Bayelsa 2028 NSF Bid Gets Boost as SWAN Pledges Collaboration
Bayelsa State’s ambition to host the 2028 National Sports Festival has received a major boost following a pledge of collaboration from the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
The SWAN President, Benjamin Isaiah, gave the assurance when the Commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Hon. Daniel Igali, led him on an inspection tour of sports facilities and ongoing projects on Tuesday.
The inspection formed part of efforts to assess the level of preparation for the state’s proposed hosting of the 2028 National Sports Festival.
Isaiah visited several ongoing project sites, including the 30,000-capacity Igbogene Stadium, the 5,000-capacity stadium at Sampou, the Wrestling Gymnasium and the training football pitch behind the Government House in Yenagoa.
Speaking with journalists after the inspection, the SWAN President expressed satisfaction with the level of preparations by the Bayelsa State Government, lauding the Prosperity Administration for its investment in sporting infrastructure
Isaiah described the ongoing projects as significant developments that could have benefits beyond Bayelsa State, adding that improved sports facilities would not only enhance the state’s capacity to host major competitions but also contribute to the development of athletes and sports generally in Nigeria.
“I want to first thank the Bayelsa State Government through the Honourable Commissioner for the honour to join the celebrations of Bayelsa State at 30 years creation. It’s indeed a great privilege.”
“Yes, we’ve gone to a lot of ongoing projects and I can say Bayelsa is really doing well. They are preparing so massively and I wish them well. I want to thank His Excellency for investing so much in sports.” Isaiah said
The SWAN President further pledged the association’s collaboration with the Bayelsa State Government towards its plans to host the 2028 National Sports Festival, with a commitment to supporting efforts aimed at delivering a well-organised event.
He maintained that the association would continue to promote initiatives focused on the development of sports and sporting infrastructure across the country.
At the 30,000-capacity Igbogene Stadium project, a representative of Mutual Construction Company (MCC), Dr. Dagogo Emmanuel, said construction had entered a new phase following the completion of the piling stage.
Emmanuel expressed optimism that the project would be delivered within the agreed timeline, noting that work was progressing in line with the construction schedule.
Speaking during the inspection, Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Daniel Igali, said the Bayelsa State Government under Governor Douye Diri was giving priority attention to sports development and the completion of ongoing sporting projects.
Igali said supervision of the projects had been intensified to ensure that contractors adhere to agreed specifications and completion deadlines.
He added that the government remained committed to providing the facilities required to strengthen sports development in the state and enhance Bayelsa’s readiness for major national sporting events.
“Sports development remains a major priority of the Prosperity Administration, and the Governor is determined to ensure that these projects are completed to the required standards. We have strengthened our supervision of the ongoing projects to almost every week in ensuring that contractors keep to specifications and deliver within the agreed timelines.”
“Our goal is to provide facilities that will not only prepare Bayelsa for the 2028 National Sports Festival but also create a lasting platform for the development of sports and athletes in the state. The investment we are making today is not just for the festival; these facilities will continue to serve our athletes and contribute to the growth of sports in Bayelsa for many years to come.” Igali added.
The Commissioner was accompanied on the inspection by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports Development, Pereyi Efeke; Technical Adviser to the Governor on Sports, Sir. Braveman Wodi and other officials.
