F.J.M Media

_By Francis Joseph _ Last season, Bayelsa United left it late to secure their top-flight status, escaping relegation on the final day of the campaign after a 2-0 away win at Bendel Insurance as the 2023/2024 came to an end, But after a summer of shrewd signings and renewed optimism, the team is now looking up rather than down. The addition of new players, Daniel Bameyi, Goforth Amedu, Rabiu Abdullahi, Auwal Sadiq, Ibrahim Abdullahi, Yahaya Ibrahim, Hadi Mohammed and home grown talents Akpokabowei Solomon Godbless Akpos who where discovered from the Bayelsa Governor's Cup (Prosperity Cup) has injected fresh talent and energy into the squad, and fans are eagerly anticipating a more successful season ahead. The "Prosperity Boy's" led by it's new Technical Adviser, Ladan Bosso has made no secret of their ambition of going back to the continent at the end of the 2024/2025 NPFL season, and the signings of ten new players demonstrated a clear comm...

Bayelsa State athletes on Wednesday depart Yenagoa for Benin City, Edo State for the zonal elimination of the 8th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State. Team Bayelsa led by Director of Sports Sir Braveman Wodi arrived Benin the Edo State capital with about 242 contingent comparing athletes, coaches and officials. Bayelsa will compete in eight sports which include, football, handball, volleyball, beach volleyball, hockey, basketball, abula and rugby. The elimination for the team sports in the 8th National Youth Games will commence on the 28th of August through the 1st of September, 2024 with the games expected to kick off next month in Asaba, Delta State. Director of Sports Bayelsa State Sports Council Sir Braveman Wodi remarked that the target for team Bayelsa is to qualify in all sports, stating that Bayelsa is prepared for zonal elimination. Sir Wodi explained that team Bayelsa would compete in eight sports apart from cricket while Bayelsa compete in hand...

Hon. High-Chief Victor Ikeji, Ph.D (Kpakpando-Umuahia) , the Mayor of Umuahia North LGA today, Wednesday 28th August, 2024 honoured the invitation of the people of Nkwoachara Ward who invited him to a town hall meeting, to account for his stewardship as the Umuahia North council boss. The Mayor, while engaging the people of Nkwoachara, commended them for the initiative. He was of the opinion that citizens' involvement and engagement is the hallmark of democracy. He commended them for the initiative as he assured them of his commitment to providing an accountable leadership to the people of Umuahia North, which includes Nkwoachara Ward. The Mayor also stated that he deliberately distributed most of his programs and projects across the 12 wards to ensure inclusion and equitable development across the nooks and crannies of the council. He said two roads from Nkwoachara Ward received attention, and they include: Afor-Umuawa to Obowo Road ...

Bayelsa United have promoted two of its youth team players, David Weke and Stanley Idon to senior team ahead of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. The promotion of the two players became imperative following their impressive performance and their dedication to training. David and Stanley's elevation was announced on Wednesday August 28th, 2024 at the Samson Siasia Stadium after the team's training exercise. Reacting to the development, Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United, Ladan Bosso hailed the players for the show of consistency in their careers, urging them not to rest on their oars. According to him, after watching the just concluded Prosperity Cup, that he was able to spot some players that he felt needed promotion to the first team, maintaining that he is confident of the players' abilities to deliver. He heaped praises on the club's academy coaches for their commitment towards the teams, stating that their efforts was yeilding the desir...

Secondary Schools Athletes in Bayelsa State have another opportunity to showcase their talent in track and field events. This is because the SamKay Athletics Academy in partnership with the Bayelsa State Athletics Association is set to put in place a one day athletics meet for secondary schools in Bayelsa State. The meet which is billed for the main bowl of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Ovom on Monday, September 2nd, 2024 is opened to all interested secondary schools. The events to be competed for are: 100metres, 400metres, 800 metres and Long Jump for boys and girls with only two athletes due to be registered per event. Cash prizes will be on offer for winners of 1st,2nd and 3rd position for boys and girls in each of the events. While the winners will smile home with N20,000 each, runners up will pocket N15,000 each as 3rd placed athletes will settle for N10,000 each. Registration/accreditation will open by 7am on the main day. Pre-registration is also welcome by sendi...

