GOVERNOR DOUYE DIRI DECLARES OPEN 4TH NATIONAL WRESTLING CLASSICS AS TOURNAMENT ENTHRALLS SPECTATORS IN YENAGOA

Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri has formally declared the 4th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics open in Yenagoa on Thursday as the tournament concluded day two. The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Nimibofa Ayawei, remarked that the week-long championship has already witnessed exciting wrestling matches that immediately captivated spectators as athletes demonstrated remarkable fitness, skills, and agility, eliciting awe and applause from judges and fans.

He stated that the stage is set for continued high-intensity bouts and talent discovery, aimed at Nigeria’s dominance in Africa and globally. Ayawei noted that Bayelsa State Government is totally committed to sports development, highlighting the ongoing construction of a 25,000 seater capacity Stadium, which is expected to be completed next year, specifically to host the 2028 National Sports Festival. Professor Ayawei also praised the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) President and the Federation’s sponsors for the smooth coordination of the event.

In his earlier welcome address, the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, appreciated Governor Douye Diri for his continuous sponsorship of wrestling programmes. He added that Governor Diri has taken sports development to a new pedestal, hinging his claim on the Bayelsa State Government recently hosting the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which brought high profile personalities to Yenagoa.

“I congratulate His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri, that Yenagoa is fast becoming the Mecca of Sports in Nigeria,” Adeniyi said. “I recalled that a few days ago, Bayelsa played host to the creame de la creame of football as it hosted stakeholders who participated in the Annual General Meeting. Ours coming on the heels of the NFF AGM shows clearly that Yenagoa is firmly entrenched in the sports map of our great country.”

The excited Nigeria Wrestling Federation boss stated that the vision of the Wrestling Federation current board is through grassroots and youth development programmes across the nation, maintaining that athletes need more competitions to stay in good shape. Bashir Adeniyi, who doubles as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, commended this year’s edition of the Wrestling Classics with new features such as Beach Wrestling and introduction of Games Village where contingents are provided with decent meals throughout the competition.

“It is no longer news that our drive to develop wrestling is through grassroots and youth development programmes across the zones. We believe that through grassroots programmes, we will be able to translate some of the visions we have into very concrete action and projected outcomes,” he stated.

“We can say that wrestling is growing because there was a demonstration of wrestling at the Nigeria University Games (NUGA) for the first time which is a big deal for us because we want to harness talent through that platform.”

“I want to also highlight our involvement at the maiden West African Wrestling championships in Republic of Benin, where some of our coaches, referees, administrators and wrestlers participated in a regional wrestling education and training under the supervision of the director of development, United World Wrestling (UWW), Mrs Deqa Niamkey.”

“We want to build a sport that flourishes on every aspect, hence our drive to integrate new techniques and scientific actions, aimed to bring new ideas to the sport.”

“As I have always maintained, the welfare of athletes is at the heart of our approach as a Federation to keep them fully engaged and committed. Every athlete that participates in this Classics is therefore a winner! Apart from enhanced prize money for medalists, every team that participates in this event is eligible to some kind of subsidy to assist in logistics of coming to Yenagoa. We have also provided a facility to serve as complimentary accommodation of wrestlers, who will be provided decent meals throughout the competition.”

In conclusion, Adeniyi urged strict adherence to the rules of the sport, noting that the Federation maintains zero tolerance for unruly behaviour.

The highpoint of the opening ceremony was the parade by state contingents, military and paramilitary organizations, schools, and clubs, alongside a stunning cultural display by the Bayelsa State Cultural Troupe.