Governor Diri donates N2m to Nigerian team

Senator Douye Diri, the Bayelsa State Governor, has pledged a donation of N2m to the Nigeria wrestling team and equally charged the wrestlers to bring Olympic glory to the country when they go to the 2020 Tokyo Games later this year.

He made the statement at the closing ceremony of the just-concluded Champion of Champions wrestling tournament in Yenagoa on Monday, Gov. Diri also advised the wrestlers to combine their chosen sporting discipline with education.

Over 50 wrestlers across the country competed at the 4-day tournament in 11 Olympic weight classes in Women Wrestling and Freestyle events.

Apparently impressed with the standard of competition he witnessed on the final day of the tourney, despite their inactivity for nearly a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Bayelsa State Chief Executive renewed his unflinching support for the wrestling family.

“Just to encourage you, we will also give a donation of N2m,” he pledged. “The Honourable Commissioner of Sports, Hon. Daniel Igali will bring that to you.

“Once again, I want to thank you. I want to encourage you, and as youths, this is the right way to go, and you are doing the right thing.

“But also do not forget your books as you become champions. You can see your role model Daniel Igali. Daniel Igali was a world champion (and Olympic gold medalist). Not only is he a world champion, but he is also well-schooled.

“And so, do this alongside your books,” he said.