Enoch Nwali of Ebonyi State has retained his crown in the masters category in the 4th edition of Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble championship in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. Nwali recorded 13 wins at the Chief Harold Dappa Biriye conference hall with a plus 1229 cumulative spread to win the trophy and the 750.000 star prize and the winner's trophy. Enoch Nwali became the first player to successfully defend the governor Douye Diri National Scrabble championship with the previous editions won by Oshevire Avwenagha of Delta State and  Nsikak Etim of Akwa Ibom State. Igali Precious of Bayelsa finish second with 12 wins and cumulative of +140 to smile home  with a sum of #450.000, Delta State Okiemute Tega came out third with same wins and cumulative of +139 to receive #330.000 naira. Esan Dokun of Kogi State dethroned Ojior Osikhena of Edo in the veteran category with +1465 cumulative after 13 wins, Ojior Osikhena of Edo came second on 13 wins ...

_ ....As Foundation Provides Drinking Water for club during 2024/2025 Season......_ Gloria Diri Foundation (GDF) and Bayelsa United on Friday 23rd of August, 2024 continued their partnership as the foundation became the Official Water provider of the club. This was made known by the Chairperson of the Foundation Dr. Juliet Teibowei who described the gesture as a necessity. Dr. Juliet said in a bid to foster the relationship between the both parties, the Foundation decided to partner with Bayelsa United's lives journey by doing the little it could in providing water for the upcoming football season. She described football is one of the sporting activities that young people engage in as a lifetime career. And because through the sport, people will earn a living, people will better their lives, people will also mentor others, and as a result of game, people will know Bayelsa United and the State at large. In response, chairman of Bayelsa United Mr. ...

By Francis Joseph   Bayelsa United has officially unveiled its latest additions to the squad, sending a clear message of intent ahead of the upcoming season.  Among the ten new signings unveiled were Daniel Bameyi who joined  from Yum Yum FC of Abuja, Goforth Amady arrived from FC One Rocket of Akwa Ibom while Rabiu Abdullahi came from Tudun wada United of Kano State Auwal Sadiq arrived from Warinji Academy, Ibrahim Abdullahi signed for the Prosperity Boys from Kano Pillars, Yahaya Ibrahim from Kastina United and forward Hadi Mohammed from Akwa United. Others are Akpokabowei Solomon and Godbless Akpos from Eternal Grace FC of Yenagoa and Bendel Insurance.  Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, chairman Bayelsa United, Mr. Ebiki Timimi urged the newly signed players to always give their best at all times as they were the few chosen out of over seventy players who came in for trial during the team's close camping. Ebiki also used the o...

The people of Nkwoachara Ward through the Nkwoachara Ward Development Union has issued a letter of invitation to the Senator, Representing,  Abia Central, Sen. Augustine Akobundu, the honourable member representing, Ikwuano/Umuahia North/ Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Hon. High-Chief Obinna Aguocha, the Mayor of Umuahia North LGA, Hon. High-Chief Victor Ikeji, Ph.D and the honourable member representing Umuahia North (Ohuhu) State Constituency, Hon. Barr. Anderson Kelechi Akaliro to town hall meeting. The town hall meeting is scheduled to hold as follows;  Hon. Obinna Aguocha on Sunday 25th August,2024 by 3:00pm. Sen.Augustine Akobundu, Monday 26th August, 2024 by 3:00pm  Hon. Barr. Anderson Kelechi Akaliro, Tuesday 27th August, 2024 by 3:00pm Hon. High-Chief Victor Ikeji, Ph.D , Wednesday 28th August, 2024. The venue of all the meetings is the Umuawa -Alaocha Civic Hall, Umuawa -Alaocha, Ohuhu, Umuahia Nor...

.. . SAYS JUDGEMENT IS A VICTORY FOR BAYELSA. On behalf of all sports-loving Bayelsans, footballers, and youths, the Central Organizing Committee of the Bayelsa Governors Football Tournament, Prosperity Cup, warmly congratulates His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri, and His Excellency, Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on their final victory at the Supreme Court. In a statement on Friday by Mr Ono K. Akpe, the Director General of the Prosperity Cup, on behalf of the central organizating committee, said the victory was long-awaited, as the Governor's success at the November 16, 2023 poll was loud and clear and cannot be altered. He added that Governor Douye Diri has already won the hearts of Bayelsans, hence their undiluted love and support for him, which was translated at the polls, and also upheld by both the Tribunal and Appeal Courts, and was not surprised by the judgment of the Supreme Court. The statement stressed that the victory is for Bayelsans, adding that t...

