By: Femi Ogundele

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has received the Outstanding Contribution to Youth and Sports Development Award at the fourth edition of the Africa-Europe Sports Awards in Paris, France.

The ceremony, organised by OJB Media Network, was held on Monday, October 19, 2026, bringing together political leaders, diplomats, professional footballers, basketball players, athletes, sports administrators and members of the international media.

Awoala Kpunpamo, a UK-based sports consultant and director of Bayelsa Football Academy, received the award on behalf of the governor.

The award recognised Diri’s contributions to youth and sports development, highlighting the role of grassroots talent development, investment in sporting opportunities and initiatives that enable young people to pursue careers in sports.

The ceremony also provided a platform to celebrate sporting achievements across Africa and Europe, while promoting sports as a tool for youth empowerment, international cooperation and social development.

The event attracted prominent personalities from Nigeria, France and other African countries, including representatives of government, diplomatic missions and several sporting disciplines.

Among those in attendance were Nigerian international footballer Moses Simon, associated with Paris FC; Hamary Traoré and Ibrahim Diakité, also associated with Paris FC; and Amadou Haïdara of RC Lens.

Other notable guests included Yeo Moriba, mother of French football star Paul Pogba; Moroccan football referee Bouchra Karboubi; and former French international handball player Mariama Signaté.

The gathering also featured Malian boxer Mariane Camara and Senegalese basketball player Aby Gaye, alongside other athletes, sports advocates and distinguished guests.
Political and diplomatic representatives included the governors of Sokoto and Niger states, a representative of the Nigerian Embassy and representatives of the Cape Verdean diplomatic mission.

Also listed among the guests were Elisabeth Moreno, a French public figure and former government minister, as well as Camélia El Kord, Zohra Kehli and Melissa Diawakana.

The presence of personalities from sports, journalism, public administration and diplomacy underscored the international scope of the awards.

Beyond Diri’s recognition, the ceremony celebrated achievements across several categories, including football, basketball, women’s sports, sports journalism and inspirational leadership.

Melissa Diawakana was associated with the women’s basketball category, while Mali’s women’s basketball team and Senegal’s men’s basketball team were listed among the team award recipients.

Cape Verde’s men’s team was also listed among the award recipients, with Mulumbu associated with the recognition.
Other personalities featured in the awards programme included Tatiana Mendes, associated with the Sportswoman of the Year award; Sanaa, recognised in the Women’s Football Icon category; and Clarisse, associated with the Journalism Legacy award.

In sports journalism, Mansour Loum was listed for Journalist of the Year, with Ayo also associated with the award presentation. Kunle was linked to the Resilience Icon Award, while Ahmed Garo was among the personalities associated with the ceremony.

The programme also recognised contributions to sports reporting, women’s participation in sports, team achievements and the promotion of sporting excellence.
Awards promote youth empowerment

The recognition of Diri has drawn attention to the role of sports in creating opportunities for young people through professional careers, education, leadership, discipline and international exposure.

For Bayelsa State, investment in grassroots competitions, sporting infrastructure, coaching and athlete development could help nurture emerging talents and strengthen the state’s participation in national and international competitions.

The award also highlights opportunities for governments, sporting institutions and private-sector organisations to collaborate on programmes that support young athletes and widen access to professional sporting opportunities.

Across Africa and Europe, sports continue to provide a platform for cultural exchange, community development and international engagement.
The Africa-Europe Sports Awards seeks to recognise athletes, public officials, journalists and sports advocates whose contributions support the growth of sports and inspire the next generation of professionals.

Meanwhile, OJB Media Network has received commendations following the successful organisation of the fourth edition of the awards, which celebrates sporting excellence and contributions to sports development across Africa and Europe.

The organisers said the initiative was designed to recognise achievements across sporting disciplines and honour individuals and teams contributing to the advancement of sports on both continents.