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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Government has renewed its commitment to reposition the Asoama Sports Academy as a strategic hub for grassroots sports development, talent discovery, and sports education in Nigeria.
This renewed focus followed an unscheduled inspection visit by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon Daniel Igali, alongside the Commissioner for Education, Hon Gentle Emelah, to assess ongoing upgrades at the institution.
While commending the significant academic renovations already completed, Igali emphasised the urgent need to prioritise sporting infrastructure — particularly the rehabilitation of the academy’s rare multi-purpose sports hall, football pitch and training pitch, tartan tracks, swimming pool, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, as well as the provision of modern equipment for over 18 Olympic sports hosted at the academy.
He also commended the Bayelsa State Governor for his deliberate investment in the academy, noting that it remains the only viable state-owned sports academy of its kind in Nigeria, which will play a crucial role in preparations for the 2028 National Sports Festival, to be hosted by Bayelsa State.
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Igali expressed confidence that, with the Governor’s continued support, the academy could host at least two festival events once ongoing renovations and facility upgrades are completed.
According to Igali, the academy’s vision goes beyond being a secondary school with sports emphasis, noting that there are plans to transform it into a middle-level manpower development centre, offering diploma certifications in areas such as sports science, coaching, sports marketing, and sports administration — a move expected to strengthen sports governance and technical expertise across the South-South and Eastern regions.
Commissioner for Education, Hon. Gentle Emelah, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nurturing young talents through a balanced integration of academics and sports, while emphasising merit-based admissions to ensure genuine student-athletes benefit from the institution.
The Principal of the Academy, Mr. Okpako Dickson, described the government’s renewed attention as timely and transformative, expressing optimism that improved sporting facilities and equipment will significantly enhance athlete development.
The visitation team reiterated that revitalising Asoama Sports Academy remains central to Bayelsa’s long-term sports development vision and its ambition to produce future national and global sporting champions.
