By: Odeh Ramon, Yenagoa.

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has commended President Bola Tinubu for pragmatic steps taken so far to restructure sports administration in the country.

Governor Diri gave the commendation while declaring open the 2026 Extraordinary General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Government House, Yenagoa, on Monday.

The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, expressed optimism that President Tinubu’s decision to change the governance structure of sports administration from a ministry to a commission structure will yield better results for the country.

His words: First of all, let me begin by commending President Bola Tinubu for changing the ministry structure to the commission structure. Those of us in sports, who have seen it before, believe that this governance structure will be closer to the people, especially the sportsmen, and bring good deliverables.

“I also want to further appreciate Mr. President for the initiative to rejuvenate the National Sports Institute. That is an institute that so many of us have benefited from. But for a long time, each time you get to the National Stadium and you see the place, you would have wanted to weep.

“But I hear that life has started coming into the Institute. So, we thank His Excellency, President Tinubu, for his efforts and practical steps he is taking to turn things around in our country.”

He expressed satisfaction over the ongoing refurbishing of the National Stadium in Abuja and wished the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, well, noting that expectations are high from lovers of sports, especially football in Nigeria.

Governor Diri equally appreciated the NFF for choosing Bayelsa as the host for its extraordinary General Assembly and urged the participants to exhibit fairness, transparency, and integrity in all their decisions, stressing that the future of Nigerian football does not only depend on talent but also on credibility and sound governance.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development, noting that the ongoing construction of a FIFA-standard stadium at Igbogene was aimed at positioning the state as a key destination for both national and international sporting events.

The Governor further explained that when completed, the capital-intensive sports facility will inspire young talents and enable them to compete effectively at global events, stressing that Sustainable growth of football requires not only passion but also structures, facilities, and international support.

He said, “Beyond programmes and competition, we are making significant investments in infrastructure to support the long-term growth of sports generally and football in particular. At Igbogene here in Yenagoa, construction of a 30000-capacity international stadium is ongoing, and it is designed to meet FIFA and CAF standards.

“Not too long from now, we are expecting to host CAF and FIFA. That is the drive and intention of my government. This facility will not only serve as a hub for sporting excellence but also position our dear state as a key destination for national and international sporting events.”

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, expressed the Commission’s appreciation to Governor Diri for his love and support towards sports development both within and outside Bayelsa State.

Alhaji Dikko charged the delegates to appreciate the importance of the NFF General Assembly, urging them to set aside personal differences and benefits in order to initiate a process of reform that aligns with current national realities and best international standards.

The National Sports Commission Chairman said the reform process must ensure that all critical stakeholders, including players, coaches, leagues, clubs, referees, and administrators, are meaningfully represented, as well as entrench transparency, accountability, and integrity.

Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, explained that the extraordinary Congress was convened to address plans and make reforms for the overall growth of football, as well as discuss how to secure success in the Federation’s forthcoming elective congress scheduled for September this year.

In their separate goodwill messages, the representative of FIFA, Mr. Solomon Mudege, and that of CAF, Mr. Nadim Magdy, both conveyed the support of their respective organizations towards the success of the NFF’s good governance processes and expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Bayelsa State for their hospitality.

Present at the general assembly were the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Igali, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, the Executive Committee Members of NFF, Chairmen and Secretaries of all states football associations, representatives of the Nigeria Football League, Nigeria National League, the Women Football League, Coaches and Referees Association, as well as the Players Union.