DIRI URGES BAYELSANS TO EMBRACE FITNESS AS 6th SDD MARATHON KICKS OFF

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged residents of the state to actively participate in the sixth edition of the SDD Marathon as part of efforts to promote fitness and healthy living.

The marathon, which features a 10-kilometre race for elite runners and a 5-kilometre category for leisure participants, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Governor Diri made the call on Thursday during the weekly Prosperity Walk at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, where he officially flagged off activities for the marathon.

The governor was presented with the official marathon jersey by one of the organisers, Odonkumo Igbeita, on behalf of the organising committee.

Expressing satisfaction with the return of the Prosperity Walk after a brief pause during the Yuletide season and the passing of his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the governor encouraged greater public participation in subsequent exercises

.“Today, we resume our weekly Prosperity Walk after the break. The turnout may not be as large as expected, but I am confident that more people will join us in the coming weeks,” Diri said.

The governor also distributed bags of rice to participants and commended them for turning out for the special walk held in honour of the late deputy governor, describing the exercise as “very colourful.”

He reiterated his earlier directive to local government council chairmen to ensure the Prosperity Walk is observed in their respective areas, stressing that compliance would be monitored.

“This will be monitored by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, alongside the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, to ensure full compliance,” he stated.

Earlier, while presenting the marathon jersey, Igbeita praised Governor Diri for his commitment to sports development and hands-on involvement in fitness initiatives across the state.

He disclosed that all registered participants would undergo mandatory fitness tests and accreditation at the medical department of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex on February 5 and 6, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.