NWF commits to regional development, sets up committees to that effect

NWF commits to regional development, sets up committees to that effect

*Visits Governor Diri, Ewhrudjakpo's wife and Bayelsa people over Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo's demise*

The Nigeria Wrestling Federation has taken strategic steps focused on zonal grassroots development by setting up committees that will reflect deeply and enact policies and strategies that would spur the development of wrestling from the zonal grassroots level.

The Federation made the strategic decision during its 2025 Board Meeting on Wednesday, 17th December, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

Revealing the decision taken by the board to journalists shortly after the meeting, the president Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, opined that the move was borne out of the yearning and passion of everyone in the board to see that every region in the country experience grassroots impact of wrestling.

The NWF President highlighted that the Federation’s ambitions are beyond creditably challenging for honours and focusing solely on elite and international competitions, but rather prioritize building a sustainable ecosystem where talents are discovered and nurtured at the grassroots.

He confirmed that the committees setup are;

1. Sponsorship and Marketing Commission
2. Athletes and Development Commission
3. Technical and Rules Commission
4. Medical and Doping Commission
5. Zonal Development Commission
6. Women Commission
7. Youth and Education Commission
8. Mixed Martial Arts and Associated Styles Commission
9. Media and Publicity Commission
10. Ethics and Disciplinary Commission
11. Coaches and Referees Commission
12. Veterans and Hall of Fames Commission
13. Competition Organising Commission

Adeniyi assured the various committees of the board's full support in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities, saying the current NWF leadership is passionate about the grassroots development of the sport.

"On our discussion, we deliberated extensively on governance issues and on that we we had to identify standing committees of the board that will help the board to translate some of the visions that we have into very concrete action and projected outcome"

"But there are two areas that are cardinal to our drive, grassroots and youth development programmes in the zones. Also, integration of our veterans into the board's programmes through sharing of their experiences and mentoring the young athletes." He said.

"I therefore charge everyone to put hands together and come up with policies that will drive wrestling to a higher pedestal." Adeniyi noted.

The Customs boss also stated that the board took time to review some international tournaments the Federation participated in, particularly the recent involvement at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, West African Wrestling championships in Republic of Benin and the demonstration of wrestling at the Nigeria University Games (NUGA).

Meanwhile, before the Board's Meeting, a powerful delegation of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation in collaboration with a team from the Nigeria Customs Service led by the president Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who doubles as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service paid a solidarity visit to the government of Bayelsa State and the wife and family of late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo over his sudden death.

The delegation was received in government house by the State governor, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, family members of the deceased, members of the State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, the executive members of the state government and other political appointees.

In his solidarity remarks, Adeniyi commiserated with the Governor, the family of the deceased and the people of Bayelsa State, describing the death of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo as heartbreaking

He however, encouraged everyone to be strong with believe that the late Deputy Governor is in the right place, having lived a life of selflessness, dedication and effective public administration which has reflected on the speeches of everyone so far.

"This is indeed a very difficult time for the government and the people of Bayelsa State because of the unfortunate demise of distinguished Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Deputy Governor."

"On behalf of the board of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, and the Nigeria Customs Service, because I'm wearing two caps, I want to express our sincere condolence to the governor, the people of Bayelsa and the wife and relatives on this unfortunate incident. We share in your pain." Adeniyi expressed.

The NWF President also clarified for the first time publicly that the postponement of the 4th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Championship which was supposed to take place between 12th to 20th December 2025 in Yenagoa was due to the sad news of the Deputy Governor's death.

"As a new board of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, our intention was to come and identify with the governor because we assumed office about two months ago. Most importantly, we were to kickstart the National Wrestling Classics, which we always organise in the Governor's honour, but in respect for the departed, the board decided to postpone the classics indefinitely" He said

In his remarks, the Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri thanked the Comptroller General of Customs for the solidarity on behalf of the government and people of the state and wife and family of his departed deputy governor.

Diri appreciated the unwavering friendship of the Customs boss to Bayelsa State, highlighting some vital supports it received through the efforts and concerns of Adeniyi.

Aftermath, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, alongside his NWF Board Members and the Customs Service entourage, proceeded to show support to the deputy governor's wife, Mrs. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo at her residence.