Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri has formally declared the 4th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics open in Yenagoa, marking the beginning of a week-long tournament. The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Nimibofa Ayawei, remarked that the championship has already witnessed exciting wrestling matches, with athletes demonstrating remarkable fitness, skills, and agility.
“The stage is set for continued high-intensity bouts and talent discovery, aimed at Nigeria’s dominance in Africa and the global,” Ayawei said. He noted that the Bayelsa State Government is totally committed to sports development, highlighting the ongoing construction of a 25,000 seater capacity Stadium, expected to be completed next year, specifically to host the 2028 National Sports Festival.
President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, appreciated Governor Douye Diri for his continuous sponsorship of wrestling programmes. “Governor Diri has taken sports development to a new pedestal,” Adeniyi said, citing the recent hosting of the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in Bayelsa State.
Adeniyi stated that the vision of the Wrestling Federation’s current board is through grassroots and youth development programmes across the nation, maintaining that athletes need more competitions to stay in good shape. He commended this year’s edition of the Wrestling Classics, featuring new elements such as Beach Wrestling and the introduction of a Games Village, providing decent meals for contingents throughout the competition.
“The welfare of athletes is at the heart of our approach as a Federation to keep them fully engaged and committed,” Adeniyi said, urging strict adherence to the rules of the sport and maintaining zero tolerance for unruly behaviour.
The opening ceremony featured a parade by state contingents, military and paramilitary organizations, schools, and clubs, alongside a stunning cultural display by the Bayelsa State Cultural Troupe.
