Veteran scrabble player, Abdulmumin Jimoh, has emerged as the Masters champion at the 6th Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Classic, taking home a trophy and a cash prize of N2 million.
At the closing ceremony held in Yenagoa over the weekend, Bayelsa-born Felix Igolukumo won the Intermediate category, receiving a trophy and N1.2 million. His compatriot, Godwin Angoye, took first place in the Open category, earning a trophy and a N700,000 prize.
For the third time, Oladokun Esan won the Veterans category, claiming a trophy and N900,000. Similarly, Godwin Joseph secured the top spot in the Students category, taking home a trophy and N150,000.
During the event, Governor Diri announced a special gift of N1 million each to two young players: seven-year-old Abdulsalam Yusuf from Kwara State and nine-year-old Bayelsa-born Elizabeth Fun-ere.
Looking ahead to the next edition, Senator Diri announced a significant increase in the tournament’s prize money. The total prize pool will double from N20 million to N40 million, with the winner of the Masters category set to receive N5 million.
Highlighting the educational benefits of the sport, the governor directed the state’s Commissioners for Sports and Education to work out the modalities for introducing Scrabble into secondary schools across Bayelsa, stating that it would help develop students mentally.
Senator Diri noted that playing Scrabble while growing up helped develop his own vocabulary, spelling, and cognitive abilities, emphasizing that it is a mind game that builds intellect and strategic thinking.