Bayelsa State To Bid For 2028 National Sports Festival Hosting Rights

Bayelsa State To Bid For 2028 National Sports Festival Hosting Rights

Sampson Adedeji

The Bayelsa State Government has announced its intention to bid for the hosting of the National Sports Festival in 2028, contingent upon the completion of a new stadium located in Igbogene, Yenagoa Local Government Area, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Dr. Daniel Igali, the state's Commissioner for Sports Development, made the announcement during a visit to the construction site to review the progress of work being done by the contractor responsible for clearing the area.

He shared that the new stadium will span 40 hectares of land and feature a seating capacity of 25,000. Dr. Igali expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the contractor in a relatively short time.

He further explained that the stadium, which will have a capacity of 25,000 spectators, is scheduled for completion within 24 months.

The commissioner also revealed that the contractor for the project would be disclosed next week, following a bidding process involving five interested companies.

The state government is currently reviewing the bids before finalizing the contract.

The planned multi-purpose stadium will include two training pitches, a swimming pool, a diving pool, basketball and volleyball courts, a tennis court, a table tennis hall, and eight additional halls for other sports.

Dr. Igali emphasized that the purpose of the stadium's construction is to ensure Bayelsa is fully prepared to host the 2028 National Sports Festival. 

He also highlighted that the stadium would be the most modern in the country, equipped with Video Assistant Referee (VAR) facilities.

Regarding the choice of the Igbogene site, Dr. Igali noted that the land previously earmarked for the stadium was 18 hectares in size, while the Igbogene location offers 36 hectares, providing ample space for all necessary facilities.

Mrs. Grace Alagoa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Development, thanked Governor Senator Douye Diri for his commitment to creating opportunities for youth through sports.

Meanwhile, Director of Sports Sir Braveman Wodi commended the stadium project, stating that it would not only help athletes reach their potential but also build on the progress made in the sports sector over the past five years.

The contractor responsible for clearing the site, Mr. Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow, CEO of Ama-ebi Consultants Ltd, reported that his company had completed 60% of the 25-hectare site in less than eight days.

He assured that the remaining clearing work would be finished within a week.