Bayelsa Governor Diri Doubles Scrabble Classic Prize Money

At the closing ceremony of the sixth edition of the Diri National Scrabble Classic in Yenagoa on Sunday, Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri announced a doubling of the tournament's overall prize purse from N20 million to N40 million. The winner of the Masters category will receive N5 million.

Diri also directed the Bayelsa state Commissioners for Sports and Education to introduce scrabble into secondary schools, emphasizing its educational benefits. He pledged ongoing support for scrabble and promised to facilitate its inclusion as an optional sport at the 2028 National Sports Festival, which Bayelsa will host.

Additionally, he expressed support for Nigeria's contingent heading to the World Youth Scrabble Championship in Kenya. Engineer Bright Idahosa, President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, commended Diri for his commitment to scrabble development, while Daniel Alabrah, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association, noted the record participation of over 300 players in the tournament.