The Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association (BYSTTA), under the visionary leadership of Mr. Ama-ebi W. Ebikpolade and his dedicated Vice Chairman, Chief Ranami Igrubia, has once again proven its strength and commitment to excellence in grassroots and elite sports development. The association’s impressive showing at the Niger Delta Sports Festival 2025, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, speaks volumes about the remarkable strides made in recent years.
At the heart of BYSTTA’s success story is Kemela Udoh, a junior player whose transformation from a promising child into a champion is a testament to the Association’s dedication to nurturing talent. Adopted in 2019, Kemela has blossomed into a world-class athlete, and his Gold Medal victory in the Men’s Singles Table Tennis Category (one of the most prestigious titles of the festival) cements his status as a rising star in the sport. His victory reflects not only his personal determination but also the depth and talent fostered by BYSTTA.
In addition to Kemela’s success, the BYSTTA team achieved outstanding results across several categories. Despite the absence of key players such as Samuel Boboye and Matthew John, the Bayelsa team held their ground and delivered exceptional performances.
Kemela Udoh and Oweifa Solanke showcased incredible teamwork to clinch the Gold medal in the Men’s Doubles Event. Similarly, the duo of Rejoice Harold and Faith Tukuru put up a stellar performance, securing the Silver Medal in the highly-competitive Women’s Doubles Event. These results demonstrate the wealth of talent emerging from Bayelsa, a testament to the concerted efforts made in identifying and nurturing these young athletes.
A crucial factor in BYSTTA’s success has been its investment in professional development for its coaches. Coaches Abadi Azibalua and Ardebayour Oladimeji were sent by BYSTTA to the prestigious National Institute for Sports (NIS) for a comprehensive training and certification program. Their invaluable input, knowledge, and professional guidance from this program have had a significant impact on the team’s performance. The strategies, techniques, and insights they brought back have undoubtedly contributed to the exceptional successes that BYSTTA has enjoyed at the ongoing Festival.
In alignment with BYSTTA’s commitment to holistic youth development, Kemela Udoh, alongside four other BYSTTA athletes, has been granted admission to Niger Delta University (NDU), where he will pursue his first degree. This initiative, in partnership with the university, reflects BYSTTA’s core belief that sports and education go hand in hand in shaping well-rounded, responsible leaders for society.
BYSTTA is also deeply grateful to those whose support made the Niger Delta Sports Festival possible. The association appreciates His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, for his continued dedication to youth and sports development in Bayelsa; the Honourable commissioner for sports Development, Hon. Champion Daniel Igali, for his ever-growing support for table tennis and for leading the team to the festival; the director of sports, Sir Braveman Wodi, for his fatherly love & for being present at the Singles finals to support Kemela and the Bayelsa Team; the NDDC; and the Donamis Consultants (Niger Delta Sports Festival Management), for their exemplary organization of the festival, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and professionally.
The Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association (BYSTTA) has once again demonstrated its ability to produce top-tier athletes and foster talent that can compete at the highest levels. With achievements like these, BYSTTA is undoubtedly on the path to becoming a beacon of sports excellence and youth empowerment in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria.
The future is bright, and with continued support, commitment, and focus, Bayelsa’s athletes will continue to soar.
