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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has commended President Bola Tinubu for pragmatic steps taken so far to restructure sports administration in the country.
Governor Diri gave the commendation during the 2026 Extraordinary General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Government House, Yenagoa.
Diri represented by his deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, expressed optimism that President Tinubu’s decision to change the governance structure of sports administration from a ministry to a commission structure will yield better results for the country.
His words: First of all, let me begin by commending President Bola Tinubu for changing the ministry structure to the commission structure. Those of us in sports, who have seen it before, believe that this governance structure will be closer to the people, especially the sportsmen, and bring good deliverables.
“I also want to further appreciate Mr. President for the initiative to rejuvenate the National Sports Institute. That is an institute that so many of us have benefited from. But for a long time, each time you get to the National Stadium and you see the place, you would have wanted to weep.
“But I hear that life has started coming into the Institute. So, we thank His Excellency, President Tinubu, for his efforts and practical steps he is taking to turn things around in our country.”
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He expressed satisfaction over the ongoing refurbishing of the National Stadium in Abuja and wished the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, well, noting that expectations are high from lovers of sports, especially football in Nigeria.
Governor Diri equally appreciated the NFF for choosing Bayelsa as the host for its extraordinary General Assembly and urged the participants to exhibit fairness, transparency, and integrity in all their decisions, stressing that the future of Nigerian football does not only depend on talent but also on credibility and sound governance.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development, noting that the ongoing construction of a FIFA-standard stadium at Igbogene was aimed at positioning the state as a key destination for both national and international sporting events.
The Governor further explained that when completed, the capital-intensive sports facility will inspire young talents and enable them to compete effectively at global events, stressing that Sustainable growth of football requires not only passion but also structures, facilities, and international support.
He said, “Beyond programmes and competition, we are making significant investments in infrastructure to support the long-term growth of sports generally and football in particular. At Igbogene here in Yenagoa, construction of a 30000-capacity international stadium is ongoing, and it is designed to meet FIFA and CAF standards.
“Not too long from now, we are expecting to host CAF and FIFA. That is the drive and intention of my government. This facility will not only serve as a hub for sporting excellence but also position our dear state as a key destination for national and international sporting events.”