.. ...... Calls on  Leaders to Imbibe the Selfless Leadership Style  of M.I Okpara  The socio-political group " Nkwoachara Ward Development Union (NWDU) has congratulated the honourable member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/ Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Hon. High-Chief Obinna Aguocha, the Mayor of Umuahia North LGA  Hon. High-Chief Victor Ikeji, Ph.D , Chief Barr. Kingston Ezeugo, High-Chief Chris Nwa-Abia, Prince Madubauchi Gabriel and other illustrious sons of Ohuhuland who bagged the Michael Okpara Leadership Award during the late Igbo Patriarch's  Memorial Lecture today , Thursday 22nd August, 2024 at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The group while congratulating all the awardee through it's Chairman Hon. Nelcinn Chimex Uluocha called on all leaders in Ohuhuland and beyond to Imbibe the Selfless Leadership style of Dr. Michael Okpara. He said, "Dr. M.I is celebrated after many years of his death due to his selfless and impactful ...

Samuel Boboye, a rising star in the world of table tennis, hails from Bayelsa State in Nigeria. His exceptional skills and dedication have propelled him to the forefront of the sport.  At a 20 and currently the Captain of the Bayelsa State table tennis team, Boboye has already achieved significant milestones. He secured gold medals at the African Junior Championships Tunisia 2022 in both team and doubles events, showcasing his ability to excel under pressure. His participation in the African senior Championship, 2023 in Yaoundé, Cameroon further solidified his reputation, where he earned a bronze medal in doubles and a silver in team events for the Nigerian team. Boboye's passion for table tennis is evident in his admiration for Ma Long, a renowned figure in the sport. Under the guidance of Mr. Ama-ebi Stow, Boboye continues to hone his skills and strive for excellence.  Beyond his competitive achievements, Boboye's impact extends to his community. He serves as an ...

In its continuous solidarity visit to stakeholders in the sports sector, the leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Bayelsa chapter, on Monday, paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Esv. Moses Teibowei. Bayelsa SWAN was led by its Chairman, Comrade Mrs Timinepre Ohia. The Chairman, in her remarks, congratulated the Works and Infrastructure Commissioner on his reappointment by the Governor, Douye Diri, as well as commend him for his doggedness in carrying out the visions of the Governor through the numerous projects ongoing in the state. Describing the Works and Infrastructure Commissioner as a round peg in a round hole and a major stakeholder in sports, she equally expressed her appreciation to him on behalf of the association, for his role in uniting the body before it's last elective congress. Ahead of the SWAN week for this year, Comrade Mrs Ohia however solicited for the support of the Ministry, as well as ot...

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State - The Central Organizing Committee (COC) of the Governor Douye Diri Pre-season Football Tournament has expressed its heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the resounding success of the event. In a statement, the COC Chairman, Ono K. Akpe, thanked His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and the Sports Development Commissioner, Hon. Daniel Igali, for their unwavering support and commitment to sports development in Bayelsa State. The COC also extended its appreciation to Bayelsa United, the champions of the tournament, the participating teams, the peaceful and orderly fans, the referees and match officials, and all football stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the tournament. The Prosperity Cup and the Pre-season tournament have received widespread commendation from football stakeholders both within and outside the state, solidifying Bayelsa...

Compiled by Francis Joseph Bayelsa United are the champions of the Governor Douye Diri Pre-season Football Tournament after defeating fellow South South neighbors Bendel Insurance 7-6 on penalties as the match ended 1-1 at regulation time. It's been an exciting one week of football as fans have been treated to sublime football from all the participating teams. With the pre-season tournament coming to an end, here are the final statistics of the Gov Douye Diri Pre-season Football Tournament. √ Total Matches played= 14 √ Total goals scored= 15 √ Average goal scored per match =1.1 √ Two Matches ended in a goalless draw out of 14. ( Rivers United 0-0 Kwara United, Bendel Insurance 0-0 Kwara United). √ Number of clean sheet recorded in the tournament= 8 √ Team with most clean sheet = Kwara United (4 clean sheets) √ Fastest goal scored in the tournament= 2 minutes (Bayelsa United's John Bassey scored the fastest goal against Abia Warriors in the 2nd minute in Matchday two...

