Bayelsa State Wins 3rd Gov.Diri National Wrestling Championship
Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa, Trek Africa Newspaper
Bayelsa State proved that they are undisputed champions in wrestling in Nigeria as they emerged overall champions in the third edition of just concluded Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Championship which ended yesterday in Yenagoa.
In the third edition, the Bayelsa Team was exceptionally rugged. It was a happy moment for residents of the state who trooped out en masse to cheer their team.
Wrestlers competed in Greco Roman, men and women freestyle at the one week event which took place at the indoor sports hall of the Samson Siasia sports complex in Yenegoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Speaking at the event, Governor Diri reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to supporting sports, particularly wrestling, in the state, adding 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.
While congratulating the participants in the wrestling competition, the Governor said, sports have played significant role 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.
“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.
Diri called for synergy among the state governors to prioritize sports as a veritable tool for youth empowerment and national Unity, pointing out that sports remains one of the cardinal objectives of his administration.
“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 his remarks, President of the National Wrestling Federation and Bayelsa State commissioner of sports development Champion. Daniel Igali, lauded 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 tournament was presentation of awards to the various sponsors and those who have contributed to the progress of sports in the country.
