4 hours ago
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Oluwatobiloba Kumoye
Bayelsa State has continued to emerge as one of the strongest government supporters of scrabble development in Nigeria, with its sustained investment in competitions, grassroots development and elite players earning commendation from the Nigeria Scrabble Federation.
For six consecutive years, the state has initiated and supported a national championship that has grown into one of the biggest scrabble competitions in Africa, attracting leading players from across Nigeria and participants from outside the country.
The championship has also distinguished itself through its substantial prize purse, with the organisers taking the commitment a step further by doubling the prize money for the next edition.
President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Engineer Bright Idahosa, praised Bayelsa State Governor, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, for his consistent support and passion for the development of the sport.
Idahosa described Governor Diri as a leader whose personal understanding of sports has translated into meaningful support for athletes and sporting disciplines across the state.
“We sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, for his continuous support for scrabble and sports in general. His commitment is not just about words; it is demonstrated through tangible investment and opportunities for our players,” Idahosa said.
The NSF president added that Bayelsa’s annual championship has become an important platform for players to test themselves against some of the best competitors in the country and beyond.
“What Bayelsa has done with this championship is remarkable. For six years, they have consistently provided a platform that attracts top players and international participation. The decision to double the prize money for the next edition is another clear indication that the Governor understands the value and potential of scrabble,” he said.
According to Idahosa, Governor Diri’s background as a former Commissioner for Sports has given him a deeper appreciation of the role sports can play in youth development, talent discovery and national representation.
“Governor Diri is a sportsman at heart. Having served as Commissioner for Sports, he understands what athletes need and the importance of supporting them at different levels. His passion for scrabble has been evident, and the federation is grateful for that commitment,” Idahosa stated.
Bayelsa’s intervention has also extended beyond its flagship championship.
The state has introduced scrabble competitions in secondary schools across the state, creating opportunities for young students to discover the game and develop their skills from an early age.
The state has equally supported a significant number of elite players travelling to competitions outside Bayelsa, helping them gain international exposure and compete at a higher level.
Idahosa noted that such support is particularly important because the development of a successful scrabble player requires opportunities to compete regularly against strong opposition.
“When you support elite players to travel for competitions, you are investing directly in the growth of Nigerian scrabble. These players return with experience, confidence and knowledge that they can share with others. Bayelsa has shown an understanding of this development pathway,” he added.
The state was also heavily involved in supporting Team Nigeria’s participation at the recent World Youth Scrabble Championship in Kenya, alongside Kwara State.
The NSF president acknowledged the contribution of both states to Nigeria’s youth programme, stressing that international participation is crucial to exposing young players to the highest level of competition.
“The support from Bayelsa and Kwara for our young players in Kenya was significant. It showed that the development of scrabble is not being left entirely to the federation. We have partners who believe in these young Nigerians and are prepared to support their dreams,” Idahosa said.»
He further commended Governor Diri for placing scrabble alongside other sporting disciplines in the state’s broader sports development agenda.
“We want to use this opportunity to commend His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, for believing in scrabble. His administration has demonstrated that every sport deserves attention when it has the capacity to develop young people, create opportunities and put Nigeria on the map,” he said.0
With the next edition of the Bayelsa championship set to feature a prize purse twice the previous amount, expectations are already building around what promises to be another major gathering of Nigeria’s finest scrabble players and international competitors.
The Nigeria Scrabble Federation state that, Bayelsa’s sustained investment represents a model of how government support can combine elite competition with grassroots development.
And as the state continues to expand its commitment, the federation believes the impact could extend well beyond individual championships, helping to create a stronger pipeline of young players and further establish Nigeria as a major force in global scrabble.
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