By Julius Agadaga, Yenagoa
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has increased the prize money for the annual Diri National Scrabble Classic from N20 million to N40 million, while directing the introduction of scrabble into secondary schools across the state to promote intellectual development among students.
The governor announced the new incentives at the closing ceremony of the sixth edition of the tournament in Yenagoa, declaring that the winner of the Masters category in the next edition would receive N5 million, a significant increase from the current prize.
Diri described scrabble as more than a sporting activity, saying it is an educational tool that sharpens the intellect, enhances vocabulary and spelling, and develops strategic thinking.
According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the governor directed the Commissioners for Sports and Education to immediately work out modalities for introducing the game into secondary schools in Bayelsa.
Reflecting on his personal experience with the game, Diri said scrabble played a key role in shaping his mental capacity while growing up.
“Scrabble is a game I started playing as a youth and it helped my vocabulary and spelling ability. It is a mind game that should be introduced in our secondary schools because it is not just a sport but also a tool for education,” he said.
He assured stakeholders that his administration would continue to invest in the game, noting that sports remained a strategic avenue for youth development and talent discovery.
The governor also pledged to ensure scrabble is included as one of the demonstration sports at the 2028 National Sports Festival, which Bayelsa will host, and promised state support for Nigerian players participating in the forthcoming World Youth Scrabble Championship in Kenya.
“We have the hosting rights for the 2028 National Sports Festival, and as hosts we can introduce new games. Scrabble will certainly be one of them. We will also support our young players travelling to Kenya,” he stated.
President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Engr. Bright Idahosa, commended the governor for his unwavering commitment to the growth of the sport, describing his support as instrumental in sustaining Nigeria’s status as Africa’s and the world’s leading scrabble nation.
Idahosa noted that Nigeria’s triumph at the 2015 World Scrabble Championship elevated the country’s profile globally and said Bayelsa’s investment in the game had further strengthened its development.
The Commissioner for Sports, Dr. Daniel Igali, described scrabble as a “mind sport” deserving of greater institutional support, expressing confidence that Bayelsa would host the best National Sports Festival in the country’s history in 2028.
He disclosed that construction work on the state’s 30,000-capacity and 15,000-capacity stadiums was progressing steadily and would be completed ahead of the festival.
Chairman of the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said the 2026 edition recorded a milestone with over 300 participants, the highest attendance in any scrabble tournament in Nigeria, while also offering the biggest prize purse in the competition’s history.
He added that innovations such as online registration, digital score recording and live streaming enhanced the tournament’s global visibility, expressing optimism that the next edition would attain full international status following participation by players from Ghana this year.
At the end of the competition, Abdulmimin Jimoh emerged champion in the Masters category, claiming the N2 million top prize and trophy. Bayelsa-born Felix Igolukumo won the Intermediate category, while Godwin Angoye triumphed in the Opens category. Oladokun Esan retained the Veterans title for the third consecutive time, and Godwin Joseph won the Students category.
Governor Diri also announced special cash gifts of N1 million each to seven-year-old Abdulsalam Yusuf of Kwara State and nine-year-old Bayelsa-born Elizabeth Fun-ere in recognition of their outstanding participation.
The ceremony concluded with an exhibition match between Governor Diri and the Nigeria Scrabble Federation President, which the governor won, drawing applause from participants and spectators alike.
