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Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation•Blog

MY THANKSGIVING MESSAGE

I left Abuja early this morning for Yenagoa to join our governor, leaders and good people of our dear State to observe our annual Thanksgiving which holds every November 2nd by Law.
Congratulations once again to the state, the governor, the government and all the people of Bayelsa. As I said in my brief remarks at the occasion, we commend and congratulate the governor for continuing with this initiative which pleased the Lord to use me, my government and my team to initiate in 2012 as Governor.
How time flies to note that today was the 11th Edition of the State Annual Thanksgiving Service. It was a pleasure to join all our Leaders and especially to have met our leader and father, the Former President of Nigeria, His Excellency Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who also found time to grace the occasion as he always does and I expressed my appreciation to him for his encouragement and support to the state. I call on all our leaders to join hands at moments like this to together in unison irrespective of differences, be they political or otherwise.
As time goes on, we hope that the Thanksgiving service will be observed by all Bayelsans even in their homes and it will be an opportunity for all leaders of the state and people to meet together and praise God for his faithfulness, that is why it is a public holiday by law.
Not everything is politics and we should learn from others. Certain things transcend politics. Our Social activities, Burials, deaths, celebrations, State occasions etc are beyond politics and it was gratifying that the Governor led the state and all of us in thanksgiving even amid this devastating flood.
As I said at the occasion, I was speechless flying into Bayelsa and seeing all our communities and homes still submerged up to roof level. As everyone knows, Bayelsa is the Basin of the Delta where all major rivers in Nigeria flow through to empty into the Atlantic.
While other states like Kogi, Benue and Anambra are affected, Bayelsa and the surrounding neighbouring states, parts of Delta, and Rivers that share the same environmental and climatic conditions suffer much. The entire Bayelsa is under water and I once again use the occasion to call on the Federal Government, International community and well-meaning persons and agencies as I have earlier done.
We have all tried, the government itself has tried, all individuals and leaders, but the devastation is simply overwhelming. I found time also to visit some of the camps along the airport road to Amassoma that have been split into 3 or four places and interacted with some of the Internally Displaced People and as someone who managed several floods and other natural disasters in the course of my 8-year tenure as governor, I know the distraction, the toll it takes and I call for understanding as I did earlier.
Let us again, use the opportunity of thanksgiving to reaffirm our resolve as one Bayelsa people, one Ijaw people and join hands to support our state and our people and the government of the day. When it is time for politics, we can play the politics but this is the time to empathize, to support and work together for the survival of our people.
It was refreshing flying again to the airport that I built as a governor in a recession. That is the only gateway into Bayelsa as all road routes have been cut off which was the reason my government at the time, even in a recession gave priority to have a gateway for the Ijaw nation.
This is the first airport in the heart of Ijaw Land and right now, it is our gateway to the rest of the country and the World as all other routes have been cut off. I believe that as time goes by and the years roll by, this Airport will even be more valuable, as it is intended as a free trade zone. All the propaganda, blackmail and allegations were thrown at me were a small price I and my team paid in service of our people. I was glad that our airport even in this unprecedented deluge, is not flooded. I commend the contractor Dantata & Sawoe and the supervisory team for a job well done. The airport was dry and busy with commercial flights.
Finally, it was a pleasure to be in the company and gathering of our people to support the governor, the government and our state in today’s thanksgiving service. I thank all the clergymen especially the guest minister Dr Paul Enenche and his wife for finding time to officiate at the service.
I pray that in-spite of our imperfections as humans, and as shortcomings as leaders, that God continues to have mercy and accept our offerings of thanksgiving and usher in greater stability, unity of purpose, divine guidance and inspiration for our leaders, tolerance and understanding for all our people, more developments, stability and peace.
HSD

BAYELSA FLOODS: FRIENDS OF SENATOR DICKSON BEGIN DONATION, – N11 MILLION RAISED SO FAR

Few days after the Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson donated over 15 million Naira to alleviate the acute living conditions of flood victims in Bayelsa, his friends have raised N11 million to support them under the platform of Friends of Senator Dickson.

Senator Dickson who conveyed his appreciation to the benevolent donors most of whom prefer to be anonymous also expressed gratitude to the beneficiaries.

Dickson reiterated his appeal to public-spirited individuals, NGOs, and corporations, to come to the rescue of displaced and suffering flood victims.

