The Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Hon Fred Igwe has assured members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Rivers State branch of his preparedness to partner with them in the onerous task of sports development in the state.
Hon Igwe, who stated this during a courtesy visit by the executive of Rivers SWAN in Port Harcourt, also unfolded the plans of the Governor Chibuike Amaechi-led administration to make Rivers State a major destination for all sporting activities.
According to him, under his watch as Commissioner for Sports, he would work assiduously to ensure the sports ministry is alive to its responsibilities by charting the way forward on issues of sports development.
He revealed that the ministry was already working in conjunction with Ministries of Education and Youths on how to produce a workable sports policy for the state, geared towards developing talented young Rivers people in all aspects of sports.
Hon Igwe further disclosed that the ultra modern Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium is expected to be completed by June this year, pointing out that the management and maintenance of the edifice may be outsourced to ensure the facilities are kept in top shape.
“I want to assure you that when the Adokie Amiesimaka stadium is completed, Port Harcourt will be the major destination for sporting activities in Nigeria,” he stressed
On Sharks and Dolphins Football Clubs, the sports commissioner said a major restructuring would be carried out to reposition and ensure optimum performance for the two state owned teams.
While acknowledging that SWAN is the only umbrella body of sports writers in Nigeria, he promised to involve the association in the activities of the ministry, including continental engagements of Dolphins football club.
Earlier in his speech, the Rivers State chairman of SWAN, Mr Honour Sirawoo had congratulated the Sports Commissioner on his appointment by Governor Chibuike Amaechi, pointing out that within his short stay in office; the state had recorded several sporting achievements, including the emergence of Dolphins football club as the Premier League Champions.
Sirawoo assured the sports commissioner of the association’s desire to partner with him in the task of sports development in Rivers State, stressing that as a stakeholder, the association is well positioned to offer credible suggestions on how best to make the work of the commissioner easier.
He stressed that SWAN is the only recognised umbrella body for sports writers in Nigeria, adding that those who canvass contrary association are on their own.
He called on the sports commissioner to carry SWAN members along in the activities of the ministry, while also soliciting financial assistance to enable the association repair it’s broken down bus.
Also speaking, the National Vice Chairman of SWAN South South, Mr Gabriel Nwanentanya, while congratulating the commissioner for his appointment on behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC) of SWAN, noted the achievements recorded so far and called on the sports commissioner not to rest on his oars.
He assured of the readiness of SWAN NEC to partner with the Rivers Ministry of Sports to achieve desired objectives.
Allanso Jonathan Allanso
