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New Champion Emerges in Gov Diri National Scrabble Championship. …Gov Diri Reaffirms Administration’s Commitment to Hosting 2028 National Sports Festival

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Adebola Samuel smiling to the bank with the trophy and star prize of One Million Naira (N1,000,000).

 

By David Owei
Adebola Samuel of Ogun State has emerged winner of the Masters category in the 5th Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Championship in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The two-day tournament, which featured over 300 players in five categories, including Masters, Intermediate, Opens, Veterans and Students, witnessed Adebola Samuel smiling to the bank with the trophy and star prize of One Million Naira (N1,000,000).

Samuel joins Avwenagha Oshevire of Delta, Nsikak Etim of Akwa Ibom and Enoch Nwali of Ebonyi State as winners of the annual fiesta.

Samuel won the Masters category with a cumulative of +856, Jimoh Abdulmumini came second with +672 cumulative while Chuks Nwaeze finished third with +354 cumulative.

Dorcas Innocent of Bayelsa was crowned winner of the Opens category, dethroning Theophilus Nimibo in the category. Former national champion, Doku Esan took home the Veteran’s title while Edowor Bobor emerged champions in the Intermediate category to overthrow Doubara Enai.

Pereowei Edidie of the Federal Government College, Odi retained the Students category title with a cumulative of +2060 while August Shannon came second with +1748 cumulative.

Declaring the championship closed, Governor Douye Diri commended the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association for consistently hosting the championship in the last five years which has become one of Nigeria’s premier intellectual sporting event.

Governor Diri, who was represented by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali, noted that the performance of the players has shown that sports is not just about physical contest but also an avenue for discipline and national unity.

He remarked that there is a deliberate effort by his administration to make Bayelsa the hub of sports in Nigeria, stating that the state’s triumph in the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and the performance of Bayelsa in the last three editions of the National Sports Festival was indicative of the state government’s investment in sports.

According to him, Bayelsa is not a one-sport state but multi-dimensional, adding that the state won medals in over twenty different sports which showcases the versatility of Bayelsa sporting prowess, maintaining that his administration is using sports as a tool to curb crime.

Governor Diri, who hinted that Bayelsa has officially submitted a bid to host the 2028 National Sports Festival which the state is upbeat of winning, pointing out that the 2028 National Sports Festival would be well-organised and the most athletes-friendly National Sports Festival.

His words, “this tournament fully supported by the Bayelsa State Government has become one of Nigeria’s most premier intellectual sporting events attracting top players across the country with prize money this year amounting to N10,000,000.00”.

President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Chief Olubake Aka in his remark, asserted that the overwhelming results of this year’s tournament signifies that the championship is yielding results.

While commending Governor Diri for financing the tournament, Chief Aka appealed to the government, corporate organizations and multinational oil companies to sponsor in order to improve the prize money.

Earlier in the address of welcome, chairman of the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, opined that the Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Championship has become a pride to the state, stressing that the tournament creates an avenue for frenzy.

He explained that the championship has improved the performance of Bayelsans in becoming better scrabble players, pointing out that a Bayelsan winning the Masters in the last National Sports Festival speaks volumes of the competition’s impact on the state.

The winner of the Master’s category, Adebola Samuel in an interview, expressed joy for his triumph, adding that his aim at the moment is to perform excellently at the World Championship in Malaysia this year and the African Scrabble Championship.

He explained that he won the championship from an English word “Volubly” derived from “voluble” which means “talkative”, having played averment earlier.

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Sports

Mr. Kiloshele (NAUS Presidential Candidate)* Engages *NAUS FCT,* *NANS FCT* and *YSCN* Leadership; Receives Strong Grassroots Support

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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

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Sports

Ruthless Okoroma United Wins Nembe LGA Final….As lawmaker LGA Boss,Splash cash on Team

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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.

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Sports

Igali Gets Commonwealth Games Ambassadorial Role*

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Honourable Daniel Igali

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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