Customs CGC charges wrestlers on discipline as Bayelsa Classics begin
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has urged athletes to uphold discipline, fairness, and professionalism as the 14th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics kicked off in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Adeniyi, who also serves as President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, made the call during the opening ceremony held at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex. He noted that the annual tournament remains a vital platform for discovering and nurturing wrestling talents across the country.
He described the competition as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s sporting future, emphasizing that wrestling continues to be one of the nation’s most consistent sources of global recognition. According to him, the Classics serves as a platform for growth, discovery, and the development of the next generation of champions.
Adeniyi also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen grassroots development, noting that structured youth programmes are being enhanced to ensure early identification and proper training of young talents for national and international competitions.
Reflecting on recent progress, he revealed that wrestling was featured for the first time at the Nigerian University Games, a move aimed at expanding the talent pool and integrating the sport into the academic environment. He said the initiative would create pathways for university athletes to transition into professional competition while gaining valuable exposure.
On athlete welfare, the Customs boss announced that all registered participants at the Classics would receive an allowance of N25,000 each, alongside increased prize money for medalists. Participating teams, he added, would also benefit from improved logistical support.
He further urged athletes to maintain the integrity of the sport by adhering strictly to rules and avoiding any form of misconduct that could undermine fair competition or damage their careers.
Adeniyi commended Governor Diri for his sustained support for wrestling development, noting that the Bayelsa State Government’s commitment has been crucial to the growth and continuity of the tournament. He then formally declared the competition open, encouraging participants to compete with sportsmanship and excellence.
