Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has announced an increase in the prize money for the Diri National Scrabble Classic.
Speaking during the closing ceremonies of the sixth edition on Sunday night in Yenagoa, Diri disclosed that the winner of the Masters category in the next edition will get N5 million, as the total prize money was raised from N20 million to N40 million.
He also directed the Commissioners for Sports and his Education counterpart to work out the modalities for scrabble to be introduced in secondary schools in the state, saying it would help develop students mentally.
Diri said scrabble developed his vocabulary, spelling and thinking ability while growing up, noting that it is a mind game that builds the intellect and strategic thinking.
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“Scrabble is a game I started playing as a youth, and it helped my vocabulary and spelling ability. Today, I am very happy to hear the waves this tournament has made not only in our country, but also beyond it and I like to appreciate all of you who have made the game interesting.
“Scrabble is a mind game. It is something that I will personally recommend even for our secondary schools, as this is not just a sport; it is also education.
“The importance of scrabble cannot be over-emphasised as it makes you think strategically. We will continue to support the game till I leave office.
“Next year will be the last time I will have this interaction with you. So, in the next edition, the prize money for the Masters winner will be N5 million and the general category will be N40 million,” Diri said.
