Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as pragmatic steps to reform Nigeria’s sports sector, particularly the shift from a ministerial structure to a commission-based system.
Mr Diri made the remarks yesterday while declaring open the 2026 Extraordinary General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation in Yenagoa.
Represented by his deputy, Peter Akpe, the governor expressed optimism that the newly established National Sports Commission would strengthen sports administration, bring governance closer to athletes and improve overall performance.
The governor highlighted key federal interventions, including the revival of the National Sports Institute and ongoing renovation works at the National Stadium Abuja.
He noted that the condition of the Abuja stadium had, for years, reflected the neglect of the sector, but recent efforts suggested a positive turnaround.
“For a long time, anyone visiting the National Stadium would have been disheartened. Now, we are beginning to see signs of revival. We appreciate the President for taking practical steps to reposition the sector,” he said.
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Reaffirming Bayelsa’s commitment to sports development, Mr Diri disclosed that the state was constructing a 30,000-capacity FIFA-standard stadium in Igbogene.
He explained that the project was aimed at positioning the state as a hub for continental and international sporting events.
He added that the government was working towards hosting competitions organised by global football bodies, stressing that world-class infrastructure was essential for sustainable growth in sports.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, urged delegates to place national interest above personal considerations.
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He called for reforms that would ensure proper representation of key stakeholders, including players, coaches, referees and club administrators, while promoting transparency in football governance.
President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, said the extraordinary meeting was convened to address critical development issues and lay the groundwork for the federation’s elective congress.
Representatives of FIFA and the Confederation of African Football also delivered goodwill messages, reaffirming their support for the federation’s processes and commending the Bayelsa State Government for hosting the event.
The gathering attracted top sports administrators, including Bayelsa Sports Commissioner Daniel Igali, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, and chairmen of state football associations nationwide.
