Connect with us

News

Youths’ll Find Expression In Our Sporting Competitions, Fubara Assures …Showers Cash Gifts On Laurel-Winning Talents, Teams

Published

on

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has announced that annual sporting tournament will commence immediately in the State to provide platforms for youths to horn their talents and actualise their dreams.
The Governor has, therefore, directed the State Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Christopher Green, to design the structure of the competition, and liaise with his office in order to kickstart the tournament, adding that those who perform excellently will be celebrated at an award ceremony in December, 2024.
Governor Fubara made the announcement at the official presentation of trophies and medals from the Rivers United Under 17 Youth League, Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club, Rivers Angels Football Club, Rivers Table Tennis Team, Judo, Chess, Volleyball, Paralysis and Hockey teams at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
The Governor expressed delight over the number of trophies that have been presented to him by the various teams, and said he feels the most lucky representative of the State at a time like this.
Governor Fubara said: “You are making us proud. We will be encouraged to support you the more. We will support you to ensure that you go places.
“Let me say this: it is not about the money that is being pledged to you to encourage you. It is the spirit and the love that you have for our State that has enabled you to represent us, and also make us win in the comity of states.
“So, I want you to leave here, and be encouraged more. Continue to do the best you can to promote sports in our State. The only thing that brings people together is sports, and I think and believe that if we spend and invest in sports, it will go a long way to engage our youths, and reduce crime and criminality.”
Governor Fubara stated: “So, I am here authorising that the Commissioner for Sports should immediately commence a sports programme or festival that can engage our youths within this period.
“Be it football or whatever, but I want you to come up with a tournament that will engage our youths between now and December. I want the programme to be a programme that by December, we should be gathering to honour the winners of the tournament.”
Governor Fubara explained the essence of his decision, saying that instead of using the State’s resources to equip youths with explosive devices to cause mayhem or hire people for daily protests, it is better to spend it on a path that will further advance the good and peace-loving people of Rivers State.
He said, “Let me first of all congratulate, very specially, everyone of you that has worked tirelessly to make Rivers State proud. I want to specially appreciate the Commissioner. One thing is spending money, another one is getting results for the money. I think when it comes to issue of results, he brings results.
“And, he is not bringing the results because he is the Commissioner, he is getting these results because he is working with dedicated team players.
“I want to appreciate you people for everything that you have done, for your determination, because if you are not determined to win, we are not going to flog you: it will just be try again. But, you want to be winners, and that is why we are celebrating today.”
Governor Fubara, who also appreciated the management of the various teams, urged them to continue to do their best in making the State proud because posterity will not forget their contributions.
He announced cash gifts of between N2.5million and N30million for the individual and group winners of all the teams, including the Supporters’ Club.
In his speech, Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Christopher Green, explained that the competitions were tough but with the support given by Governor Fubara, and determination of the players, gold, silver and bronze medals were clinched in different games played by males and females alike.
Barrister Green, who also said that new sporting records were created by Rivers teams, particularly in the Open Chess game, said a number of Rivers athletes emerged as most valued players and highest goal scorers, particularly in the U17 tournament played by Rivers United Football team.
On his part, Chairman, Governing Council of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka, acknowledged that the feat being celebrated is not only profound but novel in the sporting history of Nigeria.
Chief Amiesimaka, who thanked Governor Fubara for his support to the teams, which served to boost their morals, urged the players not to rest on their oars but strive for more laurels.
Also speaking, a notable sports administrator in the State, Dr Sam Sam Jaja, said it is easier to be a champion but more demanding to sustain that posture, and charged the players to get more focused on beating the world.
He charged the laurel-winning sports talents to continue to sustain the momentum, in order to keep the State on the global sporting map as leading champions.

Continue Reading

News

Elder Statesman, Others Emerge PH Boat Club’s New Officials

Published

on

The Port Harcourt Boat Club 1947 has elected new officers to pilot its affairs.
An elder statesman and staunch supporter of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Sir Kingsley Fubara Hart emerged the club’s Secretary.
Sir Hart’s emergence followed an election conducted by the electoral committee over the weekend which threw up new officials to pilot its affairs at its corporate headquarters in Port Harcourt.
The election which was adjudged one of the most credible, fairest and freest elections in the annals of the Port Harcourt Boat Club 1947, saw the emergence of Dan Harrison as Chairman.
Other members elected to run the activities of the body are Chief Coker Jimmy, Dr Oma Awoh, Chief Bib- Manuel Afonya, Dawari Dingo, Dango Kala- Otaji, Bara Alagoma and Dago George.
Recall that Port Harcourt Boat Club 1947 was founded by the former Military Governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff.
Many years after its inception, the club is still waxing strong with notable personalities as members.
Former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Chief AbiyeSekibo is also a prominent member of the club.
The elected officials including Sir Kingsley Fubara Hart were subsequently sworn in, signalling a new chapter for the revered group of bigwigs in the oil- rich region.
With the likes of an elder statesman, Sir Kingsley Fubara Hart on board, the narrative has changed for Port Harcourt Boat Club 1947 as expectations are high.
The newly elected boat Secretary, Sir Fubara Hart promised to work assiduously with the chairman and other members to chart a new course for the esteemed club.
He said efforts are in top gear to enroll new members who will contribute their quota to the advancement of the club.
Sir Hart described his emergence as an act of God, promising to support the new leadership to achieve the desired objective.
He hinted that the core values of the club would be upheld with vigour, saying working in synergy with the principles laid down by its founders remains their watchword.
He said the rules and regulations of the club shall be sustained in the interest of the club and every legitimate member.

