Rivers State governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi has called for mass support and prayers from all Nigerians for the Super Eagles in their bid to qualify for FIFA World Cup taking place in South Africa next year.
Also, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital has been selected to host the 2010 Nigerian Football Awards organised by the African Independent Television (AIT) and sponsored by Telecommunication giant, MTN.
Governor Amaechi who made the call recently in Abuja at the 2009 MTN-AIT Football Awards also prayed for the National Team’s qualification, with the guests at the epoch-making events saying “Amen.”
His words: Now we’re struggling to qualify. We no longer depend on our legs to qualify for the world cup, but on prayers. I pray that Eagles will qualify. Cheer Eagles when we play in Nairobi, Kenya. I am an Arsenal supporter for life, even if they’re losing. Please let Nigerians support Super Eagles for life. Currently, Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is doing well to ensure they qualify.
Rt. Hon. Amaechi who was accompanied by his wife, Judith at the epoch-making occasion evoked emotion when he requested the audience to observe a minute silence in honour of the late DAAR Communication Group Manager, Director, Alhaji Ladi Lawal who was said to have contributed meaningfully to the concept of the Awards before his death.
“Shall we stand up and observe a minute’s silence in honour of Alhaji Ladi Lawal, he requested, and the guests obliged him, after which he prayed for the repose of his soul thus, “May his gentle soul rest in peace” and all said ‘Amen’.
Governor Amaechi thanked AIT and MTN for what he termed a good move and urged them not to relent in their efforts at taking awards to the heights.
Confirming the hosting rights of the 2010 Awards on Port Harcourt at the end of the 2009 events, the Awards Panel, led by its chairman veteran sports journalist, Paul Bassey presented Governor Amaechi with an insignia (flag).
In accepting to host the event next year, governor Amaechi recalled that some companies pulled out of the Niger Delta region in the past, even where their presence and services were required by the region. He said, MTN-the sponsor of the award had to abandon the sponsorship of polo tournament in Port Harcourt for the state government which took over, adding, “On behalf of the Niger Delta, I welcome all those who abandoned us back (to the region)” and assured of a hitch-free event.