Bayelsa moves to begin scrabble, chess in schools

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has announced a substantial increase in the prize money for the upcoming Diri National Scrabble Classic, marking a renewed commitment to promoting the game within the state's educational system. During the closing ceremony of the sixth edition of the tournament held in Yenagoa on Sunday night, Diri revealed that the winner of the Masters category in the next edition will receive N5 million, doubling the current prize pool from N20 million to N40 million. The governor emphasized the value of Scrabble as an intellectual pursuit, stating that it enhances vocabulary, spelling, and strategic thinking skills. He noted that the game played a pivotal role in his personal development and encouraged its integration into secondary schools to foster cognitive growth among students. Diri expressed satisfaction with the tournament's success both nationally and internationally, acknowledging the efforts of organizers and participants alike. Diri pledged to facilitate the inclusion of Scrabble at the 2028 National Sports Festival, which Bayelsa State will host, and to provide support for Nigerian players competing in the World Youth Scrabble Championship in Kenya. He highlighted the state's investment in sports as a means of nurturing young talent and leveraging the region's reputation as a leading sports hub in Nigeria. President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Engr. Bright Idahosa, commended Diri's ongoing support for the game, noting that Nigeria continues to excel in Scrabble globally. He pointed out that the country's victory in the world championship in 2015 brought international attention to the game, and it has since maintained a prominent position on the global stage. Idahosa also praised Diri for his contributions to the state's infrastructure and development, describing him as a quiet yet effective leader. The Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Igali, echoed these sentiments, affirming that Scrabble deserves more recognition as a mind sport and expressing confidence in the quality of the upcoming 2028 National Sports Festival. Igali mentioned that construction on two major stadiums, capable of holding 30,000 and 15,000 spectators, is progressing according to schedule, ensuring the festival will be a landmark event. The chairman of the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, noted that this year's tournament saw record participation, with over 300 registered players, and offered the highest prize money in the country's history. Alabrah extended gratitude to Diri for his continued backing of the game, crediting the governor's support for revitalizing interest in Scrabble across the state. As preparations for the next edition of the tournament intensify, the increased prize money and expanded focus on educational integration signal a promising future for the game in Bayelsa.