The Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Bibowei Lambert, has lauded the Commissioner for Sports Development, Daniel Igali, for his consistent attention and support for Team Bayelsa at the ongoing South-South zonal eliminations in Calabar, Cross River State.
Lambert described Igali’s commitment to the welfare of athletes and officials as inspirational, noting that the commissioner’s regular follow-up has boosted the morale of the contingent.
Speaking with journalists in Calabar, Lambert said Igali has maintained daily contact with the team since its departure from Yenagoa, regularly enquiring about the welfare of athletes, coaches and officials and ensuring that all concerns are promptly addressed.
According to him, the commissioner’s consistent communication has made the team feel valued, adding that the gesture goes beyond administrative duty and demonstrates genuine commitment to sports development in the state.
He stressed that athletes perform with greater confidence when they know that the leadership is interested in their welfare and progress.
“I want to sincerely appreciate the Honourable Commissioner, Daniel Igali, for the consistent attention he has given to Team Bayelsa. Since our arrival in Calabar, he has remained in constant contact, checking on the welfare of our athletes, coaches and officials. This level of commitment is highly encouraging and shows that he is deeply concerned about the success and well-being of the team,” he said.
Lambert disclosed that Igali had repeatedly told him that Governor Douye Diri is particularly interested in the wellbeing of the contingent, hence the deliberate attention being given to the team in Calabar.
He said the support from the governor, through the Ministry of Sports Development, has continued to strengthen the team’s morale as Bayelsa seeks qualification for the National Intermediate Games and the National Sports Festival.
He expressed optimism that the combined commitment of Governor Diri, his deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, Igali and other stakeholders would yield positive results, assuring that Team Bayelsa would remain focused on representing the state with discipline, determination and integrity.
“The regular calls and follow-up from the commissioner have been a great source of motivation for us here in Calabar. It gives the athletes confidence knowing that the leadership of the ministry is constantly monitoring their welfare. He has also made it clear that Governor Douye Diri is interested in the team’s wellbeing, and that has encouraged us to give our very best,” he added.
“What Commissioner Igali is doing goes beyond simply supervising the competition. His daily communication and concern for the team demonstrate purposeful leadership. When athletes know that their welfare matters to those in charge, it gives them the confidence and determination to compete with pride and represent Bayelsa State positively.”
Meanwhile, Bayelsa’s basketball team secured qualification for the national showpiece on Sunday, September 13, giving the state an early boost in the zonal eliminations.
Attention will now shift to other team sports as the football, volleyball and beach volleyball teams continue their push for qualification on Monday.
