Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri has congratulated Nigeria’s female national football team, the Super Falcons, for advancing to the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
In a statement on Thursday, the Governor praised the team’s resilience and unity, encouraging them to secure a tenth African title when they face host nation Morocco on Saturday night.
“Our female football national team, the Super Falcons, are making Nigeria proud in Morocco. Congratulations to our Falcons for making it to the final as they chase their 10th African title on Saturday night against the host nation. As a state which prides itself as the hub of sports in Nigeria, our Government of Assured Prosperity is behind the team as I charge the girls to go for the trophy to achieve the ‘Mission X’ campaign,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive growth with a support programme for persons living with disabilities in Bayelsa.
During an empowerment event at the NDDC state office in Yenagoa, State Director Engr. Godknows Alamesigha, representing Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, distributed wheelchairs, crutches and other materials to beneficiaries from across the state, emphasising the Commission’s dedication to the welfare of vulnerable groups.
Governor Diri has also announced financial rewards for Bayelsa athletes and officials who represented the state at the 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State. Gold medallists received ₦1 million each, while silver and bronze winners were awarded ₦500,000 and ₦300,000 respectively. Team event champions and key officials were similarly recognised.
Receiving the contingent, led by Sports Development Commissioner Hon. Daniel Igali, the Governor commended their performance but raised concerns over the third-place ranking attributed to the state. He called on athletes to begin early preparations for the 2026 festival in Enugu and confirmed Bayelsa’s bid to host the 2028 edition.
Governor Diri also paid tribute to late Hon. Justice Young Emmanuel Ogola (Rtd), hailing him as a pillar of Bayelsa’s judiciary during a Service of Songs in Yenagoa. Accompanied by his wife, Hon. Justice Patience Ama Diri, the Governor praised Justice Ogola’s dedication to justice and governance, extending condolences to the bereaved family.
“Today, we remember Justice Ogola for who he was to the service of our state. On behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State, I commiserate with the family and pray that God will grant them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” Diri stated.
Dignitaries present included Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Chief Judge Justice Matilda Ayemieye and other top officials from all arms of government.
In a separate development, Bayelsa has embarked on a hybrid rice project to transform its agricultural sector. The state took delivery of its first batch of trial hybrid rice seeds through a partnership with RUFORUM TAGDev 2.0 and VITAE SEEDs Nigeria.
Agriculture and Natural Resources Commissioner Prof. Sese received the seeds at a ceremony attended by stakeholders, including TAGDev Programme Director Prof. Etala, IEVT Rector Dr. Zuobomudor Agbana and VITAE SEEDs Country Director Mr. Ifeanyin Emmanuel Stephen.
The initiative, coordinated by the Bayelsa State Institute of Entrepreneurship and Vocational Training (IEVT), aligns with the state’s agricultural development strategy and aims to boost rice production, strengthen food security and diversify the economy.
