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

The statement issued on Saturday and signed by Rivers United’s General Manager, Dr. Okey Kpaluku, it reads “On behalf of the management, technical crew, players, backroom staff and supporters of Rivers United, I congratulate a gentleman of intrepidity and great intelligence, an astute sports administrator and a development expert, Sir Barrister Chris Green, on the occasion of your appointment as Commissioner for Sports, Rivers State. 

This appointment is coming at a critical time in the history of our state and nation and therefore underscores the importance to the good governance and development of our state.

With your capacity and achievements gathered over the years, I have no doubt in mind that you will bring your wealth of experience garnered to bear on your new assignment.

On this auspicious occasion,  I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for your life which has been marked by outstanding accomplishments and enduring fulfillments.

May our good Lord continue to chart your path and bless you with more wisdom in your resolve to bequeath milestones in the sports sector in Rivers State and Nigeria in general. 

Signed 

Sir Chief Dr Okey Kpalukwu (JP)

General Manager

Rivers United Football Club.

9th July, 2022

After participating in four different National Sports Festival, 100 meters national hurdles Champion, Grace Ayemoba says she intends to ink Rivers state name in gold at the forthcoming Edo 2020 National Sports Festival.

Ayemoba who has won two gold and three silver medals in past editions said athletes are naturally excited about getting back on track after a long while, adding that the envisaged tough event will bring out the best in her.

“My plan is to hit the olympic standard, this Festival is a boost to all athletes that have been at home, coming together to compete while hoisting the flag of different states. It’s also an opportunity for athletes to make money”.

“It’s a thing of joy to participate in five editions of the festival, but then athletes grow just like babies, so by the Grace of God I don’t wish to come again the next time out, I pray for a bigger challenge and to be among the leading Nigerian athletes taking part in events globally”.

Ayemoba noted that what the Rivers state government is bringing to the table is encouraging and it would be great to reward the state’s keen interest in sport with a podium finish at the multi sports.

The team Rivers athlete has been to the commonwealth games and she placed fourth at the 2018 African Games in hurdles.

She won gold in the 2011 event in hurdles and heptathlon.

The government of Rivers state has expressed confidence that its contingent to the 20th National Sports Festival tagged Edo 2020, coming up later this month will excel.

Commissioner for sports in the oil rich state Boma Iyaye during a press briefing today as the state continue to put finishing touches to their preparations for the multi sports event said the government is doing everything humanly possible to ensure that the Athletes will not lack basic motivation.

In his speech, He said “Rivers state has always participated in all editions of the National Sports Festival since the inception in 1973, we have hosted two editions in 1988 and 2011 respectively”

The commissioner added that “In recent past, we have been a major contender during the 2011, 2012 editions, it’s our commitment and desire to maintain the BAR in the Edo 2020 edition, in spite of the several postponements”.

Boma Iyaye stressed that the support of the state Governor, His Excellency Nyesom Wike has been tremendous, He said his interest in sport gives credence to his intention of unifying the state through youth empowerment and his will to tackle youth restiveness.

For the multi sports event, Rivers state is going to Edo with 434 athletes and 144 officials to compete for Honours in 29 sports.

Abula, Beach Volleyball, Athletics, Ayo, Badminton, Boxing, Chess, Cycling and Table Tennis are among the sports team Rivers is expected to take part in.

The Rivers state Athletes to the forthcoming National Sports Festival today got vaccinated as they intensify preparations for the festival.

The development is in tandem with the directive of the Honourable Sports Minister, Mr. Sunday Dare that athletes and officials that will be part of the multi sports event must get vaccinated.

The Covid-19 Vaccine boosts the immune system and to a large extent prevents the novel virus from penetrating.

The 2021 National Sports Festival is scheduled to hold in Benin City, Edo State between April 2nd and 15th. It was shifted twice because of the pandemic which also halted other Sporting events globally.

With the opening ceremony in sight, arrangements are in top gear by Team Rivers to record a colourful outing. The State government has also charged the athletes to dazzle everyone and be the Cynosure of all eyes.

Rivers state is one of the leading states tipped to do well at the 20th National sports Festival due to its numerical strength, quality of athletes and officials as well as the government’s willingness to develop and promote the sports sector.

This is just as the Special Adviser to Rivers State Governor on Real Madrid Academy, Barrister Christopher Green, says the state government remains fully resolute in their quest of making the project the best ever in Africa.

Rohr, who showered encomiums on the structures, intentions, and executions made so far on the prestigious academy, stated this at the weekend when he was shown around the facility by Green.

After a comprehensive tour around the four different blocks of the Academy situated in the same surroundings as the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, Rohr could not hold back his admiration for the project and the facilitator, Governor Nyesom Wike.

In Rohr’s company for the tour were Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director Austin Eguavoen and Super Eagles’ Team Secretary Dayo Enebi Achor.

According to him, “The infrastructures are high level, it’s like in Europe and you can compare with one of the best academies in Europe like they have in Spain; Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia or in France in Paris (PSG) and in Germany in Bayern Munich.

“I think they (Real Madrid Academy, Port Harcourt) are ready to start this programme with these wonderful structures and also with the good pitch. It will be very interesting to see what they can do.

“I think the Governor has done great work and now they have to select the best players and bring some good players in a few years to the future,” said the 67-year old expatriate coach.

Aside from the outdoor facilities comprising of a football pitch and well-constructed swimming pool among others; Barrister Green took Rohr and his contingent round the academic blocks which house classrooms, staff rooms, student hostels, ICT rooms, Biology, Physics and Chemistry laboratories, Dining Halls and other meticulous provisions provided for in the well thought out structure.

Rohr specifically expressed delight in the academic aspect of the Real Madrid Academy.

“What I like is that it is not just football, but there is also the school side. There are teachers who will be coming because you are never sure to succeed in football and if you don’t succeed, there can be injuries, there can be other problems, it is good to have the school side also and that they did not forget it,” he said.

Eguavoen who has coached several Nigerian national teams in the past could also not hold back in his admiration while describing the quality of infrastructure put in place at the Treasure Base of the Nation.

“I am very impressed. What else can you ask for, for football development? Combining education with football is what we’ve been craving for and what we’ve come here to see today is wonderful, it is excellent and hopefully, we will gain from this in time to come.

“I don’t think any other academy will beat this (in Nigeria) except maybe if you come in here and you have an interest and are passionate about what you want to achieve and when you see this, you want to better this. But for now, I don’t think anyone will be able to better it,” he stated