Diri Appoints Bibowei as Sports Director, Signals Fresh Push for Bayelsa’s Athletic Dominance
By Paul Ebi
In a move seen as a strategic reset for sports development in Bayelsa State, Governor Douye Diri has approved the appointment of Mr. Lambert Bibowei Harrison as the substantive Director of Sports for the Bayelsa State Sports Council.
The appointment, which takes immediate effect, follows the retirement of former Director, Sir Braveman Wodi, and brings an end to the interim leadership of Mr. Andrew Aye, who had been steering affairs in an acting capacity.
Announcing the development, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Daniel Igali, said the decision underscores the state government’s renewed determination to reclaim and strengthen Bayelsa’s status as a powerhouse in Nigerian sports.
According to Igali, Bibowei’s appointment is not just routine but deliberate, aimed at injecting fresh energy, professionalism, and strategic direction into the state’s sports sector.
“His mandate is clear—reposition Bayelsa as one of the leading states in sports nationwide,” the commissioner stated, emphasizing the administration’s expectation for visible results.
Bibowei is no stranger to the sports ecosystem in the state. He has built a reputation through years of service in various capacities, most notably as Secretary of the Planning Committee for Team Bayelsa during the 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State. Under that structure, Bayelsa delivered an impressive performance, finishing third overall—an achievement widely credited to effective planning and coordination.
Observers say his elevation could mark a turning point for the Sports Council, especially at a time when states are intensifying investments in grassroots talent, infrastructure, and competitive exposure.
With expectations already high, stakeholders across the sports community will be watching closely to see whether Bibowei can translate his experience into tangible success—reviving Bayelsa’s dominance and setting new benchmarks on the national stage.
