YENAGOA, Nigeria — Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has announced an increase in the prize money for the Diri National Scrabble Classic to ₦40 million, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the development of sports and intellectual competitions in the state.
The governor made the announcement during the latest edition of the national scrabble championship, where he also expressed support for the introduction of scrabble into schools across Bayelsa State as part of efforts to promote educational development and intellectual excellence among young people.
Diri said scrabble is more than a recreational activity, describing it as a game that develops critical thinking, creativity, concentration, problem-solving abilities and language skills. According to him, exposing students to the game from an early age would help improve academic performance while encouraging healthy competition among learners.
The governor explained that increasing the competition’s prize money to ₦40 million reflects the state’s determination to make the Diri National Scrabble Classic one of the most prestigious tournaments in Nigeria. He noted that enhanced rewards would attract more participants from across the country and contribute to the growth of the sport.
Diri also stated that his administration remains committed to investing in sports development as a tool for youth empowerment, education and social development. He said Bayelsa has consistently distinguished itself in sporting activities and intends to maintain its reputation by supporting both physical and intellectual sports.
The governor urged educational authorities, school administrators and sports organisations to work together in introducing scrabble clubs and competitions in primary and secondary schools across the state. He said such initiatives would help identify talented players at an early stage and provide opportunities for them to compete at national and international levels.
Officials of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation welcomed the governor’s decision, describing it as a significant boost for the development of the game in the country. They commended the Bayelsa State Government for its consistent support and expressed optimism that the increased prize money would raise the profile of the competition.
The federation also praised Diri’s proposal to introduce scrabble into schools, noting that the game has proven educational benefits, including improved vocabulary, logical reasoning, strategic thinking and communication skills. Officials said encouraging students to participate in scrabble would complement classroom learning while promoting healthy intellectual engagement.
Participants at the championship expressed appreciation for the governor’s continued investment in the competition, saying the increased prize money would motivate more players to participate and encourage greater professionalism within the sport.
Education experts have also endorsed the proposal to introduce scrabble into schools, arguing that educational games contribute significantly to cognitive development and help students build confidence, discipline and analytical skills. They noted that several countries have successfully integrated intellectual games into school extracurricular programmes with positive outcomes.
Governor Diri reaffirmed that his administration will continue supporting initiatives that empower young people through education, sports and talent development. He said Bayelsa remains committed to creating opportunities for youths to excel in various fields while strengthening the state’s position as a leading centre for sports and educational excellence in Nigeria.
