Gov Diri Increases Scrabble Classic Prize Money To N40m, Orders Introduction In Bayelsa Schools

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has announced a major increase in the prize money for the annual Diri National Scrabble Classic, raising the total purse from N20 million to N40 million.

The governor made the announcement during the closing ceremony of the sixth edition of the tournament held on Sunday night in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Governor Diri, who expressed satisfaction with the growth and impact of the competition, disclosed that the winner of the Masters category in the next edition would receive N5 million.

He also directed the Commissioners for Sports and Education to develop a framework for introducing scrabble into secondary schools across the state, describing the game as an educational tool that enhances vocabulary, strategic thinking, and intellectual development.

According to the governor, scrabble played a significant role in improving his vocabulary, spelling ability, and critical thinking while growing up.

“Scrabble is a game I started playing as a youth and it helped my vocabulary and spelling ability. Today, I am very happy to hear the waves this tournament has made not only in our country but beyond,” he said.

“Scrabble is a mind game. It is something that I will personally recommend even for our secondary schools as this is not just a sport, it is also education.”

Governor Diri said his administration would continue to support the development of the game in Bayelsa, noting that sports remained a key avenue for discovering and empowering young talents.

He further pledged to support Nigerian players participating in the World Youth Scrabble Championship in Kenya and promised to facilitate the inclusion of scrabble in the 2028 National Sports Festival, which Bayelsa is scheduled to host.

“We have the hosting right for the 2028 National Sports Festival and the practice is that as host, you can introduce some new games, and scrabble will be part of it,” he stated.

President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), Engr. Bright Idahosa, commended Governor Diri for his consistent support for the game, describing Bayelsa’s commitment as a major boost to the growth of scrabble in Nigeria and beyond.

Idahosa noted that Nigeria’s victory at the 2015 World Scrabble Championship brought global attention to the country, adding that the nation remains the leading scrabble-playing country in Africa and one of the best globally.

The Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, described scrabble as a mind sport that deserved greater recognition and support.

He also expressed confidence that the 2028 National Sports Festival in Bayelsa would be one of the best editions ever, assuring that ongoing construction works on the 30,000-capacity and 15,000-capacity stadia would be completed as scheduled.

Chairman of the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said the sixth edition of the tournament recorded the highest number of participants in any scrabble competition in Nigeria, with over 300 registered players.

He added that the tournament introduced innovations such as online registration, electronic score recording, and live streaming, which expanded its reach globally.

Abdulmumin Jimoh emerged champion of the Masters category, winning N2 million and a trophy, while Bayelsa-born Felix Igolukumo won the Intermediate category with a N1.2 million prize.

Godwin Angoye claimed the Open category title with N700,000, while Oladokun Esan emerged winner of the Veterans category for the third time, receiving N900,000 and a trophy.

Godwin Joseph won the Students category with a N150,000 prize and trophy.

Governor Diri also presented special gifts of N1 million each to seven-year-old Abdulsalam Yusuf from Kwara State and nine-year-old Bayelsa-born Elizabeth Fun-ere for their outstanding performances.

The event climaxed with an exhibition scrabble match between Governor Diri and the NSF President, which the governor won.