Adebola Samuel wins Masters Title at Fifth Gov. Diri National Scrabble Championship

From Amgbare Prince in Yenagoa

Non-payment of entitlements: Retired soldiers protest in Abuja, occupy Ministry of FinanceAdebola Samuel of Ogun State clinched the Masters category title at the 5th Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Championship in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, earning the trophy and a ₦1,000,000 prize.

The two-day tournament, which concluded on Sunday, August 3, 2025, attracted over 300 competitors across five categories: Masters, Intermediate, Open, Veterans, and Students.Samuel dominated the Masters division with a cumulative score of +856, outpacing Jimoh Abdulmumini (+672) in second and Chuks Nwaeze (+354) in third.

Other category winners included Dorcas Innocent of Bayelsa (Open), Doku Esan (Veterans), Edowor Bobor (Intermediate), and Pereowei Edidie of Federal Government College, Odi (Students, +2060).

Governor Douye Diri, represented by Sports Development Commissioner Dr. Daniel Igali, closed the event, praising the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association for establishing the championship as a premier intellectual sporting event.

He highlighted Bayelsa’s ambition to become Nigeria’s sports hub, citing the state’s victory at the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival and strong performances at recent National Sports Festivals.

Diri also confirmed Bayelsa’s bid to host the 2028 National Sports Festival, promising a well-organized, athlete-centered event.“This state-supported championship, with ₦10,000,000 in prizes, ranks among Nigeria’s top intellectual sporting events, drawing the nation’s best players,” Diri said.

Nigeria Scrabble Federation President Chief Olubake Aka said the tournament’s success reflects its growing impact.

While commending Governor Diri for funding the event, Aka urged the government, corporate organizations, and multinational oil companies to increase sponsorship to enhance prize money.

Bayelsa State Scrabble Association Chairman Daniel Alabrah called the tournament a source of pride for the state.

In his welcome address, he described it as a dynamic platform fostering camaraderie and intense competition, captivating players and spectators alike.

“The Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Championship is a beacon of excellence,” Alabrah said.

“It’s not just about winning; it’s about cultivating a community of disciplined, strategic thinkers.”Alabrah emphasized the event’s appeal to younger players, particularly students, as a tool for youth development.

“This tournament inspires our youth to embrace discipline and intellectual rigor, aligning with the state’s mission to use sports to reduce crime,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Diri for his unwavering support, which has driven the championship’s growth over its five-year history.

In a post-event interview, Samuel attributed his victory to the word “volubly” (meaning talkative) and shared his ambitions to excel at the upcoming World Championship in Malaysia and the African Scrabble Championship.