 

Continue Reading

News

New Oneh Eta Akpajo Emerges

Published

on

The Akpajo Clan in Eleme Local Government Area was recently agog with activities following the coronation of HRH Emere Sunday Obo as the Oneh Eta Akpajo XII/paramount ruler of Akpajo clan in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Emere Obo was crowned by the traditional staff bearer of the clan,  Chief Joseph Goka on behalf of the land priests at the community square.
Before his coronation, the new King was an acting traditional ruler of the community since the death of his predecessor, Emere Friedrich on the 11th of January, 2023.
He was also a member of the late King’s Council of Chiefs and member of Nchia and Eleme Council of Chiefs respectively.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after his coronation,the new Akpajo monarch said his reign will usher in peace and prosperity to the Kingdom.
He said he intends to work together with the government and companies operating in the Kingdom to attract development to Akpajo clan.
According to the monarch, he will always seek the advice of his elders and other clansmen before taking any decisions.
“I have promised them that I cannot use my authority to do anything without hearing from them first,” he said.
Emere Obo also stressed the need for the youths in the area to toe the path of peace, adding that as a traditional ruler, his responsibility is to ensure that Akpajo clan remains peaceful.
He also assured the government of support and praised both past and current administrations in the State for siting projects in the community.
Also speaking , the traditional staff bearer of the clan, Chief Joseph Goka said Emere Obo’s installation was in line with the customs and traditions of Akpajo Kingdom.
He also told newsmen that the king makers have not received any protest from any quarters concerning the installation since the process started months ago.
Chief Goka  equally said his crowning of the monarch was based on instructions from the clan’s land priests and expressed optimism that Emere Obo is capable of representing the clan Traditionally and other wise.
Chief Goka described Emere Obo as trustworthy and law-abiding, adding that having worked with the late traditional ruler, Emere Obo has a full knowledge of the customs and traditions of not only Akpajo clan but the entire Eleme Kingdom.
He assured the new monarch of the support of the people of Akpajo and the entire traditional institution in the area.
Also speaking, one of the community’s land priests, Levy Kattey Jumaa said the installation of the new Akpajo monarch was in line with the customs and traditions of Akpajo and Eleme kingdom.
According to him, the new King has all the qualities expected from a chief in Eleme land, stressing that Emere Obo was only ascending the throne of his fathers having come from the royal family of Akpajo Kingdom.
He urged the public to disregard any insinuations concerning the installation, ”if at all there is any,” adding that it is only the land priests families that talk about kingship installations in Akpajo and Eleme and no other persons outside the land priests families can do that.

By: John Bibor

Continue Reading

News

Awo Idemili Community May Become Ghost Town If

Published

on

If urgent steps are not taken by concerned authorities, the Awo Idemili community in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State may become a ghost town, due to incessant killings, arson and kidnapping of residents by some alleged criminal elements suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB).
The Tide’s sourc learnt that a certain family, the Emenikes, said the only possible solution to save the lives of the family members and that of others was to seek protection in a foreign land.
According to sources, one of the family members, Mr Peter Emenike was adbucted and murdered in a gruesome manner by people believed to be members of the IPOB recently.
It was further learnt that Peter Emenike, now deceased, was the Personal Assistant to the Imo State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Traditional Matters and was never a member of any secret organisation as to warrant the fate that befell him.
His only offence as further gathered, was an alleged intelligence leaked to the Imo Government which the IPOB framed up in order to get him and his family members nailed.
It also learnt on a good authority that Peter Emenike’s lifeless body alongside that of his wife was found at their residence in Awo – Idemili, Imo State on 14th November, 2024 .
It was also reported that few days later, some family members of the Emenike family were declared missing and as one of them was found dead by a bush path, while others were still held hostage as at when this report was filed.
The Tide’s source claimed that a letter purportedly written by the IPOB members was delivered and dropped inside the car of the deceased bearing the insignia of the IPOB with the inscription: ‘None of your family members can hide for long’.
Unconfirmed report has it that the family, out of fear could not immediately report the matter to the Imo State Police Command as the group is believed to possess some spiritual powers to identify their perceived enemies from afar.
The family members of the deceased including oneMr Daniel Emenike, Boniface Emenike , Paul Emenike and others are now under serious threat by the separatist group (IPOB), thus the urgent need for protection especially in a foreign land.
A security analyst who pleaded anolmity, warned that the assassination of Peter Emenike and the serial killings and abduction of his family members stood as a signal to a new phase of IPOB’s operations .
“ This is not an attack on one family , but on the nation and our collective safety . The government must act swiftly not just to rescue the family but to reaffirm their stance on zero tolerance to terrorism “ he said .

Continue Reading

Trending