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Bayelsa State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Wednesday inaugurated “The Fortress,” an ultra-modern Table Tennis facility in the state capital, Yenagoa.
The Fortress, which is the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, takes Bayelsa to the top as the state with the best Table Tennis facility, in Nigeria.
With this development, Bayelsa State now becomes a hub for Table Tennis development in Nigeria.
Built by the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association, Ama-Ebi Ebikpolade Stowe, who also facilitated the employment of an Italian Table Tennis coach, Luciano Esposito, to enhance the growth of the sport in the state.
It signals a new era of excellence and competitiveness in the sport as the team is poised to make a strong impression at the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
Speaking at the event, Diri appreciated the Stowe for initiating the project which has the capacity to uplift youths in the state and enhance their energies positively.
He charged other Bayelsans to join the state government in developing sports.
According to him: “Sports development is one of the key pillars of our Assured development programme. Sports is one area we can use to remove our youths from crime and criminality.
“I would like to appreciate Mr. Stowe for his passion to table tennis development in Bayelsa State. I call on other Bayelsans to borrow a leaf from our brother.
“For me, it brings a very great pleasure to be here to see what this young man has done. I believe this facility will be so beneficial to the people of Bayelsa State and Nigeria”.
Diri officially had a game the facility and displayed his dexterity to the admiration of guests.
Stowe used the occasion to unveil Italian Coach, Mr. Luciano Esposito, to Diri as the new Table Tennis coach for Bayelsa State ahead of the National Sports Festival.
Diri was joined by dignitaries which included Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrujakpo, Senator representing Bayelsa East Senatorial district, Senator Benson Agadaga, Deputy Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Michael Ogbere, Leader of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Obolo Bubou, Chairman Bayelsa State House of Assembly Committee on Sports, Hon. Tari Porri, Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Daniel Igali, Chief of Staff Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe, House of Assembly members, Commissioners and other top government officials.
Review: The Fortress
With the inauguration of “The Fortress”, the venue now plays a very important role in raising interest around the sport in the state and potentially ushering in a new generation keen to take part and play table tennis for years to come.
In addition, it will provide youth in Bayelsa State with the opportunity to play table tennis for free, including those with an interest in the sport or those wishing to play as part of a hobby or to keep fit.
It also presents a state-of-the-art venue for competitions which also exposes talents to facilities obtainable anywhere in the world.
The presence of Italian coach, Luciano Esperito, serves as an advantage to provide required technical know-how for up-and-coming talents.
