We’ll build Bayelsa sports beyond medals – Igali

...‘Sports must become an economy, not merely an event’

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye

 

 

 

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Daniel Igali, has unveiled an ambitious vision to transform sports in the state from a competition-driven venture into a sustainable economic ecosystem capable of creating jobs, developing professionals and building institutions that will outlive individual administrations.

Igali, a former President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation and former World and Olympic wrestling champion, said the proposed Asoama Sports Academy would be central to this new thinking, insisting that sports development must go beyond producing athletes.

“People immediately think about producing athletes. Athletes are important, but sport is much bigger than competition,” Igali said.

He explained that behind every competing athlete is an army of professionals, including coaches, referees, physiotherapists, nutritionists, sports scientists, administrators, marketers, event managers and facility managers.

“Not everyone will become an Olympic champion. Thousands, however, can build meaningful careers within the sports industry,” he said.

“Sports should become an economy, not merely an event.”

The former wrestling champion's vision comes as Bayelsa prepares to host the 2028 National Sports Festival, an event he believes could become a defining moment in the state's sports development if properly harnessed.

2028 NSF – Beyond Two Weeks of Competition

Igali said Bayelsa's hosting of the National Sports Festival should not be measured simply by the quality of competition or the number of medals won.

According to him, the festival provides an opportunity to accelerate infrastructure development, improve the capacity of sports administrators, train volunteers, promote tourism and stimulate local businesses.

More importantly, he wants the facilities developed for the festival to continue serving athletes and communities long after the closing ceremony.

“We do not simply want to host. We want to leave a legacy,” he declared.

He said that philosophy reflects the standard set by the state government and would guide preparations for the 2028 festival.

Sports Summit to Set 10-YEAR ROADMAP

Igali also disclosed that the proposed Bayelsa Sports Summit would provide a platform for stakeholders to take a critical look at the state's sporting journey and develop a practical roadmap for the next decade.

He said the summit would not be another gathering dominated by speeches, but a forum designed to confront difficult questions and produce actionable solutions.

“We want coaches, athletes, academics, sports scientists, administrators, investors and policymakers around one table,” he said.

“No single person has a monopoly on wisdom.”

The commissioner believes the summit will have fulfilled its purpose if it produces a clear direction for the future of Bayelsa sports.

BAYELSA UNITED – 'WE ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY'

Igali also addressed the painful relegation of Bayelsa United from the elite league, acknowledging the disappointment of supporters while insisting that the setback must become a catalyst for institutional reform.

“Football belongs to the people. When a club is relegated, the pain belongs to everyone,” he said.

Rather than search for excuses, Igali said the state opted for an honest assessment of what went wrong.

He revealed that the government was reviewing the club's governance and technical structures, recruitment strategy, youth development programme, application of sports science and financial sustainability.

“Quick fixes make headlines. Strong institutions create lasting success,” he said.

'My Legacy Must Be Bigger Than Olympic Gold'

For Igali, however, the ultimate measure of his tenure will not be the titles he won as an athlete or the position he occupies in government.

The Olympic champion said he wants his legacy to be measured by the strength of the institutions established and the opportunities created for future generations.

“If Bayelsa continues producing athletes because our systems became stronger; if our facilities continue serving generations yet unborn; if our coaches become better trained; if our young people discover opportunities through sport; if Bayelsa United returns stronger because we learnt difficult lessons honestly; if the National Sports Festival leaves behind a lasting legacy, then I will consider my service worthwhile,” he said.

“Titles eventually fade. Institutions endure.”

Igali's philosophy is rooted in a simple principle: leadership should not be about personal recognition, but about creating structures that continue to deliver results after the leader has left.

“At the end of the day, leadership is not about taking credit. It is about leaving things better than you found them,” he said.

“The medals I won belong to history. The systems we build today belong to the future.

“And I have always believed that the future is a far more worthy investment.”