The Minister of Youth and Sports Development Chief Sunday Dare has assured that Nigerian wrestlers to the Tokyo 2020 games will re-write the history of Nigeria at the Olympics.
The Minister gave this assurance while on a visit to the Wrestlers training camp in Bayelsa State.
” I commend the Bayelsa State government and the Caretaker Chairman of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation for the great support given to our Wrestling team. I think the biggest recognition I have tonight is to this young six wrestlers, I salute them for the months and years they have toiled to perfect their art, the art of wrestling, I saw them here February last year and I’ve watched them on television in and out of this country. ”
He further said “what I am seeing tonight are champions and I have also seen them over the years exhibit some level of discipline that is uncommon. You know that there is no defeating Nigerian spirit, this is your time and this is Nigeria’s time to go to the Olympics and rewrite the Olympics history of wrestling in this country.I am impressed I didn’t expect anything different knowing the work ethics of not just the President but also these young wrestlers, I’ve followed the efforts they made in the last two years, we’ve sent them to so many championships around the world and we’ve seen them excel and remaining consistent in their performance and seeing them compete today I see them at a very high level, the spirit is high as well as the level of technicality and the depth of the wrestling is comparable to what you see elsewhere in the world, so I’m impressed and I can tell you that these young wrestlers are ready to take up the wall in Tokyo, Japan.”
The Minister further thanked the Governor of Bayelsa State Senator Douye Diri for his support, Commissioner for Sports Daniel Igali for being a model of leadership and other government officials that have worked tirelessly to make Bayelsa the Wrestling capital of Nigeria.
“These wrestlers have exhibited the skills that you see, they’ve gone out there and beaten some of the top ranked wrestlers in the world, I am sure these young wrestlers will rewrite the Olympics history of wrestling in Nigeria” He concluded.
Bayelsa State Adopts Oboruduru, Godbless
The Bayelsa State Government has adopted two Olympics- bound athletes Wrestler Blessing Oboruduru and track and field runner and a member of the 4 ×100 meters relay team Timma Godbless.
The Adoption was announced by Bayelsa Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrujakpo when the Minister of Youth and sports Development Mr Sunday Dare paid a working visit to the state where he visited the Wrestling team and also inspected some facilities.
Speaking at the Government House, the Deputy Governor said “I appreciate your efforts in developing sports in the country. You have shown commitment and dedication since you took charge. Bayelsa State which has a rich sports history has a great working relation with the Ministry which led to the signing of an MOU. We hope can conclude and get it implemented. In line with our vision and to key into your Adopt a Talent initiative, we have adopted Wrestler Blessing Oburududu and Timma Godness. We believe in your initiative and will continue to work together to develop sports in the country.
Batik takes centre stage as one of Team Nigeria’s casual wear
Meanwhil, made in Nigeria’s Batik attires will be on display at the 2020 Olympics as one of the casual wears of Team Nigeria.
According to a statement by the Minister’s media office, “Team Nigeria will wear attires produced by Youth powered by Ministry of Youth as one of their casual wears.The fabric is produced in Oshogbo, Osun state which is home to original Batik that has passed on from one generation to another.
Batik is one of the causal wears approved for team Nigeria.This is to support local content and to patronize the youth who are involved in the production to grow their business. We want the world to appreciate not just our sporting talents, but to sign post one of our locally produced materials.”
Wrestler Odunayo Adekuoroye and Ese Brume will bear Team Nigeria’s flag during the opening and closing ceremonies of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.