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Nigeria Olympics Committee honours Diri, awards Oborududu scholarship

Yenagoa—The Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) has described Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State as a sports-loving man, who has done a lot for the sector.

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

Gumel said Governor Diri has achieved a lot and has continued to produce sports champions (like Blessing Oborududu, the Tokyo Olympics silver medalist) for the state and Nigeria as a former commissioner of sports and presently Governor.

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 described Bayelsa as his second home and thanked the government and Bayelsans for their hospitality towards members of the NOC.

In his comments, Governor Diri said sports is important to the unity of the human race, for peace and development.

He commended the NOC for choosing Bayelsa for its annual general meeting, noting that the state has passion for sports.

Governor Diri reassured his administration’s commitment to sports development, noting his willingness to partner with relevant stakeholders.

According to Diri: “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 last year.

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

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