Gov. Diri Boosts National Scrabble Classic Prize Fund, Doubles Tournament Purse to ₦40m

Posted : 04 August 2026

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has announced a major increase in the prize money for the Diri National Scrabble Classic while directing that scrabble be introduced into secondary schools across the state to promote intellectual development among students.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the sixth edition of the championship in Yenagoa, Diri revealed that the overall prize fund for the 2027 edition would increase from ₦20 million to ₦40 million, with the winner of the Masters category receiving ₦5 million.

The governor also directed the Commissioners for Sports and Education to work out modalities for introducing scrabble into secondary schools, describing the game as an effective tool for developing strategic thinking, vocabulary and mental capacity.

Diri recalled that playing scrabble in his youth helped improve his spelling, vocabulary and reasoning abilities, adding that the game deserves greater recognition because of its educational value.

He assured stakeholders that his administration would continue to support the sport and disclosed plans to include scrabble as one of the demonstration events when Bayelsa hosts the 2028 National Sports Festival.

The governor also pledged support for Nigeria's contingent to the forthcoming World Youth Scrabble Championship in Kenya, saying the state remained committed to using sports as a platform for youth empowerment and talent development.

President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Engr. Bright Idahosa, commended Diri for his unwavering support, noting that Nigeria's status as one of the world's leading scrabble nations has been strengthened by sustained investment in the game.

Idahosa said the governor's commitment had elevated the profile of scrabble both nationally and internationally, while also acknowledging his contributions to infrastructure development in Bayelsa.

The Commissioner for Sports, Dr. Daniel Igali, described scrabble as a sport that stimulates the mind and deserves continued investment, expressing confidence that Bayelsa would stage a memorable 2028 National Sports Festival.

Chairman of the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association, Daniel Alabrah, disclosed that the sixth edition attracted more than 300 participants, making it the largest scrabble tournament ever held in Nigeria.

He added that innovations such as online registration, digital score recording and live streaming enhanced the competition's global reach, while expressing optimism that the next edition would attain international status after attracting participants from Ghana this year.

Abdulmimin Jimoh emerged champion of the Masters category to claim the ₦2 million top prize, while Felix Igolukumo won the Intermediate category, Godwin Angoye triumphed in the Opens, Oladokun Esan retained the Veterans title and Godwin Joseph claimed the Students category.

Governor Diri also rewarded seven-year-old Abdulsalam Yusuf of Kwara State and nine-year-old Bayelsa-born Elizabeth Fun-ere with special gifts of ₦1 million each in recognition of their participation before rounding off the event with an exhibition match against Idahosa, which the governor won.

The governor's latest initiatives are expected to further strengthen scrabble development in Bayelsa and Nigeria, combining increased financial incentives with grassroots programmes aimed at nurturing the next generation of players.

Gov. Diri Boosts National Scrabble Classic Prize Fund, Doubles Tournament Purse to ₦40m

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