UWW Honours Diri For Wrestling Development

United World Wrestling (UWW), the global governing body for the sport, has honoured Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri for his contributions to wrestling development in Nigeria.

Olympic champion and Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Development, Baraladei Daniel Igali, presented Diri with a personally signed letter of commendation and a special recognition plaque from UWW President Nenad Lalovic during Wednesday’s State Executive Council meeting.

According to Igali, the recognition acknowledges the governor’s support for wrestling, including the hosting and funding of six national championships in six years, assistance to Nigeria’s national wrestling teams and construction of the country’s first purpose-built, standalone wrestling facility at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa.

Igali, who is also a member of the UWW Bureau, said Diri’s contributions had attracted the attention of the international wrestling body.

He further cited the ongoing construction of two stadia ahead of Bayelsa’s hosting of the 2028 National Sports Festival as evidence of the state government’s wider investment in sports infrastructure.

The former Olympic champion described it as a privilege to deliver the international recognition personally, adding that it also reflected the contributions of athletes, coaches and the wider wrestling community.

He said the recognition reinforced the importance of investing in athletes and sports development at the grassroots and national levels.