Gov Diri @5: Jonathan Performs Groundbreaking of Bayelsa Stadium, Advocates for Athletes’ Welfare Fund
Feb 17, 2025
Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday performed the groundbreaking ceremony of a 25,000 capacity stadium at Igbogene in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital, as part of activities marking Governor Douye Diri’s 5 years in office.
During the ceremony, Jonathan emphasized the need for sports administrators, both national and state, to establish funds to cater for sportspeople who have brought pride to the country.
“Developing sport is not about encouraging people to go and win medals, but I always feel sad when I see people who have promoted the name Nigeria and gone for international games, either the Commonwealth or Olympics, and win medals… immediately, there are all kinds of ceremonies… but after that, they are forgotten,” Jonathan said.
He noted that many Nigerian athletes who have won international medals are often left to beg after their retirement.
“After some years, some of them become almost beggars, even to feed, and that doesn’t encourage young people to put all their lives into sports,” Jonathan added.
Jonathan advocated for a fund to be managed by reputable individuals to support athletes throughout their lives, even after they retire from active sports. “So, I feel that as a country, we must have a fund to be properly managed by people, so that anybody who has made a name in a sport, that person will not be a beggar till the person dies,” he said.
Although he was unable to launch such a fund during his presidency, he urged the chairman of the National Sports Commission to consider the idea, which could also be implemented at the state level. “We must make sure that anybody who made the country proud should be taken care of until that person dies, and that will encourage young men and women to invest 100 per cent of their skills and lives into sports,” Jonathan emphasized.
However,Jonathan commended Governor Diri’s vision and leadership, expressing hope that the stadium project would be completed within the 24-month target. “I am very hopeful that by February 2027, I will escort President Tinubu down to commission the sports complex… Let me again congratulate you, your vision, and your leadership, my governor, and people who are here to assist you with this project,” he said.
Governor Diri, in his opening remarks, said that the facility will serve as inspiration for youths to drive and achieve their dreams in sports.
“Sports is about setting records and breaking boundaries, and we are all converged here for an unparalleled landmark in our race for growth and development, the groundbreaking of this 25-seat Olympic stadium.
This facility will serve as an inspiration for our youths, a place where dreams can take flight, talents can be cultivated and destinies fulfilled,” Governor Diri stated.
The Governor also called on the private sector and International Oil Companies (IOCs) to partner ensuring the completion of the project in record time.
Dignitaries present at the groundbreaking were, Dr. (Mrs) Gloria Diri, wife of the governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, members of the National Assembly, both serving and former, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly and members of the state House of Assembly,
Others include the immediate past deputy governors of Bayelsa and Edo, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd) and Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, members of the state executive council, Ibrahim Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman, National Sports Commission, Bukola Olapade, Director-General, of National Sports Commission, Amaju Pinnick, immediate past president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Samson Siasia, former Coach of the Nigerian National football team, Christopher Green, Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, HRM, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Amayanabo of Twon-Brass and first military governor of Rivers State, HRM, King Bubaraye Dakolo, AGADA IV, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman, Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Mala Sasime, Obenibe of Epie Kingdom, other traditional rulers and top government officials.
