In a vibrant celebration of sports excellence, stakeholders from across the nation converged in Yenagoa to inaugurate the “Coastal Fortress,” a world-class, ultra-modern table tennis facility built by Ama-Ebi Ebikpolade Stow, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association. This state-of-the-art complex, designed to equip athletes with top-notch training resources, marks a significant leap in nurturing local talents.
At the inauguration, Governor Douye Diri—accompanied by Deputy Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and other dignitaries—praised Mr. Stow for his visionary investment, declaring that he has etched his name in gold by reducing the burden on the government and setting a stellar example for others. The governor underscored that robust sports development, a key pillar of his administration’s “Assured” Prosperity programme, not only empowers youth by providing livelihood opportunities but also steers them away from crime.
Highlighting recent successes, Governor Diri pointed to Team Nigeria’s impressive performance at the African Senior Wrestling Championship in Casablanca as evidence of the transformative power of investing in sports. He emphasized that initiatives like these pave the way for unity, discipline, and self-reliance among the state’s youth.
In his address, Governor Diri urged affluent Bayelsans to emulate Mr. Stow’s commitment to sports development, noting that private investment remains crucial in elevating Bayelsa to a national sports powerhouse. Additionally, he announced the appointment of the South-South representative of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation as his Technical Adviser, a move aimed at inspiring future generations through exemplary leadership.
Dignitaries including Commissioner Dr. Daniel Igali and Director General of the National Sports Commission Hon Bukola Olapade, among others, echoed the governor’s sentiments, lauding the event as a testament to Bayelsa’s burgeoning legacy in the sports industry. The ceremony’s high point was the unveiling of foreign coach Luciano Esposito from Italy, alongside the introduction of the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Team, set to compete at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta.
This momentous occasion not only celebrates the strategic strides in sports development but also sets a clarion call for private leaders to invest in the future of Bayelsa’s athletes.
