The Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Thursday, welcomed the leadership of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to Government House, Yenagoa, ahead of the 2025 AFN Extra-Ordinary Congress.
The AFN delegation was led by its President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, and included notable figures such as Chief Solomon Ogba, the First Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee.
The high-level visit comes as Yenagoa plays host to the 2025 edition of the AFN Extra-Ordinary Congress, a key event aimed at shaping the future of athletics in Nigeria.
In his address, Governor Diri expressed gratitude to the federation for choosing Bayelsa’s capital as the venue, reaffirming his administration’s unrelenting commitment to sports development.
“We are honored to host the Athletics Federation of Nigeria in Yenagoa. Bayelsa is home to an abundance of untapped athletic talent, and we are committed to providing world-class infrastructure to support their growth,” the governor stated.
Highlighting ongoing efforts to transform the sports landscape in the state, Governor Diri announced that construction is underway for a 25,000-seater stadium, designed to meet international standards and foster the development of athletes across the Niger Delta region.
“It’s been a steady history of progress in the sports sector, particularly in the Niger Delta. I’m proud of the leadership and achievements we’ve sustained over the years,” he added. “Welcome to Bayelsa – I trust you will enjoy the warmth and hospitality of our people.”
The AFN Congress is expected to bring together top sports administrators, coaches, and stakeholders, further cementing Bayelsa’s growing reputation as a hub for national sporting excellence.
