Bayelsa State dreams of hosting rights for 2028 National Sports Festival

Posted : 28 January 2025

The Bayelsa State Government has announced plans to bid for the hosting rights of the National Sports Festival in 2028 once the new stadium, located in Igbogene in the Yenagoa Local Government Area, is completed.

The Commissioner for Sports Development, Daniel Igali, disclosed this during a visit to the site to assess the progress of the clearing work being carried out by the contractor.

He noted that the new stadium would cover approximately 40 hectares of land with a seating capacity of 25,000. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the contractor in a short period.

According to him, the construction of the stadium is expected to be completed within 24 months. He further explained that the contractor for the project would be announced next week following the bidding process involving five companies that have shown interest.

The commissioner revealed that the government is currently reviewing the bidding documents submitted by various contractors before awarding the contract and making it public.

Igali explained that the stadium would be a multi-purpose facility featuring two training pitches, a swimming pool, a diving pool, basketball courts, volleyball courts, tennis courts, and a table tennis hall. Additionally, there will be about eight other halls to accommodate various sports.

The Olympian emphasized that the primary goal of constructing this world-class stadium is to ensure Bayelsa can adequately host the 2028 National Sports Festival. He highlighted that the stadium would be the most modern in the country, equipped with Video Assistant Referee (VAR) facilities.

On the choice of Igbogene as the stadium site, Igali explained that the previously earmarked land had only 18 hectares, while the Igbogene site provides double the space, sufficient to accommodate all the necessary modern facilities.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Development, Grace Alagoa, commended Governor Senator Douye Diri for ensuring that sports provide a means of livelihood for the youth.

Additionally, the Director of Sports, Braveman Wodi, stated that the construction of the new stadium would help athletes realize their potential and build on the achievements in the sports sector over the last five years, describing the project as commendable.

The contractor in charge of clearing the site, Mr. Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow, CEO of Ama-ebi Consultants Ltd., reported that 60% of the 25 hectares allocated to his company has been cleared in less than eight days, with the remaining portion expected to be completed within one week.

Bayelsa State dreams of hosting rights for 2028 National Sports Festival

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