Gov Diri Reaffirms Commitment to Sports Development*
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 address of welcome, 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..
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