Dickson said, he appreciated the Initiative of his friends who came together to start this humanitarian drive.

According to him, a special account for the foundation has been opened with Sterling Bank into which the donations from his friend are Domiciled and into which further donations can be made.

Dickson also reiterated the policy of the foundation to record and publish the list of all donors as well as the beneficiaries for purposes of transparency.

However, he said that where there are requests for anonymity, the foundation will have no option but to respect their preference.

He added that donation is not only in cash but also in kind as the foundation would make arrangements to receive all such donations in kind such as relief materials of every description.

He said, “Following the announcement of my donation to flood victims in Bayelsa State, some of my friends called to support and as at now they have raised Eleven Million Naira. A number of them preferred to be anonymous.

“However, we will do a letter from the foundation to express my gratitude and that of our people to them.

Dickson had made donations running into millions of Naira to alleviate the plight of flood victims in Bayelsa State.

The Senator announced a donation of N400,000 Naira to each of the wards in the Sagbama Ekeremor Senatorial District on Wednesday in Abuja

Dickson, a former two-term Governor of the state also announced a donation of N5 million to those affected by the flood in Yenagoa, the state capital.

He stated further that his friends under the aegis of ‘Friends of Senator Dickson’ were also putting donations together to the sub-account of Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation to reach out to those affected by the ravaging flood.

He said, Those willing to donate both in cash and in kind, can do so through the foundation’s

Sub-Account details:
Account Name: SENATOR HSD FOUNDATION FLOOD RELIEF FUND
Bank Name: Sterling Bank PLC PLC
Account Number: 0091512632

For relief materials and any other assistance to the victims kindly contact.
Dr. Clement Angiangei: 08030843555
Or Ebizimo Okoroye: 09076311111
Or Stephen O. Ekoja: 0803669088

He stressed that the funds would be distributed dispassionately to the victims irrespective of political affiliations.

DICKSON DONATES MILLIONS OF NAIRA TO BAYELSA FLOOD VICTIMS

The Senator representing Bayelsa West in the National Assembly, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has made donations running into millions of Naira to alleviate the plight of flood victims in Bayelsa State.

The Senator announced a donation of N400,000 Naira to each of the wards in the Sagbama Ekeremor Senatorial District on Wednesday in Abuja

Dickson, a former two-term Governor of the state also announced a donation of N5 million to those affected by the flood in Yenagoa, the state capital.

He stated further that his friends under the aegis of ‘Friends of Senator Dickson’ are also putting donations together to the account of the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation to reach out to those affected by the ravaging flood.

He added that the donations are in addition to discreet efforts being made to ensure that the harsh effect of the flood on the people is reduced.

He stressed that the funds would be distributed to the people of the area irrespective of political affiliations.

The former Governor added that he had earlier dispatched some items to the state which are still in transit and are expected in the state.

Dickson who repeated his call on the Federal government to go into urgent collaborative action with the states on the debilitating effects of the flood said that the time has come for the Federal Government to proffer lasting solutions to the flood menace.

He said, “As governor of our state for eight years and as one who managed devastating floods and natural disasters within that period, I am distressed by the images, videos and reports emanating from our communities in Bayelsa state.

“I have an idea of the magnitude of damage and devastation this has caused and the toll it has on families and livelihoods. I also understand the limits to what the government or any one person can do.

“I have since, like any other leader, been inundated with the cries of our people which are genuine. Irrespective of what we have been doing silently, I announce formally, a donation that will be made available through my foundation, the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation, the sum of N400,000.00 Per ward in Bayelsa West Senatorial District and an additional Five Million Naira (N5,000,000.00) for displaced residents in Yenagoa City, the state capital.

“This will be managed under the supervision of our respected Elders, Chief T. K. O. Okorotie and supported by Hon. Fyneman Wilson who will serve as the coordinator, with selected elders, women and youths in the senatorial district and will be disbursed in an apolitical manner. I, therefore, call for cooperation and understanding.

“This is my little way of adding to whatever support the government and well-meaning individuals and organizations have been doing.

“Last week after receiving the reports and speaking with the governor, I made calls and had meetings with relevant authorities who have since dispatched some support which sadly is still stuck in transit.

“The above donation by my foundation is a simple token of my care, especially when compared to the magnitude of the devastation, destruction, inconveniences and suffering occasioned by the flood that has affected every person, family and community in the state.

