Sports
Bayelsa to Host National Sports Festival In 2028. ***Begins Site Clearing for Construction of 25,000-Capacity Stadium in Yenagoa***
By David Owei,Bayelsa
Bayelsa State Government says it will bid for the hosting of the National Sports Festival in 2028 when the new stadium sited at Igbogene in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state is completed by the government.
Commissioner for sports development, Dr. Daniel Igali gave the hint during a visit to the site to ascertain the level of work done by the contractor in charge of the clearing of the site.
He noted that the new stadium would occupy about forty hectares of land with a sitting capacity of 25,000, and stated that he was pleased with the level of work done by the contractor within a short period of time.
According to him, the construction of the 25,000-sitting capacity stadium is expected to be completed within twenty four months, explaining that the contractor for the project would be unveiled next week after the bidding from five companies who already showed interest.
The commissioner hinted that the government is going through the bidding documents of the various contractors before the job would be awarded and made public.
Dr. Igali explained that the stadium would be a multi-purpose stadium that would have two training pitches, swimming pool, diving pool, Basketball court, volleyball court, tennis court , table tennis hall with about eight different hall that would house other sports.
The Olympian asserted that the essence of constructing the world-class stadium was to ensure that Bayelsa adequately host the 2028 National Sports Festival, pointing out that the stadium would be the most modern stadium in the country with Video Assistant Referee (VAR) facilities.
On the choice of Igbogene for the stadium, Dr Igali explained that the land that was previously earmarked for the construction of the stadium has eighteen hectares of land while Igbogene site has double that space that can accommodate all the facilities that are needed in a modern stadium.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports Development, Mrs. Grace Alagoa, appreciated the governor Senator Douye Diri for ensuring that the youths earn a living through sports.
Also, Director of Sports, Sir Braveman Wodi, opined that the construction of the new stadium would help the athletes to realize their potential and as well consolidate on the achievement made in the sports sector in the last five years describing it as laudable.
The contractor in charge of clearing the site Mr. Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow, CEO Ama-ebi Consultants Ltd, said 60% of the 25 hectares awarded to his company have been completed in less than eight days and that the remaining part of the clearing would be completed within one week.
Sports
Mr. Kiloshele (NAUS Presidential Candidate)* Engages *NAUS FCT,* *NANS FCT* and *YSCN* Leadership; Receives Strong Grassroots Support
By David Owei,Bayelsa
*The Kiloshele Campaign Organisation (KCO)* recorded a significant milestone as its principal, *Mr. Kiloshele* held a strategic engagement with key student leaders in the *Federal Capital Territory (FCT)* including representatives of *NAUS FCT,* *NANS FCT* and *YSCN* leadership.
The meeting, which took place at the *University of Abuja at noon on Monday, 13th April 2026*, highlighted ongoing efforts toward political alignment and coalition-building within the Nigerian student movement.
In a show of solidarity and institutional cooperation, the *NANS FCT JCC* Chairman formally received the NAUS presidential aspirant, reaffirming the importance of synergy between NANS and allied student bodies as vital stakeholders in advancing the collective interests of Nigerian students.
*The NAUS CMC* Chairperson, while apologizing for her late arrival, emphasized the importance of the engagement and commended the coordination among leaders, describing it as a reflection of respect, unity and political maturity.
A member of the *KCO* team presented *Mr. Kiloshele’s* candidacy, highlighting his impressive track record in student leadership, grassroots mobilization and consistent involvement in student advocacy. In his address, *Mr. Kiloshele* described himself as a tested and resilient leader, reiterating his sacrifices and long-standing commitment to the student movement, including his advocacy for the restoration of *Student Union Government structures.*
Anchored on the theme “*CAMPUS R.E.S.C.U.E Agenda*,” Mr. Kiloshele unveiled a reform-driven vision aimed at repositioning *NAUS* as a proactive, solution-oriented body. His agenda includes the establishment of an academic support e-commerce platform for students, the revival of the *National Entrepreneurship Training and Capacity Building (NETCAB)* initiative and the expansion of student economic empowerment opportunities. He also aligned his vision with national development efforts by acknowledging the Federal Government’s *NELFUND* initiative.
During the interactive session, stakeholders raised critical issues affecting students, including campus security, financial protection and effective institutional engagement. In response, *Mr. Kiloshele* proposed a decentralized campus security framework (Campus Policing), enhanced student sensitization programs and a results-driven engagement model with government and university authorities, anchored on experience, competence and strategic partnerships.
