…As Bayelsa Enthusiastically Marks 2025 Olympic Day Run
Bayelsa State joined the global sporting community in celebrating the 2025 Olympic Day with a vibrant event in Yenagoa, where Governor Douye Diri once again reaffirmed his administration’s deep commitment to sports development across the state.
Represented by his Technical Adviser on Sports, Mr. Alaowei Opukeme, Governor Diri emphasized that the Prosperity Administration remains resolute in its goal to elevate Bayelsa’s status among Nigeria’s leading sporting states. He noted that recent sporting triumphs are living proof of the administration’s strategic investments in youth empowerment through athletics.
Describing sports as a powerful vehicle for youth transformation, the governor hailed the Olympic Day Run as a symbolic celebration of unity, wellness, and cultural diversity—core values that align with Bayelsa’s identity and aspirations.
Highlighting this year’s theme, “Move, Learn, Discover—Together for a Better World,” the governor urged citizens not just to observe but to actively participate in shaping a healthier, more connected society through sports.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel—represented by Mrs. Emem Edem—praised sports as a force that sharpens both body and mind, fostering health and harmony across communities regardless of faith or ethnicity.
Welcoming guests, the Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, underscored the essence of the celebration: encouraging fitness, fun, and mental wellness through non-competitive activities like jogging and walking. He expressed delight at the impressive turnout, which he said captured the spirit and significance of Olympic Day.
Sir Wodi also extended heartfelt appreciation to the state’s athletes, coaches, and officials for their unwavering dedication during the recent National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, applauding their collective effort in championing Governor Diri’s sporting vision.
The Olympic Day celebration culminated in energetic demonstrations from various sporting disciplines and a spirited walk from Ekeki Park to the iconic Samson Siasia Stadium, symbolizing Bayelsa’s steady stride toward a future built on fitness, unity, and sporting excellence.
