sporting skills to enable those without academic certificate to feed from it.
“So, we have to look at areas to improve Bayelsans on. We believe that if your certificate cannot earn you three square meals, your skills should be able to earn you three square meals.”
He urged participants not to be deterred from learning new things, adding that, the only time someone cannot learn anything is in death.
“We believe that there is no time you can not learn something new, the only time is when you have died. That’s why cases of those that are in the cementary are closed, they do not tell each other good morning.”
He charged the commissioners for Sports and Education to synergize in ensuring that scrabble is established as a sport in schools as advised by the President of the Nigeria Scrabble Association.
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association (BYSSA), Daniel Alabrah, thanked the governor for approving the tournament, which according to him, had helped in showcasing the state through the epoch making championship.
Alabrah, who is also the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, commended the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) for giving the state hosting right.
He noted that, with adequate motivation, scrabble has the potential to bring positive spotlight to the state. He opined that the tournament has shown that Scrabble sport has the tourism potential to showcase the beauty of Bayelsa State.
The President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), Suleiman Gora, appreciated the governor for his giant developmental stride and also for appointing one of theirs, Hon Braladei Igali as Commissioner for Sports. He is also the President, National Wrestling Federation (NWF).
Gora stated that Bayelsa state clinching third place in the last National Sports Festival was no longer a surprise, having witnessed the enthusiasm shown by the government to growing Scrabble in the state.
“I have double appreciation for the governor for appointing one of us as the Commissioner for Sports. He is also the President of the National Wrestling Federation. So you can see the giant stride the state is making. So, if you put the right person in the right place you will get good result.”
He further thanked the governor for the relative peace enjoyed by Bayelsans against contrary speculations that the state is not peaceful.
Avwenagha coasted home with a star prize of N500,000.00 and a trophy in the Master’s category, while Raji Kazeem, of Oyo state won the intermediate category.
A 16year old student, David Ikoko of Federal Government College, Odi in Bayelsa state won in the students category. Tariye Alari of Bayelsa State won in the Opens.
Tuoyo Mayuku, Priscilla Akhabue, Akpos Malafakumo won best females in different categories, while, Engr. Ojior Osikhna of Edo state won the veterans.
The event which withnessed no fewer than 300 participants, includes former national, African and World champions.
Others were; Captains of industries, Veterans and students.