“The funds will be managed dispassionately no matter how little, irrespective of the political divide, so I call for understanding as no amount of monetary support can be sufficient at this trying time.

“We only pray and hope that the flood recedes soon and that all concerned, the Federal Government, State Government and residents all learn to be better prepared next time.

“Lastly, I repeat my earlier call for the Federal Government and its agencies to robustly collaborate with the government of Bayelsa State.

“It is time for the Federal Government to take measures In stopping the perennial flooding in Nigeria caused by the activities or operations of Dams in neighbouring countries. This should be treated as a matter of national security.

“Once again, my condolences to all those who lost loved ones, this is sad and I want you to always know that I care.”

Atala Oil Well: Group exonerates Sen. Dickson, commends him for joining hands with Diri in retrieving state-owned oil well.

A Bayelsa West Social Cultural group, Bayelsa WestCongress have commended the former Governor of Bayelsa State and Senator Representing Bayelsa West, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson for working hand in hand with Governor Douye Diri and other Bayelsa leaders over the state’s oil wells.

The group condemned statements made against the Senator over the administration of the state’s oil wells. Most especially, false claims made by one Ikuli that the senator has a stake in the state’s oil wells.

The group said

“Senator Dickson does not own an Oil License and has never applied for an oil operating license. Even if we want to assume he applied for an oil license, is it his long-time political rival Timipre Sylva that will grant him an oil license?”

The group stated that Senator Dickson is not a businessman and has no personal interests in the Bayelsa Oil fields apart from the general interest of Bayelsa State. As a matter of fact, the group said, when one of the oil wells Atala OML was shut down last year, it was Senator Dickson who called Timipre Sylva on phone for the first time in a long time to complain about why an oil field belonging to Bayelsa State was cancelled and the petroleum minister for state clarified to Senator Dickson that it was not just Atala OML but all non-producing Oil fields owned by other governments. This was publicly revealed in a statement by Senator Dickson.

The group noted that someone with an interest in the Oil wells will not act in that manner, instead the person would seek to take advantage of the situation.

The group noted that Senator Dickson in a statement revealed that Governor Diri had reached out to him for his counsel on the matter as he had already brought it up with the President and the Petroleum Minister. Senator Dickson then accompanied Governor Diri to discuss the matter with President Buhari

The Group further asked Bayelsans to ignore Wisdom Ikuli who they described as a serial blackmailer and liar.

“Bayelsans are already used to Wisdom Ikuli’s regular lies and lack of wisdom. It is yet another futile attempt by Ikuli and his paymasters to drag Senator Dickson into their lies and blackmail”

“Bayelsans know that it is Ikuli’s paymasters who cancelled the Atala OML and gave the contract to their friends and business associates and not Senator Dickson who doesn’t have the power to do so”

The group further added that it is Senator Dickson who upheld the interests of the state and the Ijaw nation as Governor and has continued to do so as Senator.

“As Governor, Senator Dickson fought to win the Oluasiri/Nembe/Soku oil well cases at the Supreme Court against the Rivers State government in 2013 led by then Gov. Rotimi Amaechi; what Ikuli’s masters couldn’t accomplish. Up until Senator Dickson left office as Governor, Bayelsa was collecting the derivation’s funds from the Oluasiri/Nembe/Soku oil well.”

The group added that They know for a fact that Rivers State is currently receiving the derivation funds of that oil well based on what Governor Nyesom Wike boasted last week.

“What have Ikuli and his employers done to safeguard the Nembe-Oluasiri fortune that Wike’s Rivers state administration has reclaimed after Senator Dickson fought to get it back?” The group asks.

The group also called on the current administration to speak up and clarify these issues.

Sen. Henry Seriake Dickson gives educational support grants to 90 law school students

