pristinegist 
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially approved Bayelsa State’s bid to host the 2028 National Sports Festival (NSF), marking a major milestone in the state’s sporting history.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Yenagoa by the NSC Director-General, Chief Bukola Olopade, during a courtesy visit to Governor Douye Diri at the Bayelsa State Government House.
Olopade, who led a high-powered delegation, said the team had inspected the state’s sporting and security infrastructure, including wrestling gyms, table tennis halls, medical facilities, and the ongoing construction of a 25,000-capacity ultramodern stadium, expandable to 35,000 seats.
“The facilities on the ground are amazing. Bayelsa is even more ready to host the event today than the next host,” Olopade stated, adding that the state’s peaceful and hospitable atmosphere further strengthens its capacity to host the games.
The delegation included Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee and former AFN President, Chief Solomon Ogba; Olympian and former Nigerian long jump record holder, Yusuf Alli; Director, National Sports Festival, Mrs. Oparah Thecla; and Sports Medicine Consultant, Dr. Oyudo Paul.
Olopade described Bayelsa as a “sleeping giant in sports” with immense potential, stressing that the state’s bid reflected an intentional commitment to grassroots sports development and youth engagement.
Governor Douye Diri, in his remarks, expressed delight at the NSC’s approval, noting that Bayelsa had come of age to host the festival. He attributed the state’s renewed confidence to massive investments in sports and security.
“We are very prepared to host the National Sports Festival. The only issue we had in the past was the facility, but that is being addressed. The stadium construction is progressing, and we have already paid 30 percent to the contractor, who is working day and night,” the Governor said.
On security, Diri highlighted his administration’s investments in CCTV surveillance across the state, which he said had significantly reduced crime and improved safety.
The Governor also pointed to Bayelsa’s grassroots sports programmes, including the Governor’s Prosperity Cup and regular wrestling and table tennis competitions, which he said are already producing talents for the state and the country.
“Today is historic for Bayelsa. We are a peaceful, hospitable state with an abundance of talents. Our Assured Prosperity Agenda prioritizes youth engagement through sports, and we are prepared to compete with any state in Nigeria,” Diri added.
With the approval, Bayelsa joins the growing list of Nigerian states that have hosted or are set to host the prestigious National Sports Festival, the country’s largest multi-sport event.
About The Author
