Diri Commissions World Class Table Tennis Facility In Yenagoa
By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa, Trek Africa Newspaper
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has commissioned a world-class table tennis facility, “The Fortress,” at the Ox Bow Lake in Yenagoa, the State Capital.
The facility features a 150-seat stand, five-table hall, lounges, restaurants, and changing rooms.
Governor Diri emphasized the importance of sports in steering youth away from crime and highlighted Bayelsa’s recent success at the African Senior Wrestling Championships in Morocco.
He appreciated the initiator of the project, Mr. Ama-Ebi Ebikpolade Stow, and urged other Bayelsans to invest in sports development.
Hon.Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission represented by the special adviser to the DG on Sports, Mr.Ebidowei Oweifie , commended Governor Diri for his commitment to sports development.
He noted that “The Fortress” aligns with Nigeria’s goal of transforming sports into an economic driver and enhancing national pride and global competitiveness.
Earlier in his remarks, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Daniel Igali, praised Governor Diri’s leadership and expressed optimism that “The Fortress” would cultivate new talent, building on Bayelsa’s rich sporting heritage.
Ama-Ebi Ebikpolade Stow, chairman of the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association, expressed gratitude to Governor Diri for his unwavering support and vision for sports development in the state. Stow noted that the facility would provide a world-class training environment for athletes and serve as a hub for talent identification and development. “This facility will provide a platform for young athletes to develop their skills and compete at the highest level, bringing pride to the state and nation,” he said.
In his goodwill message, Senator Benson Agadaga, representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District who double as Chairman of the Occasion, expressed delight at the commissioning of “The Fortress.”
He noted that the facility would provide a platform for young athletes to develop their skills and compete at the highest level, bringing pride to the state and nation.
He pledged his support for sports development initiatives in Bayelsa State.
Also Speaking, Hon. Tare Porri, a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, described “The Fortress” as a testament to Governor Diri’s commitment to sports development.
Hon.Tare Porri who is House Committee Chairman on Sports, thanked the governor for his leadership and vision, which would undoubtedly produce talented athletes who would make the state proud.
The highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the foreign coach, Luciano Esposito from Italy as well as Bayelsa State Table Tennis Team to the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
