Bayelsa Leads Scrabble Devt, Diri Increases Prize Money

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has announced a significant increase in the prize money for the annual Diri National Scrabble Classic, raising the total prize fund from N20 million to N40 million, with the winner of the Masters category to receive N5 million from the next edition.

Hotnews reports that speaking at the closing ceremony of the sixth edition of the tournament in Yenagoa on Sunday, Governor Diri also directed the Commissioners for Sports and Education to work out modalities for the introduction of scrabble into secondary schools across Bayelsa State, describing the game as a powerful tool for intellectual development and strategic thinking.

The Governor recalled how scrabble improved his vocabulary, spelling and reasoning abilities in his youth, stressing that the game combines education with sports and helps build the mental capacity of young people.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the game until the end of his tenure.

Governor Diri also pledged to facilitate the inclusion of scrabble as a demonstration sport at the 2028 National Sports Festival, which Bayelsa will host, and promised support for Nigerian players travelling to Kenya for the World Youth Scrabble Championship.

President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Engr. Bright Idahosa, commended Governor Diri for his unwavering support, noting that Nigeria remains the world’s leading scrabble nation.

He expressed confidence that Bayelsa would continue to play a major role in promoting the sport locally and internationally.

The tournament concluded with Abdulmimin Jimoh emerging champion of the Masters category, while Bayelsa’s Felix Igolukumo, Godwin Angoye, and other winners claimed top honours in their respective categories.

Governor Diri also rewarded two young scrabble talents, seven-year-old Abdulsalam Yusuf and nine-year-old Elizabeth Fun-ere, with special gifts of N1 million each.

The event ended with an exhibition match between the governor and the NSF president, which Governor Diri won.

~ Hot News Reporters
Tuesday, 4, August, 2026