Bayelsa State took a giant leap in sports development as Governor Douye Diri officially commissioned the Coastal Fortress, an ultra-modern, world-class table tennis facility in Yenagoa. The groundbreaking event marked a turning point for table tennis in Nigeria, drawing major stakeholders, sports enthusiasts, and dignitaries from across the nation.
The facility, named the Coastal Fortress, is the brainchild of Ama-Ebi Ebikpolade Stow, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association. Designed to provide cutting-edge training and preparation for athletes, the complex boasts top-tier amenities including two restaurants, a reception lounge, chairman’s office, separate changing rooms, and dedicated athlete conveniences setting a new standard for sports infrastructure in Nigeria.
Governor Diri, accompanied by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and other senior officials, described the unveiling as a momentous occasion and praised Mr. Stow for his foresight and contribution to youth development. According to the governor, the facility aligns with the state’s Prosperity for All agenda, which prioritizes youth empowerment and crime reduction through strategic investment in sports.
“Sports development is one of the pillars of our Assured Prosperity Programme,” Diri said. “Facilities like this do not only prepare athletes for global competitions, but they also create jobs and provide hope for our youths. This edifice is a legacy project that will inspire generations.”
The governor also used the opportunity to appoint the South South representative of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation as his Technical Adviser on Table Tennis, describing him as a role model for the younger generation.
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olapade, who was represented by Mr. Ebidowei Oweifie, lauded the state government’s unwavering commitment to grassroots sports development. He emphasized that such projects help bridge the gap between raw talent and international recognition.
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In his welcome address, Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, stressed the importance of infrastructure in the growth of sports. He noted that without quality facilities, talent development remains incomplete. He thanked Mr. Stow for lifting the spirit of the state’s sports community with his private-sector initiative.
Mr. Stow, reflecting on his journey in table tennis since 2018, said the project was driven by his passion to ensure that no talented child in Bayelsa is left behind, regardless of background or economic status. He highlighted that the Coastal Fortress is not just a building, but a vision for equality and excellence in sports.
Senator Benson Agadaga, representing Bayelsa East and Chairman of the event, alongside Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Tare Porri, commended Stow for complementing government efforts in engaging young people meaningfully through sports.
The high point of the occasion was the unveiling of Italian-born coach Luciano Esposito, who will lead the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Team to the upcoming National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The introduction of a foreign coach underlines Bayelsa’s commitment to achieving excellence and dominating the national sports arena.
With the launch of the Coastal Fortress, Bayelsa is not only raising the bar in Nigerian table tennis but also setting a precedent for public-private collaboration in sports development. The event has sparked excitement across the sports community and is expected to significantly boost Bayelsa’s reputation as a powerhouse in Nigerian athletics.