Ex International, Waidi Akanni has commended Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri for his commitment towards sports development in the state and the country at large.
He made the commendation in Uyo during the AFCON 2024 qualifier between the Super Eagles and the Falcons of Sao Tome and Principe which the Governor attended.
According to the former Chairman of Lagos State Football Association, Governor Diri has been consistent in supporting not only the national teams but other sports like wrestling which has made the state a dominant force in producing mats men and women for the country.
“I must commend Governor Diri for his commitment in sports development in the country which places him as one of the best sports loving Governors.
“His support is not limited to football alone as he has supported other sports like wrestling and for the past three years, he has been organising an annual wrestling championship where talents are discovered to represent the country at international championships.
“Apart from this, his recent cash reward to Bayelsa State born wrestlers who did the country proud at international championships is a testimony to his love for sports development and must be emulated by other Governors”, he stressed.
Akanni noted that with other Governors investing in sports like Senator Diri, the issue of youth restiveness, crime, unemployment and social vices among the youths will be reduced to the bearest minimum, while Nigeria will also regain its leadership position in sports both at the continental and world level.