Bayelsa @ 30: Assembly Clashes With State Executive

By Promise Okotoko

The Bayelsa State House of Assembly will take on members of the State Executive Council in a novelty football match as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State.

The friendly encounter will bring together serving and former members of the State Assembly and the State Executive Council who have served the state between 1996 and 2026.

The much-anticipated match is scheduled for Monday, September 28, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The novelty match is expected to promote camaraderie, unity and stronger relationships between the legislative and executive arms of government, while providing an opportunity for former and serving public officials to reconnect through sports.

The two arms of government have, in the past, engaged in similar sporting contests as part of efforts to strengthen cordial relations, promote teamwork and foster a shared commitment to good governance.

The day’s activities will commence at 2:00 p.m. with an Ogele Procession from the Bayelsa State Government House to the Samson Siasia Stadium, where the anniversary sporting activities will take place.

At the stadium, sports legends from different generations are expected to participate in a lap around the pitch, followed by a symbolic torch-passing ceremony representing the connection between generations and the continuity of sporting excellence in the state.

Meanwhile, Bayelsa State and neighbouring Delta State will renew their sporting rivalry in a special wrestling contest, with elite wrestlers from both states expected to go head-to-head as part of the anniversary celebrations.

The Bayelsa State Government, through the Sports Sub-committee, has called on residents, sports enthusiasts and members of the public to turn out in large numbers at the Samson Siasia Stadium to celebrate the state’s 30th anniversary through sports, unity and friendship.