Bayelsa Government Committed to Sports Development.
...As NWF Boss Announces New Incentives for Wrestlers
Bayelsa State Government says it will continue to accord priority to the development of sports in the State.
Governor Douye Diri gave the assurance at the opening ceremony of the 4th edition of the Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics in Yenagoa,2 the Bayelsa State, capital.
Governor Diri, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Nimibofa Ayawei, said the continuous hosting of the wrestling classics reflects his administration's commitment to expanding wrestling in the country, stating that wrestling is one sports that has always put smiles on the faces of Nigerians at the global stage.
He noted that the annual wrestling classics was a veritable platform to discover athletes who could replace aging wrestlers in the nation, stating that the future of wrestling in the nation was in the hands of the young wrestlers.
While commending the various sponsors for investing in the sport, Governor Diri assured Nigerians that the Prosperity administration remains committed to completing the 30,000 seater capacity stadium at the stipulated time to host the 2028 National Sports Festival tagged the "Prosperity Games".
According to the state helmsman, hosting the nation in Bayelsa became necessary due to the exploits of the athletes in recent years, pointing out that the State cannot be going out to perform in other states, that it was time to showcase Bayelsa to the world through sports.
He urged the athletes from the various States and clubs to abide by the rules of the game and as well display professionalism throughout the championship that is slated to run from the 25th through the 1st of April, 2026.
Earlier in his address of welcome, President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Dr Adewale Adeniyi, remarked that the Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics has become a strategic roadmap for the growth of sports in the nation.
He asserted that wrestling remains the nation's pride that the sport has brought global recognition to the country, maintaining that the Federation was working round the clock to consolidate on existing structures to further develop the sport, enhance athletes' welfare and competitiveness.
Reflecting on the activities of the Federation in the last one year, Dr Adeniyi, who doubles as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service stressed that the sport was growing following its inclusion in the Nigeria University Games (NUGA) for the first time.
The NWF boss announced that apart from the enhanced prize money for medalists, every team participating in the competition was eligible to some kind of subsidy to assist in logistics, saying that the Federation has provided a facility to serve as complimentary accommodation of wrestlers.
He opined that the governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics would provide an opportunity for the country's wrestlers to be engaged in preparation for the Commonwealth Games, All Africa Games and the Olympics, urging all the athletes to avoid doping and other negative acts.
Dr Adeniyi appreciated the governor, Senator Douye Diri for the consistent sponsorship of the programme over the years.
In the meantime, the 4th Governor Diri National Wrestling Classics has commenced with inaugural beach wrestling at the Bayelsa Medical University, BMU with Cross River emerging as one of the standout performers in the new category.
Deborah Edet Ubana of Cross River opened the hostilities with a dorminant victory over Blessing Apeh of Rivers State in the women’s 60kg category, setting the tone for an intense day of competition
Cross River further strengthened its dominance as Inah Johnson displayed superior technique and athleticism to overpower his opponent, securing another win for the team.
The competition will enter day two on Friday 27th March, 2026 at the Multi-purpose Indoor Sports Hall of the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
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