The Bayelsa State government has felicitated with Dr. Timipre Okou over his recent upgrade to an International Wrestling Referee following his certification by the United World Wrestling body in Alexandria, Egypt.
Okou hails from Isampou in Ekeremor local government area of Bayelsa state.
In a congratulatory message by Dr. Bertola Perekeme, the Technical Adviser on Grassroots Mobilization to Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, Okou’s elevation is described as timely and a leap for Bayelsa sports at a time the Diri-led administration is revolutionising sports and giving it a pride of place beyond the shores of Nigeria.
Perekeme said the Diri-led government is using sports to rebrand Bayelsa and engage youths to be impactful as they pursue their goals of winning laurels at both national and international competitions.
He applauded the state Commissioner for Sports, Dr. Daniel Igali and his team at the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their sacrifices and dedication.
The message assured of the government’s readiness to support Okou as he becomes the second Wrestling Referee from Nigeria to be elevated by the international governing body for wrestling at the Olympics.
Okou, a Major in the Nigerian Army, was until his elevation the Chairman, Nigeria Wrestling Referees Association and would be representing the country at the forthcoming World Military Games.
