Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has expressed confidence that the state will be ready to host the 2028 National Sports Festival, assuring that all required facilities will be completed to ensure a successful event.
Diri gave the assurance on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Government House, Yenagoa, by a delegation from the National Sports Commission led by its Director General Bukola Olopade.
The governor said Bayelsa had invested heavily in sports infrastructure, including the construction of a new 25,000 capacity stadium which can be expanded to 35,000. He explained that the project had already received 30 per cent payment and that contractors were working round the clock to deliver it on schedule.
“We are very prepared to host the National Sports Festival. The only issue we had was facilities but we are addressing it. The stadium is a 25,000 capacity stadium and is expandable to 35,000. We have paid the contractor 30 per cent and he is working day and night and has assured us,” Diri said.
Olopade stated that the team’s visit was part of the process of inspecting facilities before announcing the 2028 host. He described Bayelsa as a sleeping giant in Nigerian sports and praised the state for presenting what he called an impressive and intentional bid.
“Bayelsa State presented an amazing bid for the 2028 sports festival. I was happy to know that there is an intentional desire by Bayelsa to host the festival. The facilities on the ground are amazing. Bayelsa is even ready to host the event today more than the next host,” Olopade said.
The commission’s inspection covered security and medical facilities, wrestling gyms, table tennis halls and the ongoing ultramodern stadium project.
Diri also highlighted his administration’s investment in security, noting the installation of Closed Circuit Television cameras across the state which he said had significantly reduced crime.
He described the day as historic for Bayelsa sports, stressing that the state is peaceful, hospitable and passionate about hosting the festival.
“As a former Commissioner for Sports, I am happy that we have made a bid that is acceptable to the National Sports Commission. Our state is peaceful and we are a very hospitable people. We love visitors,” the governor added.
Bayelsa Sports Development Commissioner Daniel Igali commended the state government for its commitment to sports and praised the professionalism of the NSC delegation in carrying out its inspection.
