Bayelsa State has emerged as the overall winner of the just-concluded 3rd Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics.
The 5-day event took place at the indoor hall of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa.
Bayelsa, the host state, expectedly dominated the entire competition, clinching victories in the Greco-Roman, Women’s Freestyle, and men’s freestyle categories.
In his remarks, Governor Douye Diri restated his administration’s commitment to support sports, including wrestling
The self-styled miracle governor stressed that his government was fully committed to the development of youths through sporting activities.
FJM Media quoted Diri to have said that: “I am fully committed to supporting wrestling and other sports in Bayelsa State.”
While noting that sports have significantly reduced social vices in the state, Diri said that Bayelsa has won global recognition due to sports.
Initiatives like the wrestling classics are essential in keeping young people meaningfully engaged and out of trouble, he added.
According to him, “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.”
Governor Diri also urged other state governors to prioritize sports as a veritable tool for youth empowerment and national unity.
“Money invested in sports is not a waste. 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,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Dr. Daniel Igali, commended Diri for his immense investment in the sport.
He described the governor’s efforts as crucial for the development of wrestling and other athletic disciplines in the country.
Igali who is also the Bayelsa State commissioner for sports development said: “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.”
In their separate goodwill messages, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Musa Christopher, who was represented by the Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) South South zone, Rear Admiral John Okeke, hailed the governor for investing in the youths.
It was gathered that Diri awarded Commonwealth Games silver medalist, Wilson Ebikewenimo, N1m after defeating his opponent in the final.
The Bayelsa helmsman hailed Wilson for embodying the true spirit of sports after the bout.
Awards were presented to the various sponsors and those who have contributed to the progress of sports in the country.
