Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has celebrated the retirement of Blessing Oborududu, the 2021 Tokyo Olympic silver medalist and 14-time African Wrestling Champion, who capped her 19-year career with a gold medal at the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In a statement signed by Loveday Herbert, Chairman of the Sports Committee, NUJ Bayelsa Chairman Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha praised Oborududu’s “unwavering commitment and historic achievements,” notably her status as Africa’s first Olympic women’s wrestling medalist.
He urged her to mentor young wrestlers from Bayelsa and across Nigeria to carry forward her legacy.
The council also congratulated Team Bayelsa for securing third place at the National Sports Festival but voiced concerns over a sudden shift in the medal standings, which saw host Ogun State overtake Bayelsa for second place behind Delta State.
Yemoleigha called the post-ceremony change “questionable” and urged the National Sports Commission to launch a thorough investigation.
The NUJ expressed profound condolences to the Kano State government and its sports community for the tragic loss of 21 athletes and officials in an accident while returning from the festival.
Yemoleigha described the incident as a “devastating blow” and called on the Kano State government to ensure adequate compensation for the bereaved families to alleviate their suffering.
