From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Governor Diri has inaugurated an ultra-modern table tennis facility built by the chairman of the state table tennis association, Mr. Amaebi Stow.
He described the facility located along Oxbow Lake axis of Yenagoa as the first of its kind in the country.
Senator Diri commended Stow for the laudable gesture, which he said aligned with his administration’s vision for sports development.
He restated his call to corporate organisations, particularly the oil firms operating in the state, and other public-spirited Bayelsans to take a cue from Stow and partner the state government to develop the youths.
His words: “This young man has made a strong statement about his passion for sports development by giving back to his state. He has demonstrated that he is indeed a sportsman and a Bayelsan.
“Let me call on other Bayelsans to borrow a leaf from Stow. There are other Bayelsans who are far richer than him. Let them also give back to the state, either in sports, education, or health, as the government alone cannot do everything.”
The governor, who described sports as a money spinner, urged youths to take advantage of the facility known as The Fortress to hone their talent, stressing that facilities were critical to developing athletes.
According to him, Bayelsa has not been able to host the National Sports Festival because of inadequate facilities, which he said informed his government’s decision to build a world-class stadium.
Chairman of the occasion and Senator representing Bayelsa East, Chief Benson Agadaga, enjoined youths to fully utilise the facility to win laurels for the state at the National Sports Festival in Ogun State from this weekend.
Also, Director General of the National Sports Commission, Mr. Bukola Olopade, represented by his Special Assistant, Ebidouwei Oweifie, described The Fortress as a foundation for the future and a symbol of progress for table tennis in Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Sports, Dr. Daniel Igali, noted that facilities were crucial to sports development and that if The Fortress was put to proper use, it would produce champions for the state and country.
In his address, Stow, who is also South-South zonal representative of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, said the facility was equipped with two restaurants, two spacious lounges, changing rooms, three shower rooms, among other amenities.
Meanwhile, Diri, has announced cash gifts for wrestlers from the state in the Nigerian team to the recent Under-20 African championship in Morocco.
The governor, who received the young wrestlers on Wednesday inside the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa, rewarded gold medalists with N2 million, N1 million for silver medalist and N700,000 for the bronze winner while the coach of the female team, Oyeins Tangi, got N2.5 million.
According to Diri, by their achievements, they made both Bayelsa and Nigeria proud, and urged them not to rest on their laurels but to strive for more success.