By George Otiotio
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday, flagged off the new Olympic-standard 25,000-capacity Bayelsa stadium project at Igbogene, Yenagoa, as part of the activities marking the 5th anniversary of governor Douye Diri.
The former president performed the groundbreaking ceremony on a day Gov. Diri restated his appeal for support of the the federal government as well as the Niger Delta Development Commission ,NDDC, oil firms operating in the state.
Jonathan expressed delight over the project, saying as a Bayelsan, he was duty bound to celebrate with the state government for the progress so far achieved.
He lauded Diri’s developmental strides, urging him not to rest on his laurels and that the contractor and the state government should ensure the project met the highest standards.
Jonathan called on the state and federal governments to set up a sports fund to cater for sportsmen after their active days and encourage younger ones to be involved in sports.
He said: “This is my state and I have to celebrate with the government for the progress so far made. This is an iconic project that will develop the state. Please do not rest on your laurels as we want this stadium to meet the best standards.
“I am happy with the presence of relevant federal government officials. I hope they will guide the state well and support where necessary.
“As a country, we must have a fund to care for sportsmen. The federal and state government can think about it so that the younger generation will be interested in sports.
