The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali, has urged the National Sports Commission and the Main Organizing Committee of the upcoming National Sports Festival in Ogun State to include traditional wrestling, known as “Kuwa,” and canoeing as part of the competition.
Hon. Igali made this appeal while receiving Bayelsa athletes who represented Nigeria at the recently concluded 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja. The event was part of the celebrations marking ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary.
Commending the athletes for their remarkable performance, Igali acknowledged the achievements of Ebi Biogos (76kg) and Ebipadei Mughabofa (66kg), who both secured gold medals for Team Nigeria, alongside their teammates who contributed to winning two silver medals in the team events.
Call for Traditional Wrestling and Canoeing at the Festival
Igali praised Nigeria’s wealth of talent across various sports and urged the National Sports Commission, led by Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, to consider incorporating traditional wrestling and canoeing into the upcoming sports festival in Ogun State.
He emphasized that traditional wrestling is deeply rooted in Nigeria’s cultural heritage and deserves to be featured in the country’s premier multi-sport event, often regarded as Nigeria’s version of the Olympics.
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Expressing concern over the exclusion of canoeing from the festival, Igali highlighted its growing significance. “It is surprising that canoeing is not included in the sports festival, despite Nigeria qualifying athletes for the last two Olympic Games,” he stated. He described canoeing as a sport with strong medal prospects for Nigeria on the global stage if given the right investment and support.
Honoring Bayelsa Athletes and Sports Development Efforts
While formally receiving the athletes, Igali remarked, “On behalf of the Bayelsa State Government, I welcome you all with pride and celebrate your achievements. This success is a testament to the commitment to sports development in Bayelsa.”
He further stated, “It is ironic that Nigeria recently hosted the entire West African region for a traditional wrestling tournament, yet this sport is not part of the next National Sports Festival. My appeal to the National Sports Commission is to recognize that this is a cultural event that resonates with nearly every tribe in Nigeria.”
On canoeing, Igali added, “This is a sport where Nigeria has a real opportunity to secure Olympic medals if we start planning early. Our athletes have consistently qualified for past Olympics and deserve encouragement through structured development programs.”
Igali also expressed gratitude to the Bayelsa State Government, under the leadership of Governor Senator Douye Diri, for its continued support of sports development, including approving necessary funding for various programs.
Meanwhile, Sir Braveman Wodi, Director of Sports at the Bayelsa State Sports Council and the direct supervisor of the wrestlers, commended the athletes for their outstanding representation of Bayelsa and Nigeria.
He noted that their victory reflects the effectiveness of Governor Douye Diri’s Prosperity Administration, alongside his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, in advancing sports development in the state.
