Body Advocates Sports Development In Andoni

The leadership of Ibotirem Football Association (IFA) in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State have called on the state government, local governments and corporate bodies to assist in developing sports the rural areas.

IFA National Organising Committee (NOC) chairman, Ellis Nria Dappa made the call in an exclusive interview with The Tidesports shortly after their annual general meeting in his office in Port Harcourt, on Monday.

Nria stated that the orgasisation had been trying its best to improve on sporting activities in the area, especially football at the grassroots for about two years now.

“We have been doing our best to improve football competitions in our locality for about two years now. Like the last year football competition organised by this body which was tagged “Footballing For Unity” created a lot of enthusiasms and awareness among the youths in our rural areas.

“We are calling on government at all levels and multi-nationals operating in Rivers State to come to our aid in order to achieve our set objectives,” Ellis said.

He commended the honourable member representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, Hon. Dakuku Peterside for donating a trophy for the competition in 2010, and added that the gesture would never go unnoticed.

“We are very thankful to Hon. Dakuku Peterside for the trophy he donated for our last year competition. This is what we cannot forget so easily,” he said.

Howver, he said this year’s programme would be unfolded soon.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Okwan Prince Stephen, also commended the magnanimity of Hon. Dakuku and urged others to emulate him as to encourage sporting activities in the area.

He lamented that there were so many talents that could be tapped from the youths but that lack of sponsorship has been the bane.

He attributed the achievements recorded in recently concluded 17th Sports Festival hosted by Rivers State to the commitment shown by the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi towards sports development in the state.

“If we really want to curb youth restiveness in our society we should also think toward this direction of giving those who are willing to improve or showcase their talents in sports,” Stephen stated.