…Dickson To Unveil Ofurumapepe Football Club

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Bayelsa Chapter, on boxing Day, presented an Award of Excellence, to His Excellency, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for his contributions towards Sports Development in Bayelsa State.

Senator Dickson displaying the award plaque he received on the 26th of December from the Bayelsa State Chapter of SWAN
Chairman Bayelsa SWAN, Comrade Alambo Datonye, while presenting the award to the former Governor, eulogised him for initiating and completing all projects executed in the subsector, during his reign as Governor of the state.

Comrade Datonye stressed that the Bayelsa sports writer’s association would continue to throw its weight behind Dickson’s programs, especially the soon to be concluded Ofurumapepe Cup, and the forthcoming Nanaye Dickson Traditional Wrestling Competition, just as he expressed hope that the award will spur him to contribute more to Sports Development.

Bayelsa State SWAN Chairman made his remarks before the presentation
Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, while receiving the award, appreciated SWAN, for supporting his sporting activities, urging the association not to relent in their profession.

According to the Senator, sports remains a tool for promoting unity and togetherness, and also a panacea for grooming young talents, some of who will emerge professionals in the nearest future, urging well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies to team up with the government in developing the sector.

In his words, “Sports Development is key, it promotes tourism, it’s for healthy living and lifestyle, youth engagement, and cuts across all aspects of life”.

“So I call on the Federal Government, to partner with the Bayelsa Government in transforming the Asoama Sports Academy, after the Memorandum of Understanding we signed with the Sports Minister. That Academy is meant to export talents, and I am proud of the work I and my team did there. I also call on private individuals, corporate bodies to support sports. They can pick any of the sports and sponsor it, everything about sports and maintenance of its facilities cannot be left for government alone.”

Former Permanent Secretary Government House, Yenagoa, former Commissioner for Education, Jonathan Obiobite and former Sagbama LGA Chairman all under former Governor Dickson of Bayelsa State were also present to grace the occasion
The immediate past Governor dedicated the award to his team who worked with him to deliver his mandate, as he announced his readiness to set up a football club, to be known as Ofurumapepe Football Club.

Senator Dickson equally extended his appreciation to media houses and pressmen for their cooperation with his administration during his tenure, assuring that as a Senator he will unveil more programs in Sports, Education and Culture in the near future.

The Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation shall continue to support various activities in sports, education, health care, culture and tourism he concluded.

Senator Dickson displaying his Bayelsa SWAN Award Plaque
SPORTS ACHIEVEMENTS OF SENATOR HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON:

In presenting the award to Senator Dickson, SWAN, Bayelsa State Chapter said, in their sector of coverage, which is sports, there is no doubt, that Dickson has left a remarkable legacy, that will be remembered for many years.

Therefore, they were delighted that the projects he conceived and executed in the sports sector, were completed and that goes to show his love for the sector. The projects were listed as follows; Renovated Samson Siasia Ultra-Modern Stadium, World Class Golf Course, Polo Centre, the Sports Academy, Asoama, Nembe City Stadium. Others are, Initiating And Sponsoring three Editions of the Governor’s Cup (Restoration Cup), the Restoration Boys, the Youth Team, Coming 3rd in the African Youth Cup In Cape Verde, Hosting The National Wrestling Classics (Now An Annual Event In The Wrestling Calander Of Bayelsa State) and adopted by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

SWAN further listed reasons for the award as the former governor Dickson’s support of the National Wrestling Federation and the National Wrestling Team that excelled in International Tournaments, Massively improved results at the National Sports Festival, hosting of the Female Aiteo Cup Finals (Which Has Been Regarded As The Best Ever By Football Pundits), fulfilment of his promise by sponsoring the Senator Dickson Football Tournament for Bayelsa West Senatorial District, being serially victorious as Milo Basketball Champions (5 Times Milo National Schools Female Basketball Championship, Saint Judes Girls Model Secondary School, Amarata).

SWAN Exco, Bayelsa Chapter members at the event
Senator Dickson’s honouring of Sports Men and Women including Olympian, Blessing Oborodudu and her Coach And National Coach, African and Commonwealth Wrestling Champion, Victor Kodei Amongst Others.

Further reasons for the award were, Dickson’s continued hosting of the Annual Nanaye Dickson Wrestling Tournament, Promotion Of Ijaw Traditional Wrestling to National and International Recognition. Etc.

Senator Dickson flanked on both sides by Bayelsa State Executive members of the state SWAN including Technical Consultant of the Ofurumapepe Cup, Mr Ono Akpe
In conclusion, SWAN Bayelsa said it was with great joy and pride, that the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Bayelsa Chapter on behalf of the youths of Bayelsa State, sports lovers and enthusiasts along with other stakeholders in Bayelsa State and beyond presents an award to one of the most celebrated leaders of Ijaw extraction, and indeed the Niger Delta region, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.

The final match of the Ofurumapepe Cup comes up tomorrow, 28th of December, 2021 at the Sagbama Local Government Stadium while the Nanaye Dickson Wrestling Tournament will start on Thursday, 30th of December, 2021.