. . . Awards Oborududu scholarship

The Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) has described Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, as a sports friendly personality that has greatly impacted the sector.

The NOC President, Engr. Habu Gumel, stated this on Thursday night in Yenagoa when he presented the Olympic Sports Friendly Personality Award to Governor Diri during a state banquet in honour of the committee members who were in the state for their annual general meeting.

Gumel said as a former Commissioner for Sports and now governor, Diri has achieved a lot and has continued to produce sports stars for the state and Nigeria.

He said: "This is a very important day for us. We are so happy. You have achieved a lot. You have produced many champions and I know more are coming.

"You also produced Blessing (Oborududu), who brought us silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics and made Nigeria proud. The Nigeria Olympic Committee is offering Blessing a scholarship.

"So, for all you have achieved in sports, I hereby present the Olympic Sports Friendly Personality award to you."

Gumel recalled how he was elected president of the NOC 20 years ago in the state, describing Bayelsa as his second home.

He thanked the government and people of the state for their hospitality towards members of the NOC.

In his remarks, Governor Diri said sports was important to the human race as it has proved to be a uniting factor for peace and development.

He expressed appreciation to the NOC for choosing Bayelsa for its annual general meeting, noting that the state had passion for sports.

Governor Diri reaffirmed his administration's commitment to sports development, stressing that it is willing to partner relevant stakeholders.

His words: "Mr President and members of the NOC, I welcome you to Bayelsa State; a state that loves sports with passion; a state that will continue to welcome every sports lover in Nigeria.

"We are happy with your growth. We are happy to understand and know that it was on this soil you emerged as president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee.

"Twenty years later, you and your colleagues decided to come again to have your AGM on this soil."

In his welcome address, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Daniel Igali, said the state deserved to host the NOC AGM given its performance in sports in the last year.

Igali lauded Governor Diri for his support to development of sports in the state, which he said has placed Bayelsa prominently on the national and international map.

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