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By Amos Okioma, Otuoke
A Nigeria and Turkey-based firm, Renew Empire Nigeria Ltd and Renew Group Ltd, Republic of Turkey has said it is set to host the maiden edition of the Niger Delta traditional wrestling tournament.
The chief executive officer and managing director of the firm, Engr. Gospel Obolo, stated this during the grand finale where medals and cash gifts were presented as rewards to the finalists of the first ever ‘Renew Empire Traditional Wrestling Competition’ held in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, home town of former president Goodluck Jonathan.
Port Harcourt Mundial correspondent, who followed the event, reports that with more than a hundred athletes participated in the competition on the platform of various wrestling clubs.
Our correspondent also said that Engr Obolo hails from Otakeme in Ogbia local Government area where another son of Otakeme, Bar Azibaola Roberts, who early this year also ventured on a forest expedition to explore the inherent untapped tourism potentials in the state.
He also promised to undertake the forest expedition every year. Both tourist entrepreneurs said they have no political ambitions, but want to let the world and leaders know that apart from oil, tourism is a money spinner which multiplier effects can enhance the economy.
However, among the competing clubs, three made it to the finals, clinching first, second and third positions respectively.
Speaking to newsmen after the finals, the chief executive officer of the firm thanked the Bayelsa State government for the support given them in the course of the event, adding that throughout the competition, government security operatives maintained peace and order in and around the venues of the competitions.
He said: “I’m not hosting this event for any political reason. I’m not a politician, Renew Empire Nigeria Ltd and Renew Group Republic of Turkey did this to empower our youths so that we can take them off the streets.
“We must remember that our traditional wrestling has produced so many champions in the past and can still produce more. With this competition, over time we can again start producing international traditional wrestling champions to represent not only Bayelsa and Nigeria, but even other countries of the world.
“Our next intention is to host the Niger Delta states traditional wrestling tournament from next year. And we intended to reward the would-be winner of that tournament with the sum of N 1,000,000.’
Our correspondent also reports that among the finalists were the Renew Empire Wrestling Club which clinched first position with 131 points, receiving a cash gift of N500, 000, a gold medal as well as the competition trophy to defeat its closest rival and first runner up, Azibet Wrestling Club, which garnered 112 points, a silver medal and received N250, 000; while the second runner up, Otuoke Community Wrestling Club got 103 points, bronze medal and a cash rewards of N100,000 respectively.
Presenting the awards, paramount ruler of Otuoke Communitiy, HRH, Ariwareni Paul, commended the organisers for empowering youths of the state through the various competitions featured in the events which he said lasted for about 17 days.
The monarch mentioned that through the various sporting and other traditional events were held as part of the first edition of the Renew Empire’s 2021 empowerment programme, the state can become the next of champions with proper grooming of the talents discovered.
He congratulated the winners, assuring that the community would continue to partner the organisers in creating the enabling peace for the sustenance of similar events to be hosted by the Renew group.
Similarly, the senior special assistant to the Bayelsa State governor on tourism, Mr Piriye Kiyaramo, commended the Renew group for the feat achieved through the sporting events and other tourism programmes.
Kiyaramo added that tourism has become the easiest and fastest means to shore-up revenue bases of countries world over, noting that the state government headed by Governor Douye Diri has passion for the tourism sector.
He stated that the government was set to continue creating the enablement for both sports and other aspects of tourism to thrive in the state.
He said before the event he held meeting with the traditional rulers from all Ogbia communities where he reiterated their importance as custodian of culture and tradition and urged other communities to emulate the respect and honour Ogbia youths have for their traditional rulers which culminated in the prevailing peace and security throughout the event in Otuoke community.
