YENAGOA, BAYELSA STATE — Bayelsa State witnessed another vibrant display of unity, fitness and community spirit on Thursday as Governor Douye Diri led hundreds of residents in the weekly Prosperity Walk, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to healthy living, youth development and sports infrastructure.
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The exercise, which concluded with the customary calisthenics at the Samson Siasia Stadium, saw an energized Governor Diri—popularly referred to by participants as the “Games Master-General”—engage the enthusiastic crowd with words of encouragement, urging them to make physical exercise a regular part of their lives.
Addressing the participants after the fitness session, the governor applauded Bayelsans for embracing the initiative, noting that the Prosperity Walk has become a successful public health policy because of the people’s willingness to own and sustain it.
“Government can introduce a policy, but if the people do not embrace it, it will naturally fade away. Today, I appreciate all of you because you have made the Prosperity Walk a permanent feature in Bayelsa. Even when I am away, you continue the exercise, and that shows your commitment to healthy living.”
Governor Diri encouraged the various fitness groups participating in the exercise—including UFDD, Yenagoa House and GOALG—to go beyond the weekly Thursday walk by organizing additional workout sessions during the week.
“Don’t make Thursdays your only exercise day. Meet at least three times every week. When you do that consistently, headaches, knee pains and other health challenges will reduce. People often ask me what my secret is at over 60 years of age. This is one of my secrets.”
The governor also commended the seamless continuity of governance, recalling that while he was away on official duty in Abuja, Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo successfully led the Prosperity Walk.
According to him, the smooth coordination among government officials reflects his administration’s policy of ensuring continuity in leadership and public service.
“That is the essence of governance. Whether I am here or not, government must continue to function efficiently. Permanent Secretaries and Commissioners do not travel at the same time because one person must always remain on ground.”
Turning to sports administration, Governor Diri expressed confidence in the newly inaugurated Interim Management Team of Bayelsa United Football Club, headed by Dr. Singabele, charging the team to quickly recruit competent coaches and allow them to independently select players without external interference.
“No interference from the board. No interference from government. Let the coaches select the best players. If results do not come, we will hold the coaches accountable.”
The governor reiterated Bayelsa’s determination to successfully host the 2028 National Sports Festival, revealing that the ongoing massive upgrade of the Samson Siasia Stadium and the construction of a new stadium in Sampou, alongside other sporting facilities, are strategic investments aimed at positioning the state as a national sporting destination.
He explained that inadequate infrastructure had previously prevented Bayelsa from hosting the prestigious event but expressed confidence that the ongoing projects would change that narrative.
“For years, Bayelsa has travelled to other states for the National Sports Festival because we lacked the required facilities. Today, our bid has been accepted, and we are determined to complete the infrastructure needed to host Nigeria in 2028.”
Governor Diri further emphasized that genuine youth empowerment goes beyond cash handouts, stressing that sustainable development comes from investing in skills, talent and enabling infrastructure.
“Youth empowerment is not simply putting money into people’s pockets. It is about creating opportunities for young people to discover their talents and giving them the facilities to succeed. If you want to become a billionaire through football or any other sport, government must provide the environment for you to thrive.”
The governor defended his administration’s investment in sports infrastructure, noting that the new stadium project alone is valued at over ₦100 billion and represents a long-term investment in the future of Bayelsa’s youths.
He also cautioned against what he described as misleading social media content created by individuals who portray the state negatively despite not residing in Bayelsa.
“Anyone who genuinely loves Bayelsa will not speak negatively about the state. If you have completed school and have nothing doing elsewhere, come back home. Join your brothers and sisters. Bayelsa has opportunities, and our people can compete with anyone anywhere in Nigeria.”
Governor Diri concluded by expressing hope that the Prosperity Walk would outlive his administration and become a permanent wellness tradition in Bayelsa State.
“My desire is that even after I leave office, the Prosperity Walk will continue. Future governments should see the value in promoting healthy living because a healthy population is a productive population.”
The weekly Prosperity Walk has grown into one of Bayelsa State’s flagship public health and fitness initiatives, attracting civil servants, political appointees, security agencies, sports enthusiasts, professional groups and residents from across the state. The programme continues to promote physical fitness, social interaction and preventive healthcare while reinforcing the government’s broader vision for sports development and youth empowerment.
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