Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called on residents of the state to actively participate in the sixth edition of the Senator Douye Diri (SDD) Bayelsa Marathon, describing the event as a platform to promote physical fitness and healthy living.
The governor made the call on Thursday during the resumption of the weekly Prosperity Walk at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Yenagoa, where he was presented with the official marathon jersey by a representative of the organising committee, Odonkumo Igbeita.
The marathon, which is scheduled to hold on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in Yenagoa, will feature a 10-kilometre race for elite runners and a 5-kilometre race for leisure participants.
Governor Diri expressed satisfaction with the return of the weekly fitness programme after a brief suspension due to the Yuletide festivities and the death of his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
“Today, we resume our weekly Prosperity Walk after the break. The crowd may not be as large as expected, but I believe more people will join from next week onward,” he said.
He distributed bags of rice to participants and commended them for attending the special edition of the walk held in honour of the late deputy governor, noting that their turnout made the event “very colourful.”
The governor reiterated his directive to local government council chairmen to organise and participate in the Prosperity Walk within their respective councils, stressing that compliance would be monitored.
“This will be monitored by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as well as the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, to ensure full compliance,” Diri stated.
While presenting the marathon jersey, Igbeita praised Governor Diri for his consistent support for sports development and his personal commitment to fitness promotion in the state.
He also announced that all registered participants are required to undergo a mandatory fitness test and accreditation at the medical department of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex on Thursday, February 5, and Friday, February 6, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
