By Amos Odhe
The Commissioner for Sports Development in Bayelsa State Chief Baraladei Daniel has lauded the state chess team and described the team as astute.
The commissioner made the statement on Tuesday in his office while receiving them on behalf of the State Governor Senator Douye Diri.
The team comprising of leader of delegation Coach Bomo Kigigha,14 year old prodigy Goodness Ekunike, as well as others, were in the Commissioner ‘s office to present the trophy won by a member of the team master Ekunike to the Commissioner following his outstanding performance at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz championship in Abuja.
Chief Igali noted that the achievement aligns with this administration’s mandate to project the state positively through sports.
The Commissioner stated that the Ministry and the Sports Council exists to ensure the world takes notice of what Bayelsa is today in sports.
Chief Igali acknowledged the initial challenges with approvals for the Abuja tournament, but assured that such bottlenecks would be addressed, especially with this heroic result of Ekunike.
Chief Igali stated that sports might have been the reason why some members of the team would have traveled out of Bayelsa State in the first time of their lives, hence the importance of sports.
Chief Igali stated that feat of the 14 year old was too great to be quite about, hence after the briefing of the Director of Sports to him on the matter he thought of a loud reception hence the huge invitation of members of the Press for adequate publicity.
Chief Igali assured of carrying the trophy to the State Deputy Governor, Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe, whom will in turn hand over to the Governor Senator Douye Diri.
Earlier the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Pereyi Efeke urged the team to even consolidate in their positive performance in future engagements.
In his remarks, the Director of Sports of the State Sports Council. Mr. Bibo Lambert stated that Goodness Ekunike, had shown flashes of brilliance and a hard nut to crack since from his tender age of 7, hence being a World Champion now at the age of 14 is not too much a surprise to him.
The Director stated that by the month of September 2026, some members of the team including Coach Bomo Kigigha, Goodness Ekunike and Deborah Quickpen will be representing the country at the chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan.
Also speaking Coach Bomo Kigigha said customs demands that after the team’s successful sojourn in Abuja, they formally come to present the won trophy to the Commissioner.
Some dignitaries in attendance included Mrs. Funke Ayah D.F.A of the Sports Development Ministry, Mr. Zikala Amgbari HOD Zones, Mr. Winifred Felegha HOD Coaching, Mr. Douye Asingbi HOD P.R.S., all of the Sports Council, amongst others.
