By Peter Omopo | Yenagoa | June 28, 2025
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering unity, youth empowerment, and community development through sports, as the state joined the global celebration of the Olympic Day Run 2025 on Saturday.
The event, held at the Sampson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, drew hundreds of participants and sports enthusiasts who engaged in a vibrant display of physical activity, culture, and communal spirit. Governor Diri, represented by his Technical Advisor on Sports, Mr. Alaowei Opukeme, described the celebration as a powerful reminder of the deeper values behind the Olympic movement.
“The Olympic Day Run is not just a celebration of sport, but of friendship, peace, and inclusivity,” Diri said. “Through events like this, we can break barriers, promote empathy, and strengthen the bond that holds our communities together.”
He emphasized the role of sport in uniting diverse communities and reiterated his administration’s strategic investments in sports infrastructure and youth development as part of Bayelsa’s broader social advancement goals.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Emem Eden Ikhaobomeh, who represented the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, praised the Bayelsa State Government for embracing the Olympic values. She noted that the Olympic Day Run is a tradition observed globally to promote healthy living, solidarity, and peace.
“The Run is a unique opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to unite around the values of Olympism—friendship, respect, and excellence,” she said.
In his welcome remarks, Sir Braveman Wodi, Director of Sports at the Bayelsa State Sports Council, highlighted the day’s objectives, pointing to the importance of physical fitness, mental well-being, and social integration through sports activities.
The celebration featured a lively 8-kilometre walk, starting from Ekeki Motor Park and culminating at the stadium. Participants were also treated to spectacular demonstrations in Kungfu, Boxing, Volleyball, Gymnastics, and Langa, a traditional Nigerian sport.
To cap off the day, dignitaries, athletes, and community leaders were awarded Olympic Day Run certificates, recognizing their commitment to advancing the Olympic ideals within their local communities.
The event not only showcased Bayelsa’s sporting potential but also reaffirmed its place as a rising hub for youth engagement and sports excellence in Nigeria.
