From Reginald Cole, Yenagoa
There is something magical about football that transcends language, tribe, religion and social class. For ninety minutes, strangers become friends, rivals become storytellers, and an entire city breathes as one. That is why millions of people save for years just to experience the atmosphere inside a World Cup or continental championship stadium. It is not merely about watching a match; it is about being part of history.
Unfortunately, for many, that dream remains out of reach because of financial limitations. Travelling abroad for major football tournaments is a luxury that only a few can afford.
Yet, imagine for a moment that Nigeria hosts the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and Bayelsa State becomes one of the chosen host states, with the magnificent 30,000-capacity Bayelsa International Stadium standing proudly as one of the tournament venues.
Pause and think beyond football.
Think beyond ninety minutes.
Think beyond the excitement of goals and celebrations.
Think about what such an opportunity would mean for Bayelsa State.
Whenever major sporting events are hosted anywhere in the world, the beneficiaries extend far beyond football associations and government agencies.
The first beneficiaries are ordinary citizens.
The woman selling bottled water outside the stadium.
The young man selling football jerseys and souvenirs.
The tailor producing customised supporters’ shirts.
The photographer capturing memorable moments.
The Keke operator transporting spectators.
The taxi driver making countless trips.
The food vendor serving hundreds of hungry fans.
The hotel owner welcoming visitors from different states and countries.
The POS operator processing transactions.
The barber giving supporters fresh haircuts before match day.
The security personnel.
The event planners.
The cleaners.
The artisans.
The logistics companies. And others.
Every major sporting tournament creates thousands of temporary and permanent economic opportunities for ordinary people who may never kick a football in their lives.
Imagine tens of thousands of football lovers arriving in Yenagoa over several weeks.
Imagine international television cameras broadcasting Bayelsa’s beauty to millions of viewers around the world.
Imagine investors who previously knew nothing about Bayelsa suddenly discovering a peaceful, beautiful and investment-friendly destination.
This is how cities build global recognition. And this is how economies grow.
This is how opportunities are created.
But perhaps even greater than the financial benefits is the inspiration such infrastructure provides.
Somewhere in Yenagoa today is a little boy playing football barefoot on a dusty field.
Somewhere in Ogbia is a little girl who dreams of wearing the green and white jersey of Nigeria.
Somewhere in Sagbama, Nembe, Ekeremor, Brass, Kolokuma/Opokuma and Southern Ijaw are children whose biggest dream is to become professional footballers.
Imagine these children walking into a world-class stadium in their own state to watch Africa’s biggest football stars compete.
Imagine seeing Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah, Victor Boniface, or other continental stars perform live.
Imagine the fire that would be ignited in their hearts.
Dreams are often born from exposure.
You cannot become what you have never seen.
Many of the world’s greatest athletes discovered their purpose simply because they witnessed excellence up close.
One unforgettable football match can inspire a lifetime of discipline, sacrifice and greatness.
Sadly, instead of evaluating projects through the lens of long-term development, some have chosen the familiar language of cynicism.
The construction of the Bayelsa International Stadium attracting criticism from a faction of the PDP which claims that it is a misplaced priority is appalling.
Good infrastructure belongs to the people, not to political parties.
Politics should end where public interest begins.
Some critics have also questioned the 30,000 seating capacity as not ‘big enough’.
That argument ignores reality.
No stadium on earth accommodates everyone who wishes to attend a major football match.
Not Wembley. Not Emirates. Not Camp Nou. Not Santiago Bernabéu. Not Old Trafford. Not the Maracanã. Not Lusail.
Tickets are always limited because every stadium has a defined capacity.
That is why ticketing systems exist.
Those fortunate enough secure seats inside.
Others gather outside in fan parks.
Millions more watch from homes, hotels and viewing centres.
The existence of demand beyond capacity is not evidence of failure.
It is evidence of success.
For that vision, for that courage, and for placing the long-term interests of Bayelsa above short-term political considerations, Governor Douye Diri deserves commendation.