Gov Diri Reaffirms Commitment to Sports Development
Bayelsa State has been crowned the overall winner of the 3rd Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics, following one week of competition at the Indoor Hall of the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.
The state dominated the competition, clinching victories in the Greco-Roman, Women’s Freestyle, and Men’s Freestyle categories of the championship.
The event attracted a large turnout, with Governor Douye Diri, other government officials, and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service in attendance to witness the thrilling contests at the Indoor Hall.
While addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Governor Diri reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to supporting sports, particularly wrestling, in the state. He emphasized that his government was dedicated to the development of youth through sports.
“I am fully committed to supporting wrestling and other sports in Bayelsa State,” Governor Diri declared. “Sports have a positive impact on youth development and social harmony.” He also spoke about the significant role sports have played in reducing social vices in Bayelsa, noting that in the past five years, sports have given the state global recognition. He assured that his government would continue to prioritize sports development.
The governor further pointed out that initiatives like the Wrestling Classics are crucial for 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,” Governor Diri stated.
He also took the opportunity to urge other state governors to prioritize sports as a tool for youth empowerment and national unity, emphasizing that sports remain one of the cardinal objectives of his administration.
“Sports have played a powerful role in shaping a brighter future for the youth of our state and nation,” Governor Diri added, describing wrestling as a traditional sport of the Ijaw people.
“Money invested in sports is not a waste,” he emphasized. “Other state governors should take note. Sports is a powerful tool to reduce social vices, keep the youth busy, and promote unity and peace across the nation.”
Earlier, in a welcome address, the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, commended 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, the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Musa Christopher, represented by the Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) South-South Zone, Rear Admiral John Okeke, hailed the governor for investing in the youth.
In a moment of recognition, Governor Diri awarded Commonwealth Games silver medalist Wilson Ebikewenimo 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 sportsmanship.
The highpoint of the program was the presentation of awards to various sponsors and individuals who have contributed to the progress of sports in the country.
