Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has made a surprise visit to the camp of the state-owned female football team, Bayelsa Queens, to motivate the players.
The governor who was not impressed with the state of facilities directed the immediate relocation of the players from the camp to a more suitable place pending the provision of a permanent camp.
Diri said the state government would take steps to provide a befitting permanent site for both Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens.
The governor also directed that necessary steps be taken to ensure the immediate release of the bus for the female team.
He expressed surprise that the bus was yet to be released to the team even after speaking to the supplier.
The governor assured the players that the bus will get to the team the next day and asked the Finance Commissioner to ensure the directive is complied with.
He stated that government would continue to support the teams to enable them to succeed and charge them to aim for the top prize in the competitions they were participating in.
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Diri, however, called on the private sector to invest in football as it is done in other climes, saying such support would go a long way in improving the fortunes of sport in the country.
He said: “Returning here after a very long time, I thought you had moved away from this place because I used to visit the Queens here. I like to on behalf of the government congratulate you for your sterling performance.
“In Bayelsa, we are used to being first. So, you should aim for the first position in your league.
“Having discussed with the Deputy Governor and the Commissioner for Sports, I have directed that you be relocated from here immediately.
“Bayelsa Queens is a name in Nigerian football that everybody respects and you have to prove yourselves. I am happy I saw other countries’ nationals here and as long as you are here, you are Bayelsans as well.”
Earlier, the Chairman of Bayelsa Queens, Mr. Robin Apreala, thanked the governor for his support to the team, saying the team had one of the best welfare packages in the country.