By Daily Sports Nigeria on August 21, 2025

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has pledged that his administration will be ready to host the 2028 National Sports Festival, expressing commitment to completing all necessary projects to ensure a hitch-free event.

Governor Diri made this commitment on Tuesday at Government House, Yenagoa, during a courtesy visit from a National Sports Commission team led by Director General Bukola Olopade.

The governor stated that Bayelsa has come of age to host the festival, given the huge investment of his administration in sports infrastructure.

He noted that sporting facilities had previously hindered Bayelsa from hosting the NSF, but said this was being addressed through the construction of a 25,000-capacity stadium, which can be expanded to 35,000.

“We are very prepared to host the National Sports Festival. The only issue we had was the facility, 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.

NSC Director General Bukola Olopade explained that the team’s visit was to inspect facilities before announcing the 2028 sports festival host.

Facilities inspected included security infrastructure, medical facilities, wrestling gyms, table tennis halls, and the ongoing ultramodern stadium construction.

“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 sports festival. Bayelsa is a sleeping giant in sports. The facilities on the ground are amazing. Bayelsa is even ready to host the event today more than the next host.”

Diri also highlighted his administration’s investment in security, having procured Closed Circuit Television cameras that monitor the state 24 hours a day and have reasonably reduced crime.

“Today is historic in the sporting history of Bayelsa State. We have been participating in national sports festivals,” the governor said, expressing optimism that Bayelsa would be announced as the festival host.

“As a former Commissioner for Sports, I am happy that we have made a bid that is acceptable to the NSC. Our state is peaceful, and we are a very hospitable people. We love visitors.”

Sports Development Commissioner Daniel Igali commended the state government for the value placed on sports development and the NSC delegation’s professionalism in inspecting proposed projects.

Source Punch Ng

Posted August 21, 2025

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