The Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, has reiterated his unwavering commitment to using sports as a tool to nation-building as Bayelsa joined the rest of the world to celebrate 2026 Olympic Day
Governor Diri speaking during the 2026 Olympic Day celebration in Yenagoa on Saturday, said that his administration is poised to consistently champion sports as a core tool to combat youth restiveness, unemployment, and drug abuse across the state.
Diri, who was represented by the Head of Service, Bayelsa State, Dr. Ebiye Wisdom Sawyer, while expressing the spirit and significance of the Olympic Day celebration, noted that the State Government is actively investing in youth engagement through the establishment of sports infrastructures
"I bring you warm greetings on this Olympic Day celebration 2026. As a government, we believe that sports is a powerful tool for development, health and unity, Olympic Day is more than a celebration, it is a call to action for every citizen to embrace an active lifestyle and to believe that with dedication any goal is possible to achieve.
To our young athletes, the world stage starts here. Train hard, compete with integrity, and carry the name of Bayelsa State and Nigeria with pride. The governor is committed to providing the facilities, support, and opportunities you need to excel. On behalf of the government and good people of the state, I congratulate all participants. May the celebration inspire greatness in all of us in Bayelsa, Nigeria, and beyond." He said
Peace Epia IOC representative who stood in proxy for the president Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engineer Habu Gumel, shared that celebrating Olympic Day signaifies the embrace of Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.
"Olympic Day is a celebration of something simple but powerful. The joy of moving together because sports move us not just our bodies but our confidence, our mindset, and the way we connect with each other. When we move, we feel better - it keeps our mind and body strong and healthy, and when we move together, we lift each other up." Opia opined
Earlier in a welcome address, the chief host Commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Honourable Daniel Igali, represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Sports Development, Pereyi Efeke, who under the 2026 Olympic Day theme "You Can Do This! Let's Move," encouraged people of all abilities to embrace physical activity.
"As we all know, Olympic Day is more than a walk or a race. We in Bayelsa join the global Olympic family to celebrate movement, confidence, and the Olympic spirit. I am honoured to welcome His Excellency, our Governor, whose consistent support for sports development continues to put Bayelsa on the map. To all participants, let the spirit of the Olympics fill you today." He expressed.
Meanwhile, in a goodwill message, Director of Sports Bayelsa State Sports Council, Bibowei Harrison Lambert, who is the host of Bayelsa Olympic Day celebration thanked top government dignitaries and participants for embracing the spirit of sportsmanship, perseverance, and unity, which the Olympic Day signaifies.
Notable personalities who attended the events were the Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Hon. Joana Gigi, the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission, Hon. Perekiye Buruboyefe, Technical Advisers to Bayelsa State Government on Sports, Sir Braveman Wodi, and Alaowei Opukeme, Director General to the Bayelsa State Government on New Media, Dr. Kola Oredipe, management staff of the Ministry and Council, among other dignitaries.