Today, I presented an educational support grant to deserving students of Bayelsa origin totalling 90 whose names and LGAs are listed below and are currently in the 2021/22 session of the Nigerian Law School.
They will receive N100, 000.00 (One hundred thousand naira) grant each. I also approved the sum of N870, 000. 00 (Eight hundred and seventy thousand naira) educational support grant for Miss Emmanuel Ebilaere Favour, an indigent Bayelsan student studying in Zanakuro Iscom University, Benin Republic, which has been paid directly to the school account.
Throughout my public career, I have left no one in doubt about the primacy of position I attach to the issue of Education, building educational institutions, infrastructure, policies and the development of human capital in general.
This was why as governor I awarded an unprecedented number of scholarships, both local and foreign even in a recession.
Now in my present capacity as a senator, I have continued to use the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation (HSDF) to support Education, scholarships, sports and human capital development in whichever little way I can.
We have kick-started this today as the first batch and some others will follow. I congratulate the awardees and urge them to accept this as a token of my appreciation for their efforts and to encourage them to do more in their educational pursuits.
As someone who has always been passionate about education, I deliberately extended this batch of beneficiaries beyond my Senatorial District in the same way I extended scholarships and other opportunities as governor to all Ijaws outside Bayelsa.
My Constituency office and officials will follow up on the Postgraduate Educational Support program for PhD. and masters students. Some have already been contacted and others have been noted but for those who are qualified and intend to participate, feel free to contact my constituency office through the numbers listed below for verification.
Tony Ogula – 07066781356
Bar Bordillon Ogugubeni – 08064283764

List of current beneficiaries

1. Amangala M. Joshua
2. Amiekumo Oyeinkule Priscilla
3. Tarilayefa Ogidi
4. Tarinabo-Debi Ebinyo Toyin
5. Timipre Obiene Barigha
6. Maccarthy Izibetoyin
7. Tiebogiren E. Possibility
8. Ebiegberi Zidafamor
9. Ebisuobo Rufus Thankgod
10. Oborie Ephraim Hope
11. Okoko Nathaniel
12. Gigi Benjamin Marcell
13. Azibaolanari Obana
14. Dumbo Desmond Mutu
15. Solomon Samson
16. Hillary Okorotie
17. Nanapere Prudence Tamarapreye
18. Agadaga Donald
19. Favour Onoriode
Yola
20 Sam Jonah Godstime
21 Ebitimi Ebidoughebofa Kingsley
22 Lokoson Veronica Ebiwari
23 Amakiri Yibamiemunu
24 Youpele woringidiepreye Sophia
25 Kenigua Pere-ere princess
26 Okpotolomo Ebiowei
27 Victoria Pree ifidi
Abuja
28 Samuel Abila
29 Akuna Powedei
30 Winston Mercy Ayebatari
31 Bekeowei Tamaradie
32 Ezekiel Ikionana Ellen
33 Onungo Princess Ibiwari
34 Emily Robert Ayalla
35 Peres Mitiya
36 Abowei Annex Bernard
37 Timibra Jonah Wilson
38 Okoko Joy Perefinere
39 Otuogha Gesiye
40 Charles Onyema Chukwuma
41 Jim Ogbo Queen Mienenimebebi
42 Ekanem Tarinabo Helen
43 Happy John Honour
44 Nat- Beregha Hope
45 Ogidi Tarilayefa Ben
46 Arisou Enebikedou
47 Gift Keriebo
48 Afentu Oyindeinyefa Duke
49 Ebiere Theresa
50 Iyudu Usivwi Keren
51 Ukieh Gift Ikioha
52 Beregha Esinfa Temple
53 Abidde Theophany James
54 Dagana W Faith
55 James E Allagoa
Yenagoa
56 Kainti Ebiladou Tabitha
57 Anthony P Deborah
58 Genesis Toboulayefa Vivian
Lagos
59 Igbadiwei Macdonald Ebimoboere
60 Puromeiziba Ipigansi
61 Ebiason Ayebainagbo Annabel
62 Janet T Abiri
63 Ken Austine Izibenifien
64 Ebikeniye Sandra
65 Smith Livinus-Agala
66 Friday Kuroyifa Wisdom
67 Esegi Maureen Izibevie
68 Oyinkepreye Louis
69 Tom Ebibo Ayawari
70 Soroghaye Rebecca
71 Uyabara A Boneghen
72 Daniel Doubra Esther
73 Edevie Delia Afinavie
74 Igbelekumo Emilia Preye
75 Debbie Laye Andrew
76 Primrose Epiekiri
77 Buruboyefe Ukiye simeon
78 Vic-Sandra George
Kano
79 John Prosper Obokparo
80 Akamu Oyakemeagbegha Roland
81 Jimmy James Calmday
82 Appam blessing tamarakuro
83 Bestman Queen
84 Ebitimi Osain
85 Olali, Karinate Deborah
86 Frank Naniye Okpara
87 Ogbosain Apeikumo Poweide
88 Akoukiri Rita Douyerinlayefa
89 Igwela, Samuel Obiosa
90 Igodo, Ebiowei Frank Geofrey

