Wike pledges to develop sports

Rivers State Governor-Elect, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has stated that the incoming administration will promote sports for recreational and developmental purposes.

Speaking on Wednesday after the novelty football match between Rivers Angels and the New Rivers Vision football team as part of his pre- inauguration activities, Barrister Wike said that his administration would pay close attention to the development of sports.

The match was played at the Sharks Stadium Port Harcourt.

He noted that sports remains one of the key ways to promote healthy living amongst the populace, saying that it will no longer take the back bench in the state.

The governor-elect added that sports will also be used as an avenue to create employment for able bodied youths and keep them away from crime.

He noted that an enabling environment will be created for private companies to invest in sports since the government alone cannot revive all sports.

He said : “ We made this novelty football match as part of our pre inauguration programme to send a clear message that we shall pay attention to sports.

"We will also encourage private investors to invest funds in sports since government alone cannot revive sports".

The novelty match between Rivers Angels and the New Rivers Vision team ended 2-2.
Prominent players who featured for the New Rivers team include: Former Rivers Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia, Senator Lee Maeba, Senator Adewari Pepple, Rt. Hon Austin Opara, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, Bro Felix Obuah and other prominent PDP members.

Super Eagles Former Captain, Kanu Nwankwo was a guest star for the team.

A capacity crowd witnessed the novelty match.