Gov. Diri Bags UK Award For Grassroots Sports Devt

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has received the Outstanding Contribution to Grassroots Sports Development Award at the 2026 Nigerian Universal Keystone Sports Awards (NUKSA) held in London.

Hotnews reports that the award was presented at the NUKSA Gala Night at the Ham Polo Club, Richmond, where the governor was represented by the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Daniel Igali, and his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah.

Speaking through Igali, Governor Diri described the recognition as an “enormous honour” and a special endorsement of his administration’s achievements in sports development.

He noted that despite Bayelsa being one of Nigeria’s least populated states, the state had emerged as one of the country’s top three performers in sports over the last six years.

Governor Diri also highlighted the state’s preparations to host the 2028 National Sports Festival, noting that the construction of world-class sporting facilities was already ongoing.

He said his administration’s vision was to develop sustainable sports infrastructure that would continue to benefit young Bayelsans and future generations long after his tenure.

The Director of the 2026 NUKSA Awards, Mr. David Doherty, commended Governor Diri for his contributions to sports and infrastructure development, describing him as a passionate sports enthusiast and an outstanding Nigerian leader.

Other distinguished awardees included Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Chelsea emerging talent Chizzy Ezenwata, among others.

~ Hot News Reporters
Saturday, 5, August, 2026