The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Rivers State chapter has also lauded the appointment of accomplished sports administrator, Christopher Green, as the new Commissioner for Sports in the state.
Green and four others were on Saturday sworn in as Commissioners by the State Governor, Nyesom Wike, with the former Executive board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) assigned to take charge of the Sports Ministry.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Assistant Secretary of the association, Fisayo Dairo and made available to Tidesports on Saturday.
Green’s appointment comes barely two weeks after the state- owned club, Rivers United, under his saddle, confirmed their status as champions of Nigeria’s elite League division, a feat achieved in a record-breaking fashion.
“The appointment of Chris Green as the new Commissioner for Sports in the State is not totally unexpected because it has now gone beyond any reasonable doubt that he possesses the midas touch to make things happen in sports administration”, the statement said.
“This is a testament to the popular saying that the reward for hard work is more work. Green’s reputation goes before him everywhere he goes and the conquest of the NPFL by Rivers United shows that he has not lost a single bit of his magic wand.
“SWAN Rivers as an association is delighted with this development and we believe that Green will bring his technical nous into good use while in charge of the Ministry because there are a lot of grounds to cover within the next one year.
“We will also do our best as members of the Fourth Estate of the realm to work harmoniously with him to make his time as the Commissioner as successful as it can be for the state.
Most imperative on Green’s desk as the Ministry’s helmsman is the 2022 National Sports Festival to be hosted by Delta state in November and also ensuring that Rivers United makes an appreciable impact while representing Nigeria in continental competitions next month” it added.