GOVERNMENT TO INSTITUTIONALISE BAYELSA STATE ANNUAL SPORTS FESTIVAL

TRACKING______The Bayelsa state government and its eight local government areas have agreed to institutionalize state-owned Sports Festival yearly.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Baraladei Daniel Igali made this known after a meeting with the eight local government councils Chairmen on Thursday, September 17, 2020 in his office, State Secretariat, Annex 3, Yenagoa.

Hon. Daniel-Igali noted that socio-political factors have disunited the state, adding that, organizing inter-communal and the sports festival would help bring unity, peace and progress in the state.

He explained that the chairmen are critical stakeholders who can contribute immensely to the progress of the sports, pointing out that, the meeting with the chairmen was to ensure the success of the proposed sports festival as well as actualize the visions of the ministry.

The Commissioner further disclosed that plans have reached advanced stage for the reinvigoration of inter-communal sports competition with a view to positively engaging youths in profitable sporting events and foster peaceful coexistence in society.

He also added that the planed institutionalization of annual sports event would propel talented youth to participate at the national and international levels of sporting events, stressing that the Asoama Sports Academy would be the breeding ground for future sports champions.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria, (ALGON), Bayelsa State Chapter, and Chairman, Southern Ijaw Local Government Council, Hon. Kia Nigeria, said that the LGAS would continue to collaborate with the Ministry for the good of all in their various LGAs.

Hon. Kia who described the meeting as timely, called on well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies to key into the vision of the Youth and Sports Development Commissioner to actualise the prosperity agenda in the area of sports.

According to Hon. Kia, the local Government council Chairmen were willing to support the lofty ideals of the state government whenever they are called upon to contribute their quota.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Ogbia Local Government area, Mr. Ebinyo Turner had expressed confidence in the Commissioner to salvage the regrettable situation of sports in the State, adding that, the chairmen would collaborate with the ministry to bring back the lost glory of Sports.

He noted that the festival when instituted would enable young Bayelsans actualize their hidden talents that could be exported at the national and international levels.

Also present at the meeting were: the Chairmen, Nembe LGA, Hon. Alalibo West, Ekeremor LGA, Hon. Perekiye Bertola, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Chief Dengiye Ubarugu, Yenagoa LGA, Hon. Uroupaye Nimizuoa, the Permanent Secretary of Youth Development, Mrs. Ruth Etebu, amongst others.