Participants further emphasized the need for inclusivity, loyalty to and equitable political representation, particularly within the FCT bloc. In response, Mr. Kiloshele assured stakeholders of an inclusive and broad-based administration, pledging to integrate all institutions into his political structure through the creation of a functional media architecture, security committees and strategic appointments.
The engagement concluded on a note of unity and optimism, as stakeholders expressed confidence in *Mr. Kiloshele’s* capacity to unify, reform and reposition *NAUS*. The meeting further strengthened political relationships and set the stage for sustained collaboration ahead of the forthcoming *NAUS* leadership process
Sports
Ruthless Okoroma United Wins Nembe LGA Final….As lawmaker LGA Boss,Splash cash on Team
By David Owei,Bayelsa
Okoroma United of Okoroma have emerged champions of Nembe Local Government Area in Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, christened the Prosperity Cup.
Okoroma United walloped Fantuo FC of Fantuo by six goals to nil in the Nembe LGA final to emerge as champions in an encounter decided at the Nembe City Stadium, Nembe on Sunday.
The Nembe City centre winners wasted no time before stamping their authority in the game when Itaribo Opubo opened the flood gate of goals for his Okoroma-based side just six minutes into the game, after several misses from his side.
Noble Erasmus headed the second goal for his team on 33 minutes of the game. Itaribo Opubo again, scored two quick goals to put the game beyond their opponents’ reach to make it 4-0, with his third goal being applauded by the fans present at the Nembe City stadium.
Noble Erasmus added in his second goal for Okoroma United to make it 5-0 as talisman, Itaribo Opubo scored his fourth goal of the game to completely annihilate the helpless and hapless Fantuo FC.
Matters got worse for the Fantuo side when their keeper was given a straight red card for handling the ball outside the box.
The winners of the Nembe LGA finals, Okoroma United will smile to the bank with the sum of ₦1,000,000, runners-up Fantuo FC went home with ₦500,000.
In a remark, the Member representing Nembe Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. George Braah, said he was pleased with the performance of both teams, pointing out that the performance speaks volume of the avalanche of talents in the LGA and indeed the entire State.
According to him, the tournament, over the years, has become a veritable platform for young players in the State to showcase their potentials particularly in football.
He pledged the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦500,000) to the winners, Okoroma United while the runners-up, Fantuo FC received three hundred thousand naira ₦300,000.
Chairman of Nembe Local Government Area, Chief David Alagoa, represented by the Political Secretary of the council, Hon. Ambrose Tari, appreciated the organizers of the tournament for the laudable initiative, stating that he was elated with the growth of the competition.
The council boss announced a cash reward of one million naira (₦1,000,000) to champions, Okoroma United and five hundred thousand naira (₦500,000) to the runners-up, Fantuo FC.
Chief Alagoa also pledged that the Council will take full responsibility of both teams for the rest of the competition.
An elated Okoroma United Coach, Ebinimi Festus, in his post-match reaction praised his boys for the show of determination throughout the encounter, maintaining that their attention has moved to the Round 32 slated for later this month.
Also, Fantuo FC coach, Omoh Alex bemoaned his side’s lack of proper training before the encounter that they will improve as the tournament progresses.
The Prosperity Cup train will move to Ogbia LGA on Monday, 13th April, 2026 as enterprising Movers FC of Otuasega battle Edi 1 FC of Ayakoro by 1.00pm at the Imiringi Township Stadium.
Sports
Igali Gets Commonwealth Games Ambassadorial Role*
By David Owei,Bayelsa
The Commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Honourable Daniel Igali, has been unveiled as one of Nigeria’s ambassadors for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Olympic and world champion alongside Bayelsa’s finest Blessing Oborodudu, as well as other stakeholders like, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Mallam Saleh Ahmadu, Dr Amos Adamu, Chief Patrick Ekeji, Alhassan Yakmut, and Gbenga Elegbeleye highlighted a blend of technical expertise and athlete representation in a deliberate effort to foster inclusivity, credibility, and performance-driven preparation.
The initiative remains a powerful tool for national unity, youth engagement, and international visibility.
Also, the importance of coordinated stakeholder involvement in ensuring that Team Nigeria is adequately prepared to compete at the highest level.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 2 August 2026,
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