PA NANAYE DICKSON WRESTLING COMPETITION: WINNERS EMERGED FROM EKEREMOR CONSTITUENCY 3

…AS ALADDIN OKEREBI OF AGBIDIAMA EMERGES CHAMPION TO TAKE HOME ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND NAIRA.
Mr Aladdin Okerebi of Agbidiama has emerged winner of Ekeremor Constituency three after beating Mr Alex Lugard of Agge. He went home with a N100,000 cash prize and a gold medal.
Mr Alex Lugard came second and got #70,000 with a Silver medal while Victor Omoro of Agge defeated Mr Passman Timothy of Egbema-Angalabiri, to finish third and got the bronze medal and #50,000 prize money.
This ends the Constituency wrestling matches for Ekeremor and Sagbama LGAs. Attention will now shift to the Local Government Finals in Ekeremor and Sagbama the which holds on the 12th and 13th of January 2022.
The Pa Nanaye Dickson annual wrestling tournament which is sponsored by the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation is a tournament designed to discover hidden talents in traditional Ijaw wrestling amongst the youths of Bayelsa West and help promote and project such talents to the world.

Pa Nanaye Dickson Wrestling Competition: Solomon Folua of Ayamassa Community emerged Champion of Constituency 1

EKEREMOR comes alive for Ijaw TRADITIONAL WRESTLING as youths of Constituency 1 take to the Mat in the NANAYE DICKSON WRESTLING TOURNAMENT.
Solomon Folua of Ayamassa Community emerged Champion of Constituency 1 and took home N100k cash.
Oweilayefa Freeborn of Sampou was the runners up with N70K
and Orderly Ebigha also of Sampou came third to receive N50k!
….The competition continues for Constituency 2 tomorrow.

Nanaye Dickson Traditional Wrestling Tournament: Sagbama Constituency 2 Produces Champions

…Lucky Contractor From Toru Ebeni Emerges Champion, takes N100, 000 Cash Prize

…As Constituency 3 Starts Today

The one going Nanaye Dickson Traditional Wrestling Tournament organized by the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation has reached its final stage in SAGBAMA LGA, as Constituency 3 is all set to have its contests today, December 4th, 2022 at the country home of Senator Henry Seriake Dickson in Toru-Orua by 12noon.

Earlier on Sunday, 2nd of January 2022, Constituency 2 had its day and produced its champions. Coming in the first position was Lucky Contractor from Toru Ebeni Community who grappled with other contestants to take home the Constituency cash prize of N100, 000 donated by the sponsor. In the second position was Ayanka Gideon from Sagbama Community who won a cash price of N70, 000 while Kolo Tamaranpreye from Toru-Ebeni came third with a cash price of N50, 000.

In an interview with our reporter, they expressed their gratitude to God and the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation for providing the opportunity for them to showcase their talents and also win prizes at the tournament. They stated that in the history of traditional Ijaw wrestling tournaments, no one has organized such a far-reaching wrestling competition as what they are presently experiencing. The Local Organising Committee members also commended the sponsor for this initiative that it said promises to produce many future champions as participants have now been talent-spotted from the local communities who have never participated in any national or international competitions.

Today, January 4th is day 3 of the tournament designed to produce champions who will move on to the next round of the annual tournament in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The venue is in Toru Orua, designated for all Sagbama LGA matches at the Country Home of Founder of the HSD Foundation, Former Governor of Bayelsa State and serving Senator, Henry Seriake Dickson.

The Consultant to the Tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe reaffirmed that invited youths for SAGBAMA CONSTITUENCY 3 shall wrestle on the 4TH of JANUARY, at TORU ORUA, SAGBAMA from 12 noon daily.

The Ekeremor LGA Tournament dates for Constituencies 1-3 are scheduled to take place between the 6th and 10th of January, 2022 in Ekeremor Town, Ekeremor LGA.

The statement further said that the Sagbama Local Government Area finals holds on the 12th of January while the Ekeremor Local Government Finals will hold on the 13TH of January, 2022.

Prize money for the tournament will be Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500, 000) for the first prize, while the Second Prize is Three Hundred Thousand Naira (N300, 000) and Third Prize is Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200, 000) respectively for each of the top three Champions.

