Sports Occupy Priority Position In Rivers – Amaechi

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, has said that sports development occupies priority position in his administration.

Governor Amaechi stated this yesterday at the opening ceremony of the 9th African Junior Swimming Championship at the Adokiye Amiesimaka sport complex, in Port Harcourt.

Describing sports as a veritable instrument for youth development governor Amaechi assured that the state government would continue to explore the benefits derivable from sports as a profession to improve livelihood of youth in the state.

He said that sports is one of the events that creates a platform for friendship and unity among various ethnic groups in the country and as well as the continent.

The governor called on the Nigeria Swimming Federation (NSF), other sports federations, corporate organizations and schools, to advantage of the facilities at sports complex to discover new talents, as well as enhance those that would represent the continent and other international competitions.

He used the opportunity to appreciate NSF and confederation Africae de Nata Fian (CANA) for granting the state the hosting right of the championship.

Earlier, the chairman of the main organizing committee of the championship Olatokunbo Thomas expressed joy over the hosting right given to Nigeria, particularly Rivers State.

According to him, this is the First African Swimming championship to be held in Nigeria.

“I am happy that today, the swimming championship is being hosted in Nigeria, for the first time in the history of swimming championship.

I commend CANA not only for choosing this country but accepting a change of venue to Port Harcourt the Garden City of Nigeria”, Thomas said.

Meanwhile, South Africa is leading the medal table with 10 gold 55 Silver and 4 bronze.

Tonye Orabere