The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has lauded the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for his significant contributions to the development of sports, particularly wrestling in Nigeria
Adeniyi made the commendation during a courtesy visit to Governor Diri at the Government House in Yenagoa on Saturday.
In his address, Adeniyi, who is also a board member of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, emphasized the importance of investing in grassroots sports to build future champions and enhance Nigeria’s competitive edge in international sports events.
“I must commend you, Governor Douye Diri, for your outstanding efforts and visionary leadership in promoting sports, particularly wrestling.
Your investment has set the stage for the country to produce top-tier athletes, and this is an investment not just in sports, but in the future of our youth,” Adeniyi said.
The Comptroller General further assured that the current board of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation is committed to giving wrestling the recognition and platform it deserves.
According to him, the sport will continue to receive necessary attention, and efforts are underway to ensure it gets more visibility and support across the country.
“As a board, we are dedicated to giving wrestling the mileage it deserves. We understand the power of sports in nation-building, and we are committed to making sure wrestling thrives at every level, from the grassroots to international competitions,” he added.
One of the exciting developments in the sporting landscape is the inclusion of wrestling in the upcoming Nigeria University Games (NUGA). Adeniyi confirmed that wrestling would feature as a non-scoring point at the event, a move aimed at encouraging students to participate and develop an interest in the sport without the pressure of immediate competition.
“By including wrestling as a non-scoring event at the Nigeria University Games, we hope to inspire more students to take up the sport, participate in it, and eventually become national and international stars. The key is to create an environment where the youth can discover their talents and develop them without undue pressure,” he explained.
The visit highlighted the strong partnership between the State Government, Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, with the parties determined to elevate the profile of wrestling in the state and beyond.
Meanwhile, Bayelsa State has won the 3rd Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics after a week of gruelling competition held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital
The state dominated the competition in both the Greco-Roman, Women’s Freestyle, and men’s freestyle categories of the championship.
The event had a huge turnout of fans, spectators and top government officials including; Governor Douye Diri, Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service Adewale Adeniyi, Commander Joint Task Force (JTF)
South South zone, Rear Admiral John Okeke and President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation Dr. Daniel Igali amongst others.
While addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Senator Diri reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to supporting sports, particularly wrestling, in the state, stating that the government is committed to the development of the youths through sports.
“I am fully committed to supporting wrestling and other sports in Bayelsa State,” he declared, highlighting the positive impact of sports on youth development and social harmony.
The Governor also emphasized the significant role sports has played in reducing social vices in Bayelsa; saying sports in the last five years has given Bayelsa State global recognition noting that his government is committed to the further development of sports in the state
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, crime and youth restiveness in our dear state and ee will continue to invest in sports to help build a better future for our young people,” Senator Douye Diri stressed .
The state’s number one citizen 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 nation, describing wrestling as a traditional sport for the Ijaw people.
“Money invested in sports is not a waste and I want to appeal to other state governors to invest in sports because it’s a powerfull tool to reduce social vices and keep the youth busy, promoting unity and peace across the nation.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, commended Governor Diri for his immense investment in sport, describing his efforts as crucial for the development of wrestling and other sports 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 Service, Adewale Adeniyi and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Musa Christopher, represented by Commander Joint Task Force JTF South South zone, Rear Admiral John Okeke, praised the governor for investing in the youths.
