Fubara vows to prioritise sports, rewards winners

Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers announced on Wednesday that annual sporting tournaments would begin in the state as part of the government's efforts to enhance sports development.

Fubara announced this at the official presentation of trophies and medals from the various teams in Rivers at the government house in Port Harcourt.

The teams are Rivers United Under-17 Youth League, Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club, Rivers Angels Football Club, Rivers Table Tennis Team, Judo, Chess, Volleyball, Para Sports, and Hockey teams.

The governor also assured that his administration would provide platforms for youths to develop their talents and actualize their dreams.

He also directed the state commissioner for sports, Christopher Green, to design the structure of the competition and liaise with his office in order to kickstart the tournament.

Fubara added that those who performed excellently would be celebrated at an award ceremony in December.

Addressing the winners, the governor also expressed delight over the number of trophies that were presented to him by the various teams, adding that he regarded himself as the most lucky governor of Rivers.

Fubara said that it would be more beneficial to spend the state’s resources to further advance the well-being of the people than to use them to equip youths to cause trouble.

He applauded the Sports Commissioner and everyone who worked tirelessly to make Rivers proud.

Fubara also appreciated the management of the various teams, urging them to continue to do their best to make the state proud.

He announced cash gifts ranging from N2.5 million to N30 million for the individual and group winners.

In his speech, Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Christopher Green, said that the competitions were tough, but with the support of the state governor and the determination of the players, success was achieved.

Green said that the teams won gold, silver, and bronze medals in their respective games in the male and female categories.

Green also said that new sporting records were created by Team Rivers, particularly in the open chess game.

On his part, Chairman of the Governing Council of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka, acknowledged that the feat being celebrated was not only profound but novel in the sporting history of Nigeria.

Chief Amiesimaka thanked Gov. Fubara for his support of the teams, saying it boosted their morale.

He urged the players not to continually strive for more laurels in their respective sports.