The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Development, Daniel Igali, has lauded Governor Douye Diri for spearheading the successful hosting of the maiden Yenagoa City International 10km Race, describing it as a landmark achievement for sports development in the state.
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Speaking with EMTV News shortly before the commencement of the race at the Opolo roundabout in Yenagoa, Igali emphasized the significance of the event, noting that it represents the first international road race of such magnitude ever organized in Bayelsa.
According to him, the initiative underscores the governor’s vision of positioning sports as a strategic investment rather than mere recreation.
“This is the first international road race or any other sporting endeavor of this magnitude that we’re hosting in Bayelsa. And it’s all thanks to His Excellency, Sen. Douye Diri, who sees sports not as consumption but as investment,” Igali stated.
He further highlighted the long-term benefits of the race, stressing that it would inspire young athletes across the state to take sports more seriously while creating opportunities for talent discovery and development.
Igali disclosed that the event is designed to become an annual fixture on the state’s sporting calendar, with broad participation expected from residents and professional athletes alike. He added that beyond competition, the race aims to promote unity, healthy living, and community engagement.
To encourage participation, the commissioner revealed that cash prizes have been earmarked for outstanding performers, including a reward of ₦500,000 each for the first male and female Bayelsan to cross the finish line, courtesy of Governor Diri.
In a show of media support and active civic participation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Correspondent of Erevision MediaTV, Robinson Ere Erebi, also joined hundreds of participants in the race. Registered as participant number 105, he completed the 10km run and was awarded a participation medal at the finish line.
He also assured that all participants, particularly members of the Prosperity Road Walk initiative, would be duly recognized and rewarded after the event, noting that mechanisms had been put in place to collate participants’ details for proper acknowledgment.
The maiden race is widely seen as a bold step toward elevating Bayelsa’s profile in Nigeria’s sports ecosystem, with stakeholders expressing optimism that it will attract more international competitions and investment into the state.
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