The Bayelsa State government has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing success of the Governor’s National Wrestling Classics and the 3rd Gov Douye Diri Wrestling Championship over the past three editions. Governor Douye Diri, represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhurdjakpo, highlighted this at the opening ceremony of the 3rd Wrestling Classics in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Governor Diri emphasized that Bayelsa’s dominance in wrestling, which began in the old Rivers State, is no coincidence. He noted that Bayelsan wrestlers, such as Jackson Bidei, Victor Kodei, Macauley Appah, and Irigha Eferebo, have made Rivers State proud on the global stage. He also mentioned that the government uses sports as a tool for crime control.
The governor stated that the purpose of hosting the tournament goes beyond winning medals; it is also an avenue for wealth creation. He pointed out that drugs and sports do not mix, and the Bayelsa State government is committed to the development of sports. The state aims to see more athletes like Daniel Igali and Blessing Oborududu achieve success in international competitions, and the administration has no regrets about investing heavily in sports.
In his welcome address, Dr. Daniel Igali, President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation and Commissioner for Sports Development, praised the government for its significant contributions to the progress of wrestling over the past twelve years. He noted that the tournament is the longest-running competition in any sport hosted by a state government, attributing this to the government’s love for sports, particularly wrestling. Dr. Igali also stated that the achievements of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation would not have been possible without the support of the Bayelsa State government.
On the second day of the 3rd Gov Diri Wrestling Classics, Christian Ogwusoya of Ondo State won gold in the women’s 53kg category, with Eswi Ayo of Edo State finishing second and Happiness Soso of Delta claiming bronze. Adijah Idris of Rivers secured gold in the 55kg women’s wrestling category, followed by Tarilayefa Bekefula in second place and Joseph Ozioma of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in third. In the 97kg category, Godday Eseimokumoh of Bayelsa won gold, Bradford Gbaluimi of Edo State took silver, and Ezekiel Appah of Rivers earned bronze. Kuro Agustine of Delta won gold in the Greco-Roman 130kg category, with Ipalibo Somina and Odum Alokariton finishing second and third, respectively.
