By David Owei ,Bayelsa
Edo State is already reaping the benefits of hosting the 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games as the organisers have completed significant upgrades on the sporting facilities earmarked for the competition

Just as was done in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, prior to the start of the 1st edition, the organisers and the sponsor, Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC) have kept the promise of improving facilities in host states.

Considerable 8 work is ongoing at the 50 meter long and 20 feet deep Olympic standard swimming pool at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadum and also at the tennis courts beside the main arena

“Your Excellency, let me offer you the assurance that as part of our NDDC Completes Facilities Upgrade in Benin for 2nd Niger Delta Games
for the Games will be upgraded to meet international standards,” Dr. Samuel Ogbuku had said to Governor Monday Okpebholo during the unveiling of the state as hosts of the Games on December 4.

The assurance was again restated by Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, the Chairman of Dunamis-Icon Limited, organizers of the games during a recent inspection tour of the facilities.

“We have carried out the assessment of the facilities that will host the competitions, and in a few weeks, there will be a major transformation of those that have deteriorated.

“It is a legacy that the games bring to host states,” Ikpokpo told journalists at the end of the inspection.

Other renovated facilities include the twin volleyball and basketball courts at the Wire Road Sports Centre, which have been provided dressing rooms and conveniences.

Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Delta States are among the nine members of the regional bloc. Others are Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.

Over 3000 athletes and 500 coaches will be participating in the games for 16 sports. The games will be held from February 20-27.

By David Owei, Bayelsa

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has flagged off activities for the sixth edition of the SDD Marathon, urging residents of the state to actively take part in the race to promote fitness and healthy living.

The 10km (elite runners) and 5km (leisure runners) race will hold on Saturday, February 7, 2026 in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Governor Diri made the call on Thursday during the weekly Prosperity Walk at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex after he was presented the official marathon jersey by one of the organisers, Odonkumo Igbeita, on behalf of the organising committee.

He expressed delight that the weekly fitness exercise had resumed after a brief break due to the Yuletide and the demise of his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

He said: “Today, we resume from our weekly Prosperity Walk break. The crowd might not be as we expected, but I believe that as we continue, more people will join from next week.”

The governor, who distributed bags of rice to the participants, commended them for taking part in the special walk in honour of the late deputy governor, noting that their presence made the event “very colourful.”

He restated his directive to council chairmen to observe the walk in their local government areas.

“This will be monitored by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to ensure compliance,” he said.

While presenting the marathon race jersey, Igbeita commended the governor for his commitment to sports development and his personal involvement in fitness initiatives.

He said registered participants would undergo mandatory fitness test and accreditation at the medical department of the sports complex on February 5 and 6 between 9am and 4pm daily.

By David Owei, Bayelsa
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‎Organizers of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, say it is inviting all medical personnel serving as Medics in the tournament and participating teams to register for the forthcoming intensive medical training ahead of the competition.
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‎This was contained in a statement signed by the Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe in preparation for Season 8 of the tournament.
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‎According to him, the training would start from the 19th through the 21st of February, 2026 at the Government House clinic in Yenagoa, pointing out that the essence of the programme is to equip all the medics with the fundamentals before the commencement of the tournament.
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‎He noted that apart from prize money and the ultimate trophy, the organizers are working round the clock to ensure that every department is equipped with knowledge in order to be acquainted with contemporary trends while discharging their duties.
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‎It explained that the programme aligns with the visionary philosophy of the “Assured Prosperity” Government, led by Governor Douye Diri which is aimed at strengthening the capabilities and expertise of Bayelsans.
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‎He further explained that the exercise would be conducted alongside other capacity-building initiatives for referees, coordinators, media personnel, and an international training programme for coaches, to be handled by a team from FC Barcelona.
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‎Mr. Akpe also said interested participants are to send their names, phone numbers, contact addresses, emails and medical specialty to the Director of Finance, Mr. Martins Warepre Diegbegha on 08033121571 and Head of Marketing Mrs. Ajewole Morenikeji on 0803 3711689.
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‎Prosperity Cup 2026 is a special edition that is being used to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State and it will also mark the sixth anniversary of Governor Douye Diri’s Assured Prosperity Administration.
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‎Champions in the male category of this special “Bayelsa @ 30” edition of the competition will receive the sum of N30 million while runners-up will smile home with the sum of N10 million and in the female category, the winners will smile to the bank with the sum of N10 million while the runners-up will be five million Naira richer.