Diri lauds Tinubu for repositioning sports administration

Douye Diri of Bayelsa has commended President Bola Tinubu, for the pragmatic steps taken so far to restructure sports administration in Nigeria.

He made the commendation on Monday, while declaring open the 2026 Extraordinary General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa.

Diri, represented by his deputy, Mr Peter Akpe, expressed optimism that the President’s decision for changing the governance structure of sports administration from ministry to commission would yield better results.

“First of all, let me begin by commending President Bola Tinubu for changing the ministry structure to the commission structure.

“Those of us in sports, who have seen it before, we believe that this governance structure will be closer to the people, especially the sportsmen and bring good deliverables.

“I also want to further appreciate Mr President for the initiative to rejuvenate the National Sports Institute (NSI) , that is an institute that so many of us had benefited from.

“But for a long time, each time you get to the National Stadium and you see the place, you would have wanted to weep, ” he said.

He expressed satisfaction over the ongoing refurbishing of the National Stadium in Abuja and wished the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, well.

The governor noted that expectations were high from lovers of sports, especially football in Nigeria.

He appreciated the NFF for choosing Bayelsa as the host for its extraordinary General Assembly, urging the participants to exhibit fairness, transparency and integrity in all their decisions.

Diri emphasised that the future of Nigerian football does not only depend on talent but also on credibility and sound governance.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development.

He noted that the ongoing construction of a FIFA standard stadium at Igbogene was aimed at positioning Bayelsa, as a key destination for both national and international sporting events.

The governor further explained that when completed, the sport facility would inspire young talents and enable them to compete effectively at global events.

He stressed that sustainable growth of football required not only passion but also structures, facilities and international support.

“Beyond programmes and competitions, we are making significant investments in infrastructure to support the long-term growth of sports generally and football in particular.

“At Igbogene here in Yenagoa, construction of a 30,000-capacity international stadium is ongoing, and it is designed to meet FIFA and CAF standards, ” he Diri said.

Earlier, the Chairman, National Sports Commission(NSC), Alhaji Shehu Dikko, expressed the commission’s appreciation to the governor for his love and support toward sports development both within and outside Bayelsa.

He urged the delegates to appreciate the importance of the NFF General Assembly.

Dikko urged them to set aside personal differences and benefits in order to initiate a process of reform that aligns with current national realities and best international standards.

He said the reform process must ensure that all critical stakeholders including players, coaches, leagues clubs, referees and administrators were meaningfully represented, as well as entrench transparency, accountability and integrity.

The President NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, explained that the extraordinary congress was convened to address plans and make reforms for the overall growth of football.

He stressed the need to achieve success during the federation’s forthcoming elective congress scheduled for September this year.