The Rivers State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has hailed the appointment of accomplished sports administrator Christopher Green Esq. as the new Commissioner for Sports in the state.

Green and four others were on Saturday sworn in as Commissioners by Rivers state governor Nyesom Wike, CON, POS Africa, with the former Executive board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) assigned to take charge of the Sports Ministry.

Green’s appointment comes barely two weeks after the state owned club Rivers United, under his saddle, confirmed their status as champions of Nigeria’s elite league division, a feat achieved in a record-breaking fashion.

“The appointment of Chris Green as the new Commissioner for Sports in Rivers State is not totally unexpected because it has now gone beyond any reasonable doubt that he possesses the midas touch to make things happen in Sports administration,” SWAN Rivers chairman Sarah David said on Saturday.

“This is a testament to the popular saying that the reward for hardwork is more work. Green’s reputation goes before him everywhere he goes and the conquest of the NPFL by Rivers United shows that he has not lost a single bit of his magic wand.

“SWAN Rivers as an association is delighted with this development and we believe that Green will bring his technical nous into good use while in charge of the Ministry because there are a lot of grounds to cover within the next one year.

“We will also do our best as members of the Fourth Estate of the realm to work harmoniously with him to make his time as the Commissioner as successful as it can be for the state,” Ms David added.

Most imperative on Green’s desk as the Ministry’s helmsman is the 2022 National Sports Festival to be hosted by Delta state in November and also ensuring that Rivers United makes an appreciable impact while representing Nigeria in continental competitions starting in August.

Fisayo Dairo
Assistant Secretary

For many months, leading to years, Christopher Green, a strong admirer and promoter of Aisha Falode, felt betrayed and stayed meters away. He was at the forefront of the protest against the Super 6 holding in Ijebu Ode but on a day when Rivers Angels pummeled Bayelsa Queens in a local derby, Green was all smiles and went in search of Falode.

The hug was full of life and assurances, the laughter came from a clean heart and for every word he muttered, it dropped from a mouth full of remorse and regrets.

” Why fight a woman i nutured? Why join the enemies to destroy a castle I painstakingly built? Why involve myself in the killing of a daughter that once called me father”?

These questions crept through his mind as he looked into the eyes of an innocent woman who holds no grudges. A woman who has done her best to thrive where others failed. A woman who has brought perfection, panache and style to the women’s game. Out of the little resources available, she has done great things.

Standing beside Green was Chief Boma Iyaye, the commissioner for sports in Rivers state. He showered praises on Aisha Falode for her efforts and encouraged her to keep doing her best for the good of the game.

Like Green, Aisha was a member of the old order, both have invested their passion, time and money in uplifting Nigeria football and both certainly have legacies that will not be forgotten.

Aisha Falode appreciates the criticisms and has promised to improve where need be but in all humility, she pleads for the support of all and sundry in this difficult task of repositioning women’s football in Nigeria.

She has started on a good footing, she looks destined for the very top of a career that men dominates. She is not ready to make enemies, rather she is inviting everyone to the party. Let’s join hands to do it right she pleads.