Gov Diri Doubles National Scrabble Classic Prize Money, Orders Introduction of Game in Bayelsa Schools

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has announced a major boost for the Diri National Scrabble Classic, doubling the tournament’s total prize money from ₦20 million to ₦40 million and increasing the winner’s prize in the prestigious Masters category to ₦5 million from the next edition.

The governor made the announcement on Sunday during the closing ceremony of the sixth edition of the championship in Yenagoa, describing scrabble as more than a sport but a powerful educational tool capable of sharpening the minds of young people.

In a further demonstration of his administration’s commitment to the game, Diri directed the state’s Commissioners for Sports and Education to work out modalities for introducing scrabble into secondary schools across Bayelsa.

According to the governor, the game played a significant role in developing his vocabulary, spelling ability and critical thinking skills while growing up, adding that it remains one of the best mind sports for nurturing intelligence and strategic reasoning.

“Scrabble is a game I started playing as a youth, and it helped my vocabulary and spelling ability. It is not just a sport; it is also education. The importance of scrabble cannot be over-emphasised because it teaches strategic thinking,” he said.

Diri assured players and stakeholders that his administration would continue investing in the game until the end of his tenure, noting that the next edition of the competition would be the last he would personally oversee as governor.

Responding to requests by the President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), Engr. Bright Idahosa, 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.

He further promised state support for Nigerian players representing the country at the World Youth Scrabble Championship scheduled to take place in Kenya.

The governor explained that Bayelsa’s sustained investment in sports is aimed at harnessing the talents of young people and providing them with positive opportunities for growth and development.

Speaking at the event, NSF President Bright Idahosa commended Governor Diri for his unwavering support for scrabble, describing Nigeria as the leading scrabble-playing nation in Africa and one of the strongest globally.

Idahosa said the governor’s commitment has helped elevate the profile of the game both nationally and internationally while also praising his administration’s achievements in infrastructure and sports development.

The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Dr. Daniel Igali, described scrabble as a sport that promotes intelligence and deserves greater institutional support. He also assured participants that preparations for the 2028 National Sports Festival were progressing steadily, with construction of the state’s 30,000-capacity and 15,000-capacity stadiums advancing according to schedule.

Chairman of the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association, Daniel Alabrah, revealed that the just-concluded championship recorded over 300 participants, making it the largest scrabble tournament ever held in Nigeria.

He noted that the competition also featured several innovations, including online registration, digital score recording and live streaming, enabling audiences around the world to follow the tournament in real time.

Alabrah disclosed that the association, in collaboration with the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, is already working towards transforming the Diri National Scrabble Classic into a fully international tournament after this year’s edition attracted participants from Ghana.

In the competition, Abdulmimin Jimoh emerged champion of the Masters category, winning ₦2 million and a trophy. Felix Igolukumo, a Bayelsa native, claimed the Intermediate title with ₦1.2 million, while fellow Bayelsan Godwin Angoye won the Opens category, taking home ₦700,000.

Veteran player Oladokun Esan successfully defended his Veterans title for the third consecutive time, earning ₦900,000, while Godwin Joseph emerged winner of the Students category with a cash prize of ₦150,000.

In a special gesture, Governor Diri also presented ₦1 million each to seven-year-old Abdulsalam Yusuf from Kwara State and nine-year-old Bayelsa-born Elizabeth Fun-ere in recognition of their exceptional participation.

The event concluded with an exhibition match between Governor Diri and NSF President Bright Idahosa, with the governor emerging victorious, bringing the curtain down on another successful edition of the Diri National Scrabble Classic.