Degema Targets Grassroots Sports Revolution

The Degema Local Government Council, Rivers State is embarking on a robust efforts geared towards rekindling grassroots sports and athletes in the area for maximum impact for the state and nation in no distant time.

These efforts, according to the Chairman of the Local Government Council, Hon. Ibigoni Daddy Pokima, have found expression in the construction of a modern stadium complex with facilities for different sports in Degema.

Speaking on Tuesday during a fact-finding visit by the Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Fred Igew, who was represented by the Chairman, Rivers State Sports Council Board, Hon. Charles Paul, Directors and Heads of Departments in the Sports Ministry and Council, Hon Pokima said that the stadium complex when completed would offer the people of the area and the state the facilities to wean their talents and capacity to bring honour and glory to the state.

He said that he invited the Sports Ministry and Council to interface with them and be advised properly on the stadium project to ensure that facilities are standard and built to best specifications.

According to the Council Chairman, he was moved to embark on the project because of his interest in sports and the discovery that Rivers indigenes do not dominate the State’s personnel to major national competitions as before.

Hon Pokima, who was a renowned wrestler in his days recalled, “During out time, all athletes representing the State used to be mostly Rivers people, especially in wrestling and swimming. We can still do it now and produce good swimmers and wrestlers that will haul laurels for the local government and State in competitions.

Also, the stadium complex is geared towards giving the youth a platform to channel their energy by exploring and expressing their talents there. The facility, Hon. Pokima said would serve the surrounding LGAs and the State when the need arises.

The complex when completed will have an 8,000 sitting capacity football stadium, halls for indoor sports like wrestling, table tennis, etc, Olympic size swimming pool, courts for volleyball, handball, basketball, tennis and others.

The impressive football stadium, which is expected to be completed within 18 months is being built to meet international standard with facilities for some track and field events.

Both the Sports Commissioner’s representative, Hon. Paul, Director of Sports, Hon. Daobu Harry and the entourage were highly impressed by what they saw and commended the Chairman for his commitment to sports development.

They urged other council Chairmen in the State to emulate their Degema counterpart and invest in sports development and leave legacies that will empower the youth in their areas.