Just as the sponsor has said everybody in this tournament is a champion, One Hundred Thousand Naira will be given as consolation prizes to Seven finalists. Other prizes will be given as follows,
Sagbama & Ekeremor LGA champions will receive Two Hundred Thousand Naira (200, 000).
Six constituency Champions will receive One Hundred Thousand Naira each while Runners up will get Seventy Thousand Naira (N70, 000) and the third position will receive Fifty Thousand Naira each (N50, 000). The statement said logistics shall also be given to all Wrestlers.

The statement said further that, the Nanaye Dickson Traditional Wrestling Tournament is for wrestlers who have not participated in any State, National or International Competitions.

In conclusion, the statement asked all interested wrestlers to contact LOC Chairman; SUOYE LOKOJA on 08030870370 and LOC Secretary; ARE AGBEREKEME on 08030870370 or OWU FINIDI OWU on 08038826931.

The Nanaye Dickson Grassroots Traditional Wrestling Tournament is sponsored by the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation and its aim is to talent spot future national and international wrestling champions.

Nanaye Dickson Traditional Wrestling Tournament: Harrison Isreal of Ofoni Community emerges Champion of SAGBAMA Constituency 1

…As Constituency 2 wrestlers lock horns  in Toru Orua

Young , well built and energetic, Harrison Isreal of Ofoni Community overpowered a line up of 31 young and vibrant wrestlers to emerge champion of Constituency 1 and take home the sum of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) cash prize at the annual edition of the Nanaye Dickson Wrestling Tournament.

The tournament  flagged off from Toru Orua at an opening ceremony laced with exciting and inspiring music embedded in the rhythmic pattern of Ijaw drum beats , horns and sonorous songs to urge the combatants on. With strained sinews, grappling against each other, youths of SAGBAMA Constituency 1 in Bayelsa State clearly showed why Wrestling is touted as a sport ingenious to the Ijaw people.

The second position went to Bekekala Ebimobowei from Bolou-Orua community and he got a prize money of Seventy Thousand Naira (N70, 000), while the third position went to Bekesuomowei Marine from Bulou-Orua community and he received a cash prize of Fifty Thousand Naira (N50, 000) donated by the sponsor, Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation and presented by Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.

Also during the New Year Break, January 2nd, battle is currently ongoing in SAGBAMA Constituency 2 with over 30 registered wrestlers lined up to engage each other once again in Toru Orua, venue for all wrestling tournaments in SAGBAMA LGA. It would be the turn of Constituency 3  on the 4th and 5th of January, 2022 at the same venue to complete the Constituency qualifiers.

The LOC according to a press release by the Tournament Consultant, Mr. Ono Akpe, has also decided to hold all the wrestling bouts for the Ekeremor  Local Government Area in Ekeremor Town. Thus the matches would hold between the 6th and 10th of January 2022.

The Sagbama Local Government Finals will take place on the 12th of January in Toru Orua, while the Ekeremor Local Government Finals will hold on the 13th of January, 2022 in Ekeremor

Speaking earlier to press men during the opening ceremony in Toru Orua, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, on behalf of his Foundation, thanked the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee Suoye Lokoja and other members of the LOC for the good organization of this grassroots community based Wrestling Tournament.

Senator Dickson earlier noted that, Bayelsa State has more wrestling champions than any State in Nigeria or country in Africa and that this effort of the Foundation will help to talent spot future African Champions and Olympic medalists like Blessing Oborodudu, Victor Kodei, etc.

He said beyond those who won the first, second and third positions, all participants in the tournament today and those who will take place to the end were winners. He said his foundation was more interested in the future of the youthful participants.

He said the Grassroots  community based Traditional Wrestling Tournament is in honour of his late father, and an attempt to  keep to the legacy of his father, a great wrestler in his time who groomed many young wrestlers, that he is sponsoring this tournament through the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation.

He added that his desire to keep the art of  wrestling alive in Ijaw land because it was a land of champions, further inspired him to support the sport more. He added that he has been told by the LOC that they have already  spotted many prospective champions at the beginning of the tournament which was quite impressive. Senator Dickson equally gave all participants five thousand naira each as logistics support.

Senator Dickson later led a procession of wrestlers, spectators and other guests to his fathers compound, the final resting place of his late father, Pa Nanaye Dickson amidst drumming and dancing.