Stakeholders’ Support Made Bayelsa @ 30 Celebration Memorable -Igali

The Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Champion Dr. Daniel Igali, has expressed profound appreciation to stakeholders and dignitaries who identified with the state during the grand celebration of Bayelsa at 30.

Igali described the overwhelming presence and solidarity of sports stakeholders and other personalities at the anniversary celebration as a demonstration of their strong bond and commitment to the development of Bayelsa State.

In a statement, the Commissioner thanked all those who contributed to making the 30th anniversary celebration memorable, noting that their presence added colour and significance to the milestone occasion.

Igali particularly commended the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service and President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his continued support and for identifying with Bayelsa State as though it were his own.

He also expressed appreciation to former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, and Mr. Solomon Ogba, NOC vice President and former Commisioner of sports, Delta State, for their solidarity and support during the celebration.

The Commissioner equally acknowledged the President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and members of the association for their support, noting the important role of sports stakeholders and the media in promoting the state’s achievements.

Igali said the list of individuals and organisations that supported the anniversary celebration was too numerous to mention, stressing that the state remained grateful to everyone who stood with Bayelsa at such a significant moment in its history.

He assured that Bayelsa State would continue to maintain healthy relationships with individuals and organisations outside the state that have consistently identified with its development and progress.

The Sports Commissioner further stated that the state’s doors remained open to new ideas, partnerships and innovations capable of contributing meaningfully to the growth of the sports sector.

Reflecting on Bayelsa’s 30 years of existence, Igali noted that the state had made significant progress in sports, adding that Bayelsa had grown into a competitive force capable of challenging other states for top honours at national competitions.

He attributed part of the progress recorded in sports to the commitment of the Prosperity Government under Governor Douye Diri, which, he said, had continued to prioritise sports development through various initiatives aimed at improving the lives and future prospects of young people.

Igali added that the display of Bayelsa’s rich cultural heritage during the 30th anniversary celebration offered a glimpse of what the nation should expect when the state hosts the 2028 National Sports Festival, expressing confidence that Bayelsa’s best days in sports were still ahead.