Bayelsa Set to Host 2028 National Sports Festival
Bayelsa State athletes received a hero’s welcome and generous cash rewards from Governor Douye Diri for their impressive performance at the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Although officially placed third, Governor Diri believes Team Bayelsa rightfully earned second place, citing irregularities in the final medal count.
During a ceremony at the Executive Council Chambers in Yenagoa, the Governor praised the team for representing the state with pride, declaring that sports now serve as a key avenue for youth empowerment in Bayelsa.
“I do not believe you came third—I believe you finished second,” Governor Diri said, noting that medal rankings shifted suspiciously in the final hours of the games.
Bayelsa’s 2028 Hosting Ambition
Governor Diri reaffirmed the state’s determination to host the 2028 National Sports Festival, highlighting the ongoing construction of a 25,000-seat stadium in Igbogene as a flagship project. He urged all relevant ministries to ensure timely completion in preparation for the event.
Breakdown of Cash Rewards
| Recipient Category | Reward Amount (₦) |
|---|---|
| Individual Gold Medalist | 1,000,000 |
| Team Gold Medalist | 700,000 |
| Individual Silver Medalist | 500,000 |
| Team Silver Medalist | 350,000 |
| Individual Bronze Medalist | 300,000 |
| Team Bronze Medalist | 200,000 |
| Gold Medal Officials | 1,000,000 |
| Gold Medal Technical Officials | 700,000 |
| Silver Medal Team Officials | 500,000 |
| Silver Medal Technical Officials | 400,000 |
| Bronze Medal Team Officials | 200,000 |
| Ministry of Sports & Sports Council | 1,500,000 |
| LOC Members | 1,000,000 |
| Festival Secretariat Officials | 700,000 |
| Essential Staff | 300,000 |
| Support Staff | 200,000 |
Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, expressed that the final medal tally did not reflect Bayelsa’s true performance, while Sir Braveman Wodi, Director of Sports, thanked the Governor for his steadfast commitment to sports development.
