Bayelsa new stadium is costing us over 100b ~ Gov. Diri

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has confirmed that the new stadium under construction at Igbogene is costing the state government over one hundred billion naira (N100,000,000,000)

Governor Diri, who made the assertion on Thursday during the weekly Prosperity Walk, said that the construction of the new sporting edifice is to place Bayelsa among the leading states for sports development

Diri maintained that works are progressing at the new 25,000-seater stadium at Igbogene, Yenagoa, alongside another 5,000-seater stadium in his hometown, Sampou community.

According to him, the provision of sporting facilities is part of the state government's efforts to engage youths in the state, adding that sports is a catalyst for youth empowerment and pathways to future career opportunities.

The governor confirmed that the new facilities will be ready in time for Bayelsa State to historically host the 2028 National Sports Festival for the first time since creation.

"You know that we're looking toward hosting Nigeria in the first quarter January 2028 National Sports Festival, and that's why we are firing all our stadiums. We want the stadiums to be completed, this Samson Siasia Stadium, the Igbogene Stadium, and of course, the one at Sampu will help us to host Nigeria.

"Throughout the history of Sports Festival, we have been going to other states, what is the reason no facility. The Samson Siasia Stadium is not adequate to host the National Sports Festival. So, you can't even bid for it, but today we have made a bid, and our bid accepted"

"For those of us who are sports loving, sports is majorly for the youths. So, when people ask questions like youth empowerment, youth empowerment is not bringing money into your pocket, a thousand times no - youth empowerment is identifying your skill, identify what God has destined for you as a youth and the government will build the enabling environment as we are doing for you to thrive. So that if you want to be a billionaire through football, you will have the facility to become a billionaire and every other sports"

"My dear Bayelsa youths, this government is very sensitive about youth empowerment and youth development, and that's why we are spending the resources of the state on youth development. Now, that stadium is costing us nothing less than 100 billion naira." Diri stated.