Chris Awhawha
Bayelsa State has been crowned overall winner of the 3rd Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics after one week of competition at the indoor hall of the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.
Bayelsa state dominated the competition, clinching victories in the Greco-Roman, Women’s Freestyle, and men’s freestyle categories of the championship.
The event saw a large turnout, with Governor Douye Diri and other government functionaries alongside the Comptroller General Nigeria Customs present to witness the thrilling contests at the Indoor hall.
While addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Senator Diri reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to supporting sports, particularly wrestling, in the state, stating that the government was committed to the development of the youths through sports.
“I am fully committed to supporting wrestling and other sports in Bayelsa State,” Governor Diri declared, highlighting the positive impact of sports on youth development and social harmony.
The governor also spoke about the significant role sports have played in reducing social vices in Bayelsa, said sports in the last five years has given Bayelsa State a global recognition, saying that the government was committed to the development of sports.
He pointed out that initiatives like the wrestling classics are essential in keeping young people engaged and out of trouble.
“Sports have been instrumental in reducing social vices among our youths. We will continue to invest in sports to help build a better future for our young people,” Diri stated.
The state helmsman equally took the opportunity to urge other state governors to prioritize sports as a vertical tool for youth empowerment and national unity, pointing out that sports remains one of the cardinal objectives of his administration.
According to him, sports has played a powerful role that is capable of shaping a brighter future for the youths in the state and the nation, describing wrestling as a traditional sport for the Ijaw people.
“Money invested in sports is not a waste,” Diri emphasized. “Other State Governors should take note. Sports is a powerful tool to reduce social vices and keep the youth busy, promoting unity and peace across the nation.”
Earlier in an welcome address, the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, commended the governor Douye Diri for his immense investment in the sport, describing his efforts as crucial for the development of wrestling and other athletic disciplines in the country.
“We are deeply grateful for the support Governor Diri has shown for wrestling. His leadership is inspiring and sets a benchmark for other states to follow,” Igali said.
In separate goodwill messages Comptroller General Nigeria Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Musa Christopher, represented by Commander Joint Task Force JTF South South zone, Rear Admiral John Okeke, hailed the governor for investing in the youths.
In a moment of recognition, the Governor awarded Commonwealth Games silver medalist Wilson Ebikewenimo with a sum of one million naira for his exceptional sportsmanship after defeating his opponent in the final.
Ebikewenimo’s display of skill and fair play was a highlight of the event, and the Governor praised him for embodying the true spirit of sports after the bout.
The highpoint of the program was presentation of awards to the various sponsors and those who have contributed to the progress of sports in the country.