Bayelsa receives international wrestling referee

The Bayelsa Government says it remains committed to identifying, nurturing and supporting talented indigenes to excel in sports and win laurels for the state.

The State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr Baraladei Igali, stated this when he received Bayelsa-born International Wrestling Referee, Dr Timipre Okou in his office on Wednesday.

Supreme News reports that Okou just returned from Madagascar, where he officiated at the Indian Ocean Island Games.

Igali said that Gov. Douye Diri-led administration is passionate about the development of sports as a tool of engaging the productive energies of youths.

He explained that the state government believed in creating platforms for people of Bayelsa to express and expose themselves on a global stage.

While commending the feat achieved by Okou in refereeing, Igali described him as an asset to the state and Nigerian Wrestling Federation.

Igali assured that the state government would give Okou, who is a worthy ambassador of the state, needed support.

The Bayelsa-born international referee, on his part, expressed gratitude to Gov. Douye Diri, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports and the Nigerian Wrestling Federation.

Okou thanked them for giving him a platform to represent the country at the international stage.

Recounting his experiences as a referee, Okou, who is a Major in the Nigerian Army, said he was capable of providing socioeconomic empowerment and fulfilment for upcoming talents.

He expressed desire to partner the state government and any group to nurture and mentor budding talents in refereeing.

He explained that plans were underway for a wrestling competition among higher institutions in Bayelsa to discover wrestlers and nurture referees.