From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
Director of Sports Bayelsa State Sports Council, Bibowei Lambert, has said the continued support of Governor Douye Diri remains crucial to the state’s ability to compete favourably with other states in the sports industry.
Bibowei Lambert made the observation while interacting with newsmen in Calabar, Cross River State, as Bayelsa continues its campaign at the South-South zonal elimination of the maiden National Intermediate Games.
The Director of Sports said the state’s participation and qualification of its teams for the national competition would not have been possible without the commitment and support of the Bayelsa State Government under Governor Diri.
He commended the governor for what he described as the intentional sponsorship and development of sports, noting that sustained investment was essential to discovering talents and providing athletes with the opportunities to compete at the highest level.
According to Bibowei, Bayelsa’s ability to compete favourably with other states in the South-South zone is a reflection of the steady growth and development of sports in the state.
He noted that sports remains deeply rooted across the South-South region, making the zone highly competitive and providing athletes with an important platform to test their abilities against some of the best talents from neighbouring states.
“Without the support of Governor Douye Diri, it would be very difficult for Bayelsa State to compete favourably with its peers in the sporting arena. The governor’s intentional investment in sports has continued to provide the needed platform for our athletes and teams to compete at different levels,”
“What we are witnessing today is a gradual but consistent growth of sports in Bayelsa State, and the support from the government has been a major factor. As you know sports is very competitive across the South-South, but Bayelsa is beginning to hold its own because of the deliberate attention being given to sports development by the Governor and his deputy Dr Peter Akpe and also the Commissioner who is a champion and knows what it takes for these young ones to be champions.” Bibowei expressed.
Bibowei Lambert lauded the quality of competition at the zonal elimination, adding participating states have lived up to expectations through their performances and commitment to the various sporting events.
He described the contests as a healthy rivalry among the states, stressing that the competitive atmosphere would ultimately contribute to the development of grassroots sports and the discovery of athletes capable of representing Nigeria in the future
Bibowei further expressed satisfaction with the conduct of athletes, officials, and other participants so far in the elimination, saying their discipline and sportsmanship have contributed to the success recorded in the zonal exercise so far.
“The level of competition here has been impressive, and every state has lived up to expectations. It is a healthy rivalry that will benefit the athletes and the development of sports in the region. I am also pleased with the conduct of the athletes and officials so far. The elimination has been conducted in a very positive atmosphere.” he said.
The Bayelsa Sports Director also thanked the Cross River State Government and the organisers for providing a conducive environment for the competition
Describing Cross River as a good host, where Bayelsa contingent have enjoyed relative peace and a positive atmosphere as they continue their quest to qualify more teams for the maiden National Intermediate Games in Lagos.