***Gov Diri Pledges more Support for Sports Development** Bayelsa United have emerged champions of the governor Douye Diri pre season Football tournament. The prosperity boys beat Bendel Insurance 7-6 on penalties to clinch the trophy and the prize money. The Yenagoa based side piped Benin Arsenal 7-6 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate at the end of regulation time on Sunday at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa. Loveday Saro gave Bayelsa United the lead on 28 minutes from Samuel Okon's left footed cross as he scored to send the fans into celebration having missed a scoring opportunity to go ahead in the opening minutes. Bendel Insurance responded immediately from Meyiwa Oritseweyinmi who meandered his way inside the danger zone to find the back of the net for the Benin Arsenals. Earlier in the third place match, Akwa United beat Kwara United 4-2 on penalties after a barren draw in regulation time.  Champions Bayelsa United smiled home with #1.5 million naira, second pl...

.. .Bayelsa United Wins Gov Diri's Pre Season Tournament Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye says his administration will continue to prioritize the development of sports development as a tool to positively engage the youths in the state. He made this known at the finals of the Governor Douye Diri Pre-season Tournament on Sunday at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Ovom in Yenagoa. Governor Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said his administration is not worried about the resources being allocated for the development of sports in the state. A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Mr Doubara Atasi, on Monday, quoted the Governor as saying that sports remains one of the easiest ways to engage the youths positively. He emphasized that sports and education would remain focal areas in his prosperity administration because the two sectors have the capacity  to take youths away from drugs, crimi...

The Nigeria Wrestling Federation has ceremoniously welcomed back team Nigeria wrestlers to the recently concluded Paris Olympics despite falling short of expectations.  The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi who doubles as a board member of the Wrestling Federation noted that the reception was a move to motivate the athletes in solidarity they are not alone.   The Customs boss expressed confidence that Nigerian wrestlers will make the country proud in international tournaments with the right support and environment.  "We stay together when we are happy and stay together when we are not happy. We have a very useful lesson to learn from the experience we got at the recently concluded Olympics in Paris." "Therefore, this reception offers us opportunity to come together to appreciate our athletes and officials for their efforts." "The Olympics take place in one month every four years but we know that sometimes it take...

.. ....DEP GOV LAWRENCE EWHRUDJAKPO TO GRACE EVENT  The stage is set for the grand finale of the Governor Douye Diri Pre-season football tournament in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital with Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State as Special Guest of Honour. After a week of entertaining football involving arguably seven of the biggest teams in the country and little known Yenagoa based side, four teams are left to battle for the third and second place honours and top prize. The Samson Siasia Sports Complex will once again come alive with exciting moments on Sunday, 18th August, as Akwa United confronts Kwara United in the third place match at 2pm, while Bayelsa United tackle Insurance of Benin in the grand finale at 4pm for the ultimate prize. A statement by the Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee of the Governor Douye Diri Pre-season football tournament, Mr Ono Akpe, said the state had been agog with exciting football, as a result of the...

Compiled by Francis Joseph  After one week of exciting football at the Samson Siasia Stadium Yenagoa, the Governor Douye Diri Pre-season Football Tournament will be coming to a climax on Sunday, 18th August, 2024. Home team Bayelsa United will tackle South South neighbors Bendel Insurance of Benin to determine who will be crown champions. Ahead of the final, here are the match pack involving both teams: √ In the last five (5) encounters between both teams, Bayelsa United have won three (3) times while Bendel Insurance has been victorious on two (2) times. √ Ten (10) goals has been scored in their last five matches involving both teams. Bayelsa United has scored six (6) goals while Bendel Insurance has scored four (4) goals. √ An average of two (2) goals has been scored in their previous five encounters. √ Bayelsa United has recorded three (3) clean sheets in their previous five matches while Bendel Insurance has one (1) clean sheet. √ Bayelsa United did the double over ...

***as Krusaders FC Shock Rivers Utd*** Bayelsa United will face Bendel Insurance in the final of the governor Douye Diri pre season tournament on Sunday at the Samson Siasia stadium. To qualify for the final, Bayelsa United beat Akwa United 1-0 to progress. Raphael Onwrabe's 37 minute header from Saro Loveday's beautiful cross was all the  Prosperity Boys needed to record their second win in the group. The Prosperity Boys qualified for the final from group "A" with six points after three games, losing one and winning two, Akwa United came second with four points same as Sunshine Stars of Akure. Akwa United and Kwara United will slug out in the third place match of the tournament having finished second in their respective groups. Kwara United amassed five points in group B while the Promise Keepers got four points in group A with one win, a draw and a loss. Sunshine Stars and Abia Warriors in the second match in group "A" shared the sp...

