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Wike Orders Intense Grooming Of Athletes …Bags African Sporting Award
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has directed the State Ministry of Sports to intensify the grooming of athletes through the hosting of key sports events in the State.
This is as the All Africa Senior Badminton Championships ended in Port Harcourt amid pomp and ceremony at the prestigious Alfred Diete- Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the All Africa Senior Badminton Championships in Port Harcourt yesterday, Governor Wike said beyond the participation of the youths as observers during the continental tournament, they should be engaged all-year round.
He said: “I encourage our sports administrators to promote Badminton and other sports by grooming youths as athletes.
“School competitions should be organised annually to sharpen the skills of the athletes. Engage the youths in meaningful sports activities “.
He commended the Badminton Confederation Africa for choosing Rivers State to host the continental event.
The Governor also praised the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung for allowing the games to hold in the state, saying that his non-discriminatory posture should be emulated by other Ministers.
He announced that the Real Madrid Football Academy will be commissioned in May with sporting and academic activities kick-started.
Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung commended Governor Wike for his commitment to the development of sports.
He called for increased investment in sports, saying that sports will be the next big wealth generation platform to lift people from poverty.
President, Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA), MrTukebana Bau officially presented the BCA Prestigious Award to Governor Wike for his contributions to the development of sports on the continent.
Also, the President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr Francis Orbih officially enthroned Governor Wike as the Patron of the Federation.
Highpoint ofthe closing ceremony was the presentation of medals to winners of different events during the championship. Nigeria emerged winners of the Female Singles, Male singles and Mixed Doubles.
The All Africa Senior Badminton Championships in Port Harcourt had 16 countries in attendance.
Meanwhile,the Badminton Confederation of Africa has nominated the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for the “Award for Distinguished Service to Sports in Africa “.
Speaking during a Courtesy Visit to the Rivers State Governor on Saturday at the Government House, Port Harcourt , President, Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA), MrTukebanaBau praised Governor Wike for his support for the growth of Badminton in Africa.
He said: “We acknowledge your support and passion for Badminton in Africa. For this reason, the Badminton Confederation Africa Board resolved to honour you with the prestigious award for your distinguished Service to Sports in Africa.
“This award will be presented to you during the finals of the African Badminton Championships in Port Harcourt “.
He described the All Africa Senior Badminton Championships in Port Harcourt as historic, saying that it is the first time the tournament will have a mascot.
The BCA President urged Nigeria and Governor Wike to continue to play the leading role in the growth of sports in Afria by sustaining their support.
While congratulating GovernorWike on his re-election, he said the governor’s victory will strengthen the platform for future cooperation for the growth of sports in Africa.
President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr Francis Orbih said that Nigeria made history during the championship by winning her first team event at home.
He noted that 16 African Countries are participating in the tournament, which has attracted global attention
Responding, GovernorWike thanked the leadership of the BCA for choosing Rivers State as hosts of the Championship. He noted that all the 16 countries will now serve as ambassadors of the state.
He described Sports as key to the unity of different races, adding that his administration will continue to support the growth of sports.
Governor Wike said despite the security challenges in the state, it remains largely safe for sports and investments.
He noted that the State will continue to work with other stakeholders to promote peace .
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.
He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.
Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.
He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.
Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.
“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.
He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.
The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.
The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.
“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.
Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.
According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.
“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.
Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.
He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.
” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.
According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.
“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”
The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.
” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.
The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.
Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.
“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”
Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.
“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.
Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.
He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.
Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.
He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.