Abdulmumin Jimoh has emerged champion of the sixth Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Classic, defeating a strong field of contenders to claim the Masters title, the championship trophy and the N2 million top prize in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The Kogi State-born player, who represents Ogun State in the national competition, finished ahead of Ufuoma Emma and Emmanuel Omunjose, who placed second and third respectively at the two-day championship.
The victory adds to Jimoh’s growing reputation after winning the Premier Division of the 2025 Lekki Scrabble Classics. A Biochemistry graduate of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, he credited his brothers for introducing him to the game.
The biggest announcement, however, came from Governor Douye Diri, who unveiled a major increase in prize money for future editions. The Masters winner’s prize has been raised from N2 million to N5 million, while the tournament’s overall prize pool had doubled from N20 million to N40 million.
Speaking at the closing ceremony at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa, Diri said the competition was conceived to develop the game and economically empower players.
The governor also directed the Commissioners for Sports Development and Education to collaborate on introducing Scrabble competitions in schools across Bayelsa to nurture young talents.
He further announced that Scrabble would feature at the 2028 National Sports Festival, which Bayelsa will host, and pledged government sponsorship for selected Nigerian players competing at continental and international championships.
In other results, Bayelsa’s Igolikumo Felix won the Intermediate category, earning N1.2 million and a trophy, while Oladokun Esan claimed the Veterans title. Godwin Joseph emerged winner of the Students’ category.
President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Bright Idahosa, praised Governor Diri’s sustained support for the tournament, describing it as a reliable platform for producing international champions.
According to Idahosa, Nigeria had won 14 of the 15 editions of the African Scrabble Championship and has also produced world champions, achievements he said have been strengthened by competitions such as the Governor Diri National Scrabble Classic.
Chairman of the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said the sixth edition attracted more than 300 registered players, making it the largest Scrabble competition in the country.
Alabrah, who is also Chief Press Secretary to Governor Diri, noted that the governor’s sustained sponsorship over the past five years has significantly expanded participation and public interest in Scrabble across Nigeria.
