RIVERS: Wike restates commitment to sports development

RIVERS State Governor Nyesom Wike has restated his commitment to sports development in the state, justifying the major, investments in sporting facilities and policies.

Governor Wike made the vow at the Golf Section of the Port Harcourt Club 1928 where he teed-off the Rivers State Governor’s Golf Championship with the theme “Golf For Physical And Mental Wellness Towards Socio-Economic Development.”

Represented by the Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Boma Iyaye, the Governor Wike commended Port Harcourt Club Golf Section for bringing professional golfers to the state, which he says is home for all Nigerians.

He noted that since he assumed office as the Governor of Rivers State, he has provided a fertile ground for sporting activities to thrive in addition to hosting several national and international competitions.  

Governor Wike stressed further that the Real Madrid Football Academy in Port Harcourt is a world-class facility that is aimed at producing footballing talents for the state and national teams.

“The Real Madrid Academy is comparable to any one in the world and we are proud to have it in Rivers State. It will be a production factory for future football talents in this country,” the governor said.

“The second phase will be commissioned today and the school is ready for admission.”

He noted that the Real Madrid Academy was created in such a manner that those who are not successful in playing football will continue with their education, while the successful ones will pursue their football careers.

Governor Wike added that he would collaborate with the golfers association in Rivers State to organise more competitions as a way of growing the sport and making it more accessible to a wide variety of people.

He was welcomed by the General Manager of Professional Golfers Association (PGA), Mike Alika and Secretary, Jide Bolaji, who gave the opening remarks.

The tournament was organised in honour of Governor Wike because of “his monumental achievements in his landmark projects scattered across the state.”