Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development as a strategic tool for youth empowerment and global recognition.
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The governor made this known at a ceremony held at the Peace Park Yenagoa, opposite Government House, shortly after the maiden Yenagoa City International 10-kilometre race.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, Diri highlighted the immense benefits of sports and physical fitness, noting that they promote healthy living and help prevent illnesses.
He commended the organisers, the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports, and all participants, stating that the 2026 Yenagoa City International 10km Race has projected the state positively on the global stage.
The governor stressed that his administration would continue to prioritise sports, describing it as a platform that encourages mass participation and offers viable career paths for athletes to gain international recognition.
He also urged athletes to remain committed to training, drawing inspiration from notable sports personalities such as Bayelsa’s Commissioner for Sports Development, Daniel Igali.
“As a state, we will continue to support sports, especially events like this that attract thousands of participants. We have all witnessed the excitement and joy this marathon has brought,” he said.
“This race is historic—the first of its kind in Bayelsa State. It brings everyone together in the sporting ecosystem to mobilise mass participation.
“We cannot overemphasise the importance of sports for fitness and as a career. Many of our people have benefited from it. One example is our Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Igali.
“Bayelsa is being positively showcased to the world today. We believe this event has come to stay, and we will improve on it in subsequent editions. Athletes must remain committed to continuous training.”
In the men’s category, Ethiopia’s Habtamu Birhane Molla clinched the top prize of $5,000 after finishing in 29 minutes and 23 seconds.
Nigeria’s 17-year-old Gang James from Plateau State came second with a time of 29 minutes 59 seconds to earn $3,000, while Francis James secured third place in 30 minutes 16 seconds, winning $2,000. Other Nigerian athletes finished in fourth and fifth positions.
The women’s category saw a clean sweep by Ethiopian athletes, with Shewaye Tolosa, Tigist Girma Arseta, and Worke Gacasho Jilo taking first, second, and third positions respectively.
Nigeria’s Daylop Patience finished fourth with a time of 35:07.66, while Vivian Nenyitwe Obadiaha placed fifth with the same time.
Dignitaries at the event included the Chairman of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Committee on Sports, Tare Porri; Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade; a representative of World Athletics and President of the International Association of Ultrarunners, Nadeem Khan; as well as Olympian and Nigerian long jump record holder, Yusuf Alli, among others.
The successful hosting of the maiden race marks a significant milestone in Bayelsa’s growing reputation as a hub for international sporting events.
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