The Mayor provides links to 11 ongoing recruitment and business initiatives and urged indigenes and residents of the council, especially youths, to take advantage of the initiatives. The links to these initiatives are provided below; 1. Student loan scheme nelf.gov.ng 2. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative        pci.gov.ng 3. Consumer Credit Corporation          credicorp.ng 4. Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDiCE) program        boi.ng/iDiCE 5. Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA)         SUPA.itf.gov.ng 6. Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA)      NIYA.ng 7.  National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP)      natep.gov.ng 8.  Micro and Small Business loans https://www.boi.ng/micro-business/ 9.  Housing Initiatives       fha.gov.ng/ongoing-projec… 10.  NDDC INTERNSHIP SCHEME nyis.nddc.gov.ng 11.  Nano- Business Support ht...

***as Bayelsa Utd and Kwara Utd Secure Vital Wins Bayelsa State commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali says he is pleased with the level of organization of the ongoing Governor Douye Diri pre season Football Tournament in Yenagoa, the state capital. Dr Igali in an interview with journalists after match Day Two, commended the smooth organization of the Tournament, saying it is another reflection of the governor's love for sports. The commissioner noted that governor Douye Diri is desirous of seeing Bayelsa United have a fruitful outing in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL stating that, the tournament has given a lot of teams the opportunity to showcase the progression of their squads. According to him, the tournament is not all about winning, but a platform for the various coaches to perfect their tactics as well as know the form their players, before the commencement of the league. He described the Bayelsa United team as a work in progre...

The member representing Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency two in the Bayelsa State House Assembly Hon. Wisdom Fafi has donated new sets of jerseys to Bayelsa United ahead of the new Nigeria Premier Football NPFL season. Hon.Fafi made the donation at the Samson Siasia Stadium Yenagoa shortly after the Bayelsa United training on Tuesday. He noted that the gesture was aimed at giving back to the society, stating that the initiative was a  way of rendering support to the prosperity administration. He explained that he promised to donate the set of jerseys to Bayelsa United if they sustain their status in the NPFL, expressing optimism that the team would do better in the league in the coming season. According to him, the move would also compliment the efforts of governor Douye Diri whose administration has placed premium attention to the development of sports in the last five years of his administration. Commissioner for Sports Development Dr Daniel Igali, represente...

The highly anticipated Governor Douye Diri Preseason Tournament has commenced in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, bringing with it a surge in economic activity and excitement for football fans. The tournament, which kicked off on Monday, August 12, 2024, at the Samson Siasia Stadium, has already started to make a significant impact on the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality services are experiencing a boom in bookings and sales, while local businesses are benefiting from increased sales and exposure. The tournament's opening match between Sunshine Stars and Bayelsa United set the tone for an exciting competition, with Sunshine Stars emerging victorious with a 1-0 win. *Economic Growth* The Governor Douye Diri Preseason Tournament is expected to inject a substantial amount of revenue into the Bayelsa State economy, creating a positive impact on the lives of residents and businesses. *SPORTS TOURISM* The tournament is also promoting sports tourism...

  ***Organizers Appreciate Gov Diri for Continuous Support**** Seven topflight Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL teams and a non league side Krusaders selected will participate in the governor Douye Diri pre season tournament in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. Organizers of the Tournament led by Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr. Ono Akpe gave the hint at a press conference held in Yenagoa ahead of the tournament. Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee, Mr. Ono Akpe noted that the vision of the governor, Senator Douye Diri was aimed at strengthening Bayelsa United squad before the commencement of the season, pointing out that the primary reason for the tournament was to avoid the repeat of last season in the league. According to him, all the participating teams in the tourney have written to officially confirm their readiness to feature in the tournament, maintaining that the tournament's initial plan was for six teams but the governor made it open...

***Salutes Approval of New Stadium in Bayelsa.*** Stakeholders in the sports sector have given thumbs up to the governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, for organizing the pre-season football tourney in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. Top Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL are expected to be in Yenagoa for the pre season tourney from the 11th, through the 18th of August, 2024, at the Samson Siasia Stadium.  Eight teams, including the pride of Rivers, Rivers United, Akwa United, Bendel Insurance, Kwara United, Sunshine Stars, Abia Warriors, host Bayelsa United and 2023 Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament champions, Krusaders Feeders FC of Yenagoa will do battle. Speaking ahead of the tournament, Director General of the Prosperity Cup and also Chairman of the Pre-season tournament, Mr. Ono K. Akpe appreciated Governor Douye Diri and his deputy Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo as well as the Olympic and World Champion, Dr Daniel Igali who is the Commissioner fo...