…Say it is Pleased With the Progress of Table Tennis in the State…
Bayelsa State Government says it is pleased with the continuous progress and the development of table tennis in the state in the last five years of the Prosperity Administration.
Governor Douye Diri gave the commendation at the official inauguration of the newly renovated Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association training hall at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, the state capital.
The governor said government would support the association to achieve its aim ahead of the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta Ogun State, emphasizing that the target for Bayelsa is to surpass the performance of the last sports festival in Asaba, Delta State.
Governor Douye Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said the chairman of the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association, Mr. Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow has made his presence felt since he took charge of the association.
The governor, who described Mr. Ama-ebi Stow as a good example to the youths of the state, asserted that the gesture by the chairman would forever be remembered, stressing that his commitment towards the development of table tennis would make the game more popular and rewarding
According to the state helmsman, the government is satisfied with the rise of table tennis and the Prosperity Administration would do everything possible for him to actualize his goal for the sports.
He urged the chairman not to rest on his oars; that government is fully aware of his undiminished commitment towards the development of table tennis in the South South especially in Bayelsa.
“The chairman has made a lot of promises and we shall support him to make sure that those promises are fulfilled, he has promised a minimum of three gold medal and we believe the chairman. So I want to thank all the athletes”
“I am sure that your prowess will continue to soar for you to become President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation because you will do better with the small we have seen you demonstrate at the state level”
Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igail in his remark, lauded the deputy governor for the smooth working relationship with the Ministry of Sports, describing it as a blessing to the ministry and the various associations in the sports council.
He explained that the deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo’s thoroughness has made his job easy as commissioner, as the deputy governor pays attention to every detail, noting that Mr. Ama-ebi Stow has written his name in gold.
Earlier in an elaborate address of welcome Chairman Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association, Mr. Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow, opined that his journey as chairman began in 2018 when Chief Patimidi Tukuru, former Director of Sports recognized his passion to serve as Vice Chairman.
He explained that in 2021, he was entrusted with the position of chairman by Sir Braveman Wodi and earlier this year he was reappointed as chairman, pointing out that the appointment was an affirmation of the progress made by the association.
Mr. Ebikpolade hinted the government of the association’s commitment towards infrastructural development, and that a fortress state-of-the-art training facility at the Oxbow-Lake Area is ninety nine percent completed and will be ready for inauguration within the next two weeks.
The NTTF zonal Rep further explained that the newly renovated hall will serve as the training ground for the under-16 able athletes, as well as Para and Deaf athletes while the Fortress will serve as the primary training centre for the senior team.
In separate goodwill messages, Chairman House Committee on Sports, Barr Tare Porri and Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, appreciated Ama-ebi Stow for his transformative initiative and policies since he assumed office as chairman.
