Senator Henry Seriake Dickson is set to launch this year’s edition of the Annual Nanaye Dickson Traditional Wrestling Competition on Tuesday 14th December 2021. This event is meant to engage youths of Bayelsa in an attempt to promote grassroots Ijaw Traditional Wrestling, culture, as well as to serve as a talent hunt for the youths of the state.

The Nanaye Dickson Traditional Wrestling Tournament, which is an annual event, is in honour of Senator Dickson’s late father, a community leader and great wrestler of his time.

A Press release issued in Abuja by the Organizing Committee of the Competition, said the Programme is expected to commence with the Presentation of Trophies in Maitama, Abuja by 12 noon.

The statement said the event will have as its Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Sunday Dare, Minister of Sports and Youth Development while the Chairman of the occasion is Senator Obinna Ogba, Chairman Senate Committee on Sports and Youth Development. The Guest of Honour is Nigeria's first Female Olympic Wrestling Medalist, Blessing Oborodudu, who is to be honoured at the event.

His Excellency, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District and Founder, Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation will be the Chief Host of the event.

The event will also feature the unveiling of the ICONS OF IJAW WRESTLING AWARDS which is an initiative of Senator Dickson in his drive to promote traditional wrestling, a cultural activity that is entrenched in the way of life of the Ijaw people.

This event will also recognize “Heroes of Ijaw Traditional Wrestling” both home and abroad, living and dead who would be honoured at the grand finale of the annual wrestling competition in January 2022 in Bayelsa State according to the Organising committee.

Members of the Organizing Committee of the competition include, Souye Lokoja, Chairman; Are Agberekeme, Secretary; Owu Finidi Owu, representing Bayelsa West; Wilson Sewari for Bayelsa Central and Thankgod Obom (a.k.a. 2 by 2) representing Bayelsa East. Other members of the committee include Lovely Hitler; a representative of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development while the Technical Adviser is the veteran wrestling Champion, Jackson Bide ably assisted by Victor Kode.

The organisers say, due to COVID-19 protocol, the event will be strictly by Invitation and have advised all attendees to adhere to strict Covid-19 containment protocol.

This year’s theme for the annual Nanaye Dickson Wrestling Tournament which is promoted by the Ofurumapepe Grassroots Wrestling Initiative is “Peace and Youth Empowerment through sports”.

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