The Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) has hailed Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri’s commitment to sports development in general and the game of scrabble in particular.
The NSF President, Engr. Toke Aka, gave the commendation in a chat with journalists ahead of the second edition of the Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Championship in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The NSF boss described Governor Diri as a beacon of hope for sports development in Nigeria and on the continent,
Aka said Diri is an example worthy of emulation in sports development, sponsorship, youth empowerment and nation-building.
He stated that the governor’s scrabble championship was a key vehicle to develop the game of words and the mind.
He gave him thumbs up for changing the sporting narrative about Bayelsa, saying the state’s performance at different national sporting events since he assumed office in the last two years lend credence to his commitment to positively engage and empower youths of the state and Nigeria.
“By his commitment, Governor Douye Diri has continued to show that there is hope for sports to develop in Nigeria and in our continent. He is a beacon of hope for sportsmen and women as well as the stakeholders.
“The Bayelsa governor is equally a shining example worthy of emulation not only in sports development and sponsorship but also in the area of youth empowerment and nation-building,” Aka said.
Also, chairman of the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said all was set for the governor’s two-day tournament this weekend in the Bayelsa capital.
Alabrah, who is Chief Press Secretary to the governor, disclosed that about 300 participants were expected from across Nigeria and neighbouring Ghana to compete for the N5m prize money,
He stated that there will be 15 rounds of games in the five categories, namely Masters, Intermediate, Veterans, Opens and Students.
The registration for the Bayelsa-based secondary school students, who should not be above 16 years, is free while there are also special prizes for the best female